Living Symphonies

Living Symphonies is a musical composition and installation that grows in the same way as a forest ecosystem.

Taking data stimulus from the species of flora and fauna that inhabit the landscape of Epping Forest, it will create an ever-changing symphony heard from a network of speakers hidden throughout the woodland itself.

The installation will take place in an area of Epping Forest near to Chingford Plain, where pollarded trees are the legacy of centuries in which the woodland was managed by local people, creating a unique, biodiverse ecosystem. This ancient relationship will be reflected in Living Symphonies as local musicians represent each species of Epping Forest through a unique set of melodic and rhythmic motifs that portray their changing behaviour over the course of the day and night.  

The event, which is also part of the Mayor of London’s National Park City Festival, is a timely look at the role that the capital has played in creating the living world that surrounds it.

Walk through the depths of the forest as the sound of Living Symphonies begins to spring to life from the undergrowth and canopy around you.

To find Living Symphonies, head to The View at Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge E4 7QJ and follow the flags down to the forest. Or use map.what3words.com/bricks.splice.cracks

Join us for two special tours of the installation: 

Sunday 28 July 9am and 10am Book Now
Nature Sense Tours
What happens in the woods when you’re not looking?  What sound does the tree make when you’re not watching it?  Want to find out?  Led by Nature Sense’s blind facilitator and coach Andy Shipley this 1 hour activity will combine Andy’s “Nature Sense” experience with the immersive spatial audio of Living Symphonies.

Sunday 28 July 12.30pm Book Now
Living Symphonies Artist Tour
Meet Jones/Bulley, the artists behind Living Symphonies and find out more about their work as they guide you around the installation.

Living Symphonies was originally commissioned by Forestry Commission England and Sound And Music, with support from Arts Council England, and toured four of England’s forest over summer 2014.

Living Symphonies is part of the Mayor of London’s National Park City Festival. Come and discover London’s amazing outdoors with free events across the city from 20 to 28 July.

Please note: This event will involve walking across Chingford Plain and into Epping Forest. Please ensure to wear appropriate clothing. 

Image credit: Luke Turner