If This Building Could Sing: Len Lye Centre Celebrates 10th Anniversary In Sound
The 'sonification' of its shimmering steel and concrete structure into a new musical work will be performed by players from the NZ Symphony Orchestra—Te Tira Pūoro o Aotearoa.
A Score for the Len Lye Centre, by Swedish Albanian Australian artist and composer Mia Salsjö will be performed in the gallery, free to the public, by musicians from the NZSO with principal conductor Hamish McKeich.
The striking new work is both a response to the materiality of the building, and a tribute to leading twentieth-century artist Len Lye, whose legacy the centre was built to honour.
Salsjö translated architectural plans from Pattersons Associates into one thousand graphic scores through a personalised and intricate codified system. Her research also drew on material from the Len Lye Foundation Archive, transforming Lye's experimental sketches and kinetic sculptures into sonic figures. Orchestrated for a 13-piece string ensemble, the work includes a synthesizer to perform recordings Lye made of his sculptures in the 1960s—realising his intention for these samples to be used by the composers of the future.
Three free performances on August 30 headline the centre's 10th anniversary programme, which includes a full day of free public events for whānau. The commission belongs to an evolving performance programme as part Direct Bodily Empathy —Sensing Sound a major two-part exhibition curated by Anna Briers to celebrate the occasion.
' A Score for the Len Lye Centre encapsulates the past, present and future of the Len Lye Centre—showcasing bold creativity and artistic innovation,' says Dr Zara Stanhope, Ringatohu Director of the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery | Len Lye Centre. 'Mia's work is a dynamic way to celebrate this extraordinary building and mark its anniversary.'
Salsjö's process has drawn global acclaim, and she is known for transposing significant international landmarks such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge into an orchestral composition as part of 'The National, Australian Art Now' at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), in 2023.
New Zealand Symphony Orchestra Chief Executive Marc Feldman adds: 'We're excited to join with the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery | Len Lye Centre for this significant project. By bringing together two nationally beloved institutions in music and art for a daring new commission we are creating a new future for both our organisations. Our performance within the Len Lye Centre itself will add a powerful resonance to the project —it's more than a concert; it's a conversation with the artwork and the building, a dialogue that I hope will be on-going.'
Free public performances of A Score for the Len Lye Centre occur on Saturday 30 August at 11am, 1pm and 2.30pm.
The score will be recorded at the internationally renowned studio Park Road Post Production with the NZSO, before being installed as a sound installation for listeners to experience in the gallery from 6 September 2025 to 16 March 2026.
All anniversary events are free to the public. For full programme details, visit govettbrewster.com.
FAST FACTS
The Len Lye centre was opened in June 2015.
Designed by Patterson Architects, its $13.5 million construction cost was raised from corporate, private philanthropy, and central government donors.
The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery opened in 1970, funded by a bequest from local woman Monica Brewster (nee Govett).
Around 85,000 people visit the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery | Len Lye Centre each year.
The gallery presents a regularly changing programme of contemporary art exhibitions, events and conversations.
Regular education and learning programmes are offered to visitors of all ages.
It also runs an art and design store, independent cinema, and publishes a range of art books
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scoop
4 days ago
- Scoop
If This Building Could Sing: Len Lye Centre Celebrates 10th Anniversary In Sound
Marking ten extraordinary years of one of Aotearoa New Zealand's most iconic cultural landmarks, NPDC's Len Lye Centre in Ngāmotu New Plymouth will premiere a groundbreaking new commission on Saturday 30 August. The 'sonification' of its shimmering steel and concrete structure into a new musical work will be performed by players from the NZ Symphony Orchestra—Te Tira Pūoro o Aotearoa. A Score for the Len Lye Centre, by Swedish Albanian Australian artist and composer Mia Salsjö will be performed in the gallery, free to the public, by musicians from the NZSO with principal conductor Hamish McKeich. The striking new work is both a response to the materiality of the building, and a tribute to leading twentieth-century artist Len Lye, whose legacy the centre was built to honour. Salsjö translated architectural plans from Pattersons Associates into one thousand graphic scores through a personalised and intricate codified system. Her research also drew on material from the Len Lye Foundation Archive, transforming Lye's experimental sketches and kinetic sculptures into sonic figures. Orchestrated for a 13-piece string ensemble, the work includes a synthesizer to perform recordings Lye made of his sculptures in the 1960s—realising his intention for these samples to be used by the composers of the future. Three free performances on August 30 headline the centre's 10th anniversary programme, which includes a full day of free public events for whānau. The commission belongs to an evolving performance programme as part Direct Bodily Empathy —Sensing Sound a major two-part exhibition curated by Anna Briers to celebrate the occasion. ' A Score for the Len Lye Centre encapsulates the past, present and future of the Len Lye Centre—showcasing bold creativity and artistic innovation,' says Dr Zara Stanhope, Ringatohu Director of the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery | Len Lye Centre. 