6/8/09–9/10/09 Sound Installation: John Morton’s Central Park Sound Tunnel

June 8 to Sept. 10, 2009 from 8am–8pm
Central Park (65th St., North of the Zoo and Delacorte Clock), NYC

This summer, avant-garde composer John Morton’s sonic collage, Central Park Sound Tunnel, will be installed in one of Central Park’s iconic pedestrian tunnels between the Central Park Zoo and the Tisch Children’s Zoo at 65th Street. Beginning every half-hour with the ringing of the Delacorte chimes, this 20-minute, 6-speaker sound installation incorporates field recordings made in Central Park over the last year.

Using computer technology, a randomly generated selection of ambient sounds such as horses clopping, baseball games, birds, and chime tunes are woven together to form ever-changing compositions that echo through the cavernous tunnel.

“John Morton's Central Park Sound Tunnel enables visitors to experience the sonic landscape of the world's most famous park,” said Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe. “This multi-faceted instillation furthers our commitment to presenting innovative public art by leading contemporary artists and provides another exciting reason to visit Central Park this summer.”

As a composer, instrument builder, and sound installation artist, John Morton has presented his music throughout the United States, and has participated in collaborations at The Kitchen, The Playwright’s Center, and at the Kohler Arts/Industry Program. Recent performances include Bard College, Issue Project Room (Brooklyn), the Circuit Bending Festival in New York City, Music at the Anthology (MATA) at the Paula Cooper Gallery, the Red Eye Theater in Minneapolis, at Harvestworks in New York City. An interview and excerpts of his music appear as part of National Public Radio’s “American Mavericks” series.

Central Park Sound Tunnel was commissioned by Harvestworks with funds from the New York State Council on the Arts and with equipment donation from Cambridge SoundWorks and PreSonus Audio Electronics.

Parks & Recreation’s temporary public art program has consistently fostered the creation and installation of public art in parks throughout the five boroughs. Since 1967, collaborations with art organizations and artists have produced more than 1,000 public art displays in New York City parks.

http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_things_to_do/attractions/public_art/sound_tunnel/index.html