MAAST participates in the event Speed of Sound – Aerodynamics and experimental acoustics, part of the Wind Tunnel Project

The School of Music and Fine Art’s ‘Music and Audio Arts Sound Theatre’ (MAAST) system diffused a series of live electroacoustic,
acousmatic works and sound installations at Farnborough Wind Tunnels, on Sunday 6 July 2014.

Speed of Sound interprets a history of aero-acoustic advancement through a half-day of talks and performances re-activiating the decommissioned space of Q121 and remarkable air return duct. Manipulation of acoustics plays an important role for twenty-first century developments in aviation and experimental music. Investigating ideas of noise and turbulence, and approaches to sensing and recording, this event converges findings in aerodynamics and experimental sound practices as invited artists and speakers engage with the physical uses of sound.

Programme:

Graham Rood (Sound & vibration research / wind tunnel engineer / FAST Museum)

An introduction to the history and practice of aeroacoustic research in the wind tunnels at Farnborough.

Aki Pasoulas & Paul Fretwell (SMFA, University of Kent)

Diffusing their acousmatic works Arborescences and King’s Cross. With special guest Peiman Khosravi and his 6-channel work Vertex. Testing the limits of Kent University’s full Genelec diffusion sound system installed throughout the event spaces.

Teleplasmiste (Mark Pilkington/ Strange Attractor with Michael J York)

Testing the space with an experimental demonstration of standing waves and resonant frequencies in the unique acoustic environment of the tunnels.

Sound as Terror (Royal College of Art)

A presentation of sonic research into the use of drones in contemporary conflict.

Cindytalk (Editions Mego) 

A set embodying the micro-events of wind flow and dynamics, found here in a push of elemental sources and synthesis.

Dalhous (Blackest Ever Black)

Finding a new soundtrack for the wind tunnel – a live set created to embody the space and its physics.

The Wind Tunnels at Farnborough have opened to the public for the first time, 50 years after they stopped operating.  Aircraft from Spitfires to Concorde were tested on the premises. http://www.airsciences.org.uk/windtunnels.html