Sky Orchestra takes flight over Ashton Court
Posted on: 02 Sep 2020Hot air balloons took to the skies on Tuesday, serenading Long Ashton with a new piece of music in surround sound.
Seven hot air balloons with speakers attached to their baskets took flight over Ashton Court on Tuesday evening as part of Sky Orchestra.
The audio-visual spectacle, titled Sky Orchestra - A Moment in Time, saw the premiere of a new composition commissioned by Bristol Old Vic.
The music was played through the speakers attached to the balloons, alongside live accompaniment.
The artwork was due to float over the city but stayed near the estate due to low wind. The launch was kept a secret to prevent crowds.
Created by renowned Bristol artist Luke Jerram and BAFTA-winning composer Dan Jones, A Moment in Time had been in development since the beginning of the lockdown.
It was conceived to offer hope for the future and showcase the creative talent of the city, uniting several artistic and musical contributors.
Luke Jerram at Ashton Court Estate
Contributors included Grant Marshall and Stew Jackson of Massive Attack, Adrian Utley of Portishead, and outgoing Bristol City Poet Vanessa Kisuule.
During the flight, local musician Jerome Gamble - who is mentored by Stew Jackson and Grant Marshall - played guitar live from a balloon.
The new composition is available to download via Bandcamp and Wave Theory Records. Funds raised will be donated to support emerging musicians in the city.
Jerome Gamble
Jerram, whose most recent work is on display at the University of Bristol, said:
"As the city begins to breathe again and before we hold our breath to head into winter, we wanted a way to deliver an uplifting experience to people.
"Something spectacular, yet somehow intimate; to create a sense of renewal, hope and rebirth, to raise the public's spirits and mark a moment in time."
The local ballooning crews were brought together by lead pilot Peter Dalby-min.jpg "Sky Orchestra")
Photos by Jon Craig | @JonCraig_Photos
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