The Giant Theremin, which is part of VicHealth's MOTION project, will stand seven metres tall at Northbank and can be played by up to eight people at the same time.
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Move to your own groove! Let your feet create the beat! Get down to the world’s first Giant Theremin, a super-sized musical instrument controlled by movement.
Inspired by Russian inventor Lev Termen's original 1928 theremin, the Giant Theremin is the creation of Melbourne audio visual performance artist Robin Fox.
The Giant Theremin will stand seven metres tall at Northbank and can be played by up to eight people at the same time. Its unique warble will be accompanied by an array of distinctive sounds, making it impossible to resist running, dancing, jumping and forming unusual shapes in the activation zone to create a symphony of movement.
Councillor Jennifer Kanis, Chair of the Future Melbourne (People and Creative City) Portfolio said the Giant Theremin is a unique and active way to bring people together through music.
“The Giant Theremin is a fun and interactive instrument that allows people to connect with the city through music. I hope passers by take the opportunity to step inside the activation zone, and outside their comfort zone, to create some spontaneous sounds. Best of all, this is a free experience for everyone,” Councillor Kanis said.
The Giant Theremin will be officially launched on Saturday 19 November, as part of Melbourne Music Week. The event begins at 8.30pm and will feature two original music and dance works created by some of Melbourne’s leading creatives including Stephan ie Lake (Chunky Move) and DJ Dexter (Avalanches). There will be a repeat performance of Dexter’s works on Saturday 26 November at 7.30pm and Stephanie Lake’s piece will be remounted on Sunday 4 December at 2pm and 7.30pm.
An initiative of the City of Melbourne, supported by VicHealth, the Giant Theremin is one of seven projects under the VicHealth MOTION program which aims to increase understanding of how being involved in the arts contributes to a mentally, socially and physically healthy lifestyle.
“We’re very excited to be supporting the Giant Theremin with the City of Melbourne. This unique installation gives people the opportunity get active in the arts by skipping, leaping, jumping and interacting with other players to create a musical performance,” said VicHealth CEO Jerril Rechter.
Robin Fox, DJ Dexter and Tim Shiel have created a number of sound maps to be played on the Giant Theremin meaning the experience will vary over the day and weeks. Interested sound designers can also learn to create their own audio adventure in workshops at Signal.
The Giant Theremin will be located in the Les Erdi Plaza in the City of Melbourne’s Northbank precinct from 19 November 2011 until February 2012.
Melbourne Music Week runs 18 – 26 November. Partnering with Melbourne’s music industry heavyweights to showcase emerging and established local and international talent, the innovative program features diverse events staged at unique locations across the city. Events include live performances and DJ gigs, kids' programs, industry summits, workshops, seminars and much more.
Full program details are available at www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/mmw
For all media enquirise including accreditation to events contact Limelight PR:
Louise Heseltine: 03 8660 4816 | 0402 054 143 | [email protected]
Asha Holmes: 03 8660 4815 | 0403 274 299 | [email protected]
VicHealth MOTION - Louise Lynch: 0452 216 149| [email protected]