'Mia's work is a dynamic way to celebrate this extraordinary building and mark its anniversary.' Salsjö's process has drawn global acclaim, and she is known for transposing significant international landmarks such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge into an orchestral composition as part of 'The National, Australian Art Now' at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), in 2023. New Zealand Symphony Orchestra Chief Executive Marc Feldman adds: 'We're excited to join with the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery | Len Lye Centre for this significant project. By bringing together two nationally beloved institutions in music and art for a daring new commission we are creating a new future for both our organisations. Our performance within the Len Lye Centre itself will add a powerful resonance to the project —it's more than a concert; it's a conversation with the artwork and the building, a dialogue that I hope will be on-going.' Free public performances of A Score for the Len Lye Centre occur on Saturday 30 August at 11am, 1pm and 2.30pm. The score will be recorded at the internationally renowned studio Park Road Post Production with the NZSO, before being installed as a sound installation for listeners to experience in the gallery from 6 September 2025 to 16 March 2026. All anniversary events are free to the public. For full programme details, visit FAST FACTS The Len Lye centre was opened in June 2015. Designed by Patterson Architects, its $13.5 million construction cost was raised from corporate, private philanthropy, and central government donors. The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery opened in 1970, funded by a bequest from local woman Monica Brewster (nee Govett). Around 85,000 people visit the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery | Len Lye Centre each year. The gallery presents a regularly changing programme of contemporary art exhibitions, events and conversations. Regular education and learning programmes are offered to visitors of all ages. It also runs an art and design store, independent cinema, and publishes a range of art books
NZ Herald
01-07-2025
- NZ Herald
Museum exhibit shows off tamariki weaving skills
Reporter Elinor is at the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery, where Māori artist Maureen Lander has teamed up with local Taranaki kids to weave an incredible and meaningful exhibition.
Scoop
15-06-2025
- Scoop
Dynamic Duo Volunteer Closing In On Century Of Service At TSB Showplace
Press Release – New Plymouth District Council This week is National Volunteer Week, and at NPDC there are more than 500 volunteers across a range of venues including Brooklands Zoo, Pukekura Park, Puke Ariki Libraries and Museum, TSB Stadium, Stadium Taranaki, TSB Showplace and Bowl of Brooklands, … With almost a century of experience between them, veteran volunteers Delwyn Singh and Robyn Schultz have seen it all at NPDC's TSB Showplace. Delwyn, 73, has volunteered at the venue 55 years, while Robyn, 68, has clocked up 44 years. 'I got into this by accident, I was at a basketball game and the coach at the end of the game asked the group, 'is anyone free this evening? I'm short of staff at the Opera house (TSB Showplace)' and two of us put our hands up and I've been here ever since,' said Delwyn. 'It's good fun (volunteering); you meet lots of wonderful people.' This week is National Volunteer Week, and at NPDC there are more than 500 volunteers across a range of venues including Brooklands Zoo, Pukekura Park, Puke Ariki Libraries and Museum, TSB Stadium, Stadium Taranaki, TSB Showplace and Bowl of Brooklands, as well events such as TSB Festival of Lights. Delwyn said it was while volunteering that she was lucky enough to meet Sir Elton John when he performed at Bowl of Brooklands in 2007 and said another highlight has been seeing many young local kids grow into talented stage performers. 'I've been to many shows and seen kids grow throughout their performing arts career – it's just wonderful really.' Robyn is an only child and says her love for performing arts started as a teenager. 'I don't have a big family, so being part of the TSB Showplace, it feels like an extended family for me. 'I can't emphasise how much you get back from doing something for your community. As long as I can walk and can get to the theatre – I would like to volunteer as long as physically possible.' Over the years, the pair have volunteered as ushers, ticket scanners/wardens and have been front of house liaisons not only at TSB Showplace but other council venues. NPDC's TSB Showplace Lead Fraser Ross says volunteers are the heart of all their shows and events. 'Delwyn and Robyn are very passionate about what they do and it's great having people that care and really want to give back to their community,' says Fraser. 'It's quite fitting to give them a big shout-out during National Volunteer Week for the hard work they do behind the scenes, because without them the show wouldn't go on.' In 2024, volunteers at NPDC clocked up almost 15,000 hours. to find out where there are available roles.
