Ailís and the hummers....

Contemporary classical composer Ailís Ní Ríain talks about her recent experience with the 'hummers' at Clitheroe Castle...

Ailis in front of the Castle Keep

Early on Friday morning the 8th of April 2011 I set off by train from my home in Todmorden to Clitheroe for Humming Day as part of my new commission at Clitheroe Castle. It was a glorious morning, I passed an opening daffodil on my way that wished me luck for the day ahead.

Beautiful day to be up at the Castle!

By 10am all twelve 'hummers' had arrived - 10 women and 2 men representing 'The Pendle Witches'- those accused of witchcraft in 1612. This lively and enthusiastic bunch appeared ready for action! I asked each 'hummer' to hum me a song/tune which meant something special to them. I sat with each 'hummer' one to one for about 25 mins where I recorded them and discussed their choice of melody, why they had chosen it, what it meant to them and then broadening out to discuss how they felt humming differed from singing both physically and emotionally and then finally, touching on this new piece and the final weeks of those 12 accused awaiting their fate in a 20 foot by 12 foot Well Tower at Lancaster Castle.

Ailis and the hummers having their photo taken for the press

I was surprised and moved by their musical choices, some were quite jaunty, others very relaxed, some classical in origin, some improvised, some folk tunes, some pop including some that were quite a challenge to hum. It was a fascinating day. I very much enjoyed meeting each hummer one to one, in a calm, quiet space in the shadow of Clitheroe Castle Keep, sharing my thoughts and asking them for theirs. I appreciated their honesty, their humour and their tears.

Ailis composing

The commission is called TAKEN and will launch on Saturday 18th June 1-4pm (all welcome!)

www.midpenninearts.org.uk/contemporary-heritage-clitheroe

Hummers wanted!

Mid Pennine Arts and Clitheroe Castle Museum are looking for 10 women and 2 men between the age of 18 and 90+ to work with contemporary composer Ailís Ní Ríain to create a sound installation for the Castle Keep at Clitheroe Castle in Lancashire.

International prize-winning contemporary classical composer Ailís Ní Ríain has been awarded the second Contemporary Heritage commission.

Contemporary Heritage: A new way of seeing is an ambitious programme of site-responsive commissions at historic sites across Pennine Lancashire. The interventions, inspired by Pennine Lancashire’s heritage, animate each site and offer visitors a rare chance to experience major works by artists of national and international standing outside urban centres.

Ailís is particularly interested in public sound art, opera, music-theatre and presenting contemporary music in diverse spaces.


You don’t need to be musical and you won’t be asked to sing! Just think of a song which means something to you and that you know well enough to hum.

The 'Hummers' will spend an hour together with Ailís in the Pendle Hill room at Clitheroe Castle on Friday 8th April 10-11am. Over cups of tea and biscuits, she’ll talk about her work as a composer and how she creates her pieces. She’ll play examples of her music; talk about the Contemporary Heritage programme and about how she’ll be working with you.

Each 'Hummer' will spend an extra 20 minutes 1:1 with Ailís. This will be a relaxed conversation leading to you humming a tune which means something to you. You can bring along words as a prompt if you like.

The recording will be used in the sound installation. Ailís will work your part into all the other recordings and the listener will not be able to identify an individual ‘voice’ (hum).

We would be delighted if you would like to take part in this unique opportunity. If you are available on Friday 8 April between 10am – 11am and for a further 20 minutes during the day, please call or email Rebecca to book your place and your 20 minute session with Ailís. You are welcome to look around the museum for free, usual price £3.65.

Ailís will telephone all the 'Hummers' for a chat before Friday 8th April.

To book your place, or if you’d like more information or would just like to have a chat about the project, please call Rebecca on 01282 421 986 ext 207 or email rebecca@midpenninearts.org.uk  Rebecca will ask your age as we would like a wide range of ages to participate.

Contemporary Heritage is a Mid Pennine Arts partnership programme working in collaboration with Lancashire Museum Service. http://www.midpenninearts.org.uk/  http://www.lancashire.gov.uk/  

Shhh.... 'keep' it to yourself!

Our Visual Arts & Projects Officer Rebecca Alexander talks about the latest developments at Clitheroe Castle Museum....


We’re waiting until all permissions have been granted before we announce who we and Lancashire Museums Service have awarded the second Contemporary Heritage commission to. Knowing I need to keep his/her name under wraps is at the forefront of my mind while still trying to let you in on some of the developments.


The Artist Site visit day was a densely foggy day as these photos show...

The thing with Clitheroe Castle is that it never disappoints whatever the weather. It is always magnificent and the weather - shine, snow, fog, rain (the order in which I have experienced it), only steeps the place in more mystery and atmosphere. I was there yesterday with The Artist and the project team on a site visit in the drizzling rain and there were still a lot of families exploring the grounds. Good old (& young) Brits! Macs and wellies on and I’m sure there were tourists braving it too.

I can tell you that the piece will be sited in the Castle Keep and it’s going to be quite an experience. I can’t wait to tell you more!