Southbank Centre reveals first artist names for new audio project, Concrete Voids

Rapper and producer Lex Amor, fiddle player Cleek Schrey, cellist Peter Gregson and more will be part of the new experimental sound venture.

Conceived and designed by Tony Birch — Southbank Centre’s Sound Technician — newly launched project Concrete Voids introduces a bespoke, custom-built system of over 80 speakers, which together turn the venue’s Queen Elizabeth Hall auditorium into a 3D instrument.

Artists invited to play at the venue will benefit from unique new ways to manipulate and experiment with sound, using spacial audio solution TiMax panLab to maximise its potential. Having now revealed the first names to bring Concrete Voids to life, Southbank Centre has announced a series of specially commissioned shows, where audiences can experience the immersive project for the first time.

On Sunday 16 March, cellist and composer Peter Gregson will play with Southbank Centre Resident Orchestra Aurora Orchestra, while fiddle player Cleek Schrey and viola da gamba player Liam Byrne will also perform in an opening, double-bill show.

On Saturday 5 April, producer and rapper Lex Amor will follow up with a performance that mixes music with sound design and poetry, before electronic producer and visual artist Jack Warne — a.k.a. GAUNT — presents a new A/V performance, Augmenting the Void – ULCY, on Friday 3 October.

“Concrete Voids is an incredible opportunity for artists to expand the horizon of their artistry as we provide a platform for new, ambitious music,” comments Southbank Centre Artistic Director Mark Ball. “Equally, audiences will be able to experience a revolutionised atmosphere in the Queen Elizabeth Hall. Despite all its tonnes of concrete, the space echoes with life!’

Tickets cost £15, and will be on sale for the first shows on Thursday 10 October at 10am here.