GATESHEAD.- A captivating new installation, Mother Goose, is now open at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music in Gateshead. Created by renowned artist James Bulley, the work has been co-commissioned by Yorkshire-based arts organisation Mediale.

Inspired by Maurice Ravel’s 1910 suite, Ma Mère l'Oye, an intriguing series of ‘magic’ cabinets blends music, natural materials and field recordings to create immersive environments that will enrapture audiences.

Each sound box represents one of the suite’s movements, including Sleeping Beauty and Beauty and the Beast, with music specially recorded for the installation by Royal Northern Sinfonia, conducted by Dinis Sousa.

This exciting collaboration reimagines Ravel’s work, offering audiences a unique fusion of sound, art and narrative.Each sound box is a self-contained world, crafted using a variety of woods, and featuring intricate collages of found natural objects, such as branches, bark and stones.

Royal Northern Sinfonia’s recordings are seamlessly layered with field recordings of wind, birds and other ambient sounds. Each box is skillfully equipped with hidden multi-speaker systems that then bring these narratives to life.

A proximity sensor will add to the magic and intrigue of the installation. The sensor will be triggered each time someone approaches and leans to look inside the sound boxes, bringing an immersive dimension to the narrative. The installation can be found on the level two balcony of The Glasshouse, where everyone will be welcome to come and enjoy it for free.

Artist James Bulley’s work has been celebrated globally for pushing the boundaries of art and sound design, with past collaborations including the London Contemporary Orchestra at the BBC Proms, the National Trust, and sound work for productions at the National Theatre.

The installation will run until the Mother Goose concert on Friday 16 May, where Principal Conductor Dinis Sousa will be joined by fabulous French pianist Pierre-Laurent Aimard and the Royal Northern Sinfonia. The concert will be a voyage of discovery through the works of one of France’s greatest composers, Maurice Ravel.