Young people to create chamber music piece

REGIONAL Victorians aged twelve to twenty-five are being asked to submit nature recordings and be part of a musical composition to be performed at the Melbourne Recital Centre.

The Sonic Youth Project aims to engage young people in climate-affected areas by asking them to record and upload a sound in nature and complete a survey.

The sounds will be shared with peers and combined to become a new chamber music piece.

Lead researcher Professor Kathryn Bowen from the University of Melbourne said the project will show how music can empower young people.

“Young people face increasing anxiety around the climate crisis and how it impacts their future,” she said.

“Our hope is to give them space to spend time in a place in nature that is meaningful to them, and to share that experience with other young people, while amplifying their voices to a wider audience.

“We invite all young regional Victorians to learn more and participate.”

All participants will be invited to attend their performance and have their contributions acknowledged.

The project is funded by $50,000 from Telematics, $20,000 from the Robert Salzer Foundation, and in-kind contributions valued at $30,000 from the University of Melbourne.

Submissions close Friday 13 December and can be made at bit.ly/4i34Ys5.