Client
Sage Gateshead
Location
The Glasshouse, Gateshead
Client
Sage Gateshead
Location
The Glasshouse, Gateshead
Project Details
A Visual and Musical Tribute to the Lindisfarne Gospels
To mark the return of the Lindisfarne Gospels to the North East for a major exhibition at the Laing Art Gallery, Sage Gateshead and the Royal Northern Sinfonia presented a special concert featuring John Tavener’s rarely performed Supernatural Songs. The performance, held on September 23, 2022, featured renowned mezzo-soprano Dame Sarah Connolly alongside the Royal Northern Sinfonia, conducted by James Weeks. As part of this extraordinary event, NOVAK was commissioned to create a brand-new film work inspired by the Lindisfarne Gospels and Tavener’s deeply spiritual and meditative music.
Project Details
A Visual and Musical Tribute to the Lindisfarne Gospels
To mark the return of the Lindisfarne Gospels to the North East for a major exhibition at the Laing Art Gallery, Sage Gateshead and the Royal Northern Sinfonia presented a special concert featuring John Tavener’s rarely performed Supernatural Songs. The performance, held on September 23, 2022, featured renowned mezzo-soprano Dame Sarah Connolly alongside the Royal Northern Sinfonia, conducted by James Weeks. As part of this extraordinary event, NOVAK was commissioned to create a brand-new film work inspired by the Lindisfarne Gospels and Tavener’s deeply spiritual and meditative music.
The Brief
Bridging Music, Art, and Spirituality
The goal of this commission was to create a visual counterpart to Tavener’s ethereal and introspective composition—one that would enhance the audience’s experience and draw a connection between the spiritual themes of the Lindisfarne Gospels and the transcendent quality of the music. The brief called for a sensitive and immersive film that could visually interpret both the historic manuscript’s artistry and the profound essence of Tavener’s work, seamlessly integrating with the live performance.
The Brief
Bridging Music, Art, and Spirituality
The goal of this commission was to create a visual counterpart to Tavener’s ethereal and introspective composition—one that would enhance the audience’s experience and draw a connection between the spiritual themes of the Lindisfarne Gospels and the transcendent quality of the music. The brief called for a sensitive and immersive film that could visually interpret both the historic manuscript’s artistry and the profound essence of Tavener’s work, seamlessly integrating with the live performance.
Our Response
A Cinematic Meditation on Sound and Sacred Art
NOVAK crafted a visually rich and atmospheric film that echoed the intricate beauty of the Lindisfarne Gospels, using delicate patterns, flowing textures, and ethereal imagery to evoke a sense of the divine. Drawing inspiration from the illuminated manuscript’s ornate designs and deep symbolism, the film unfolded in harmony with Tavener’s composition, enhancing its contemplative nature. Projected during the live performance, NOVAK’s work transformed the concert into a multisensory experience, weaving together music and visuals in a powerful and immersive dialogue. The result was a mesmerizing fusion of ancient artistic heritage and modern digital craftsmanship, offering audiences a profound and moving tribute to one of the North East’s most treasured artifacts.
Our Response
A Cinematic Meditation on Sound and Sacred Art
NOVAK crafted a visually rich and atmospheric film that echoed the intricate beauty of the Lindisfarne Gospels, using delicate patterns, flowing textures, and ethereal imagery to evoke a sense of the divine. Drawing inspiration from the illuminated manuscript’s ornate designs and deep symbolism, the film unfolded in harmony with Tavener’s composition, enhancing its contemplative nature. Projected during the live performance, NOVAK’s work transformed the concert into a multisensory experience, weaving together music and visuals in a powerful and immersive dialogue. The result was a mesmerizing fusion of ancient artistic heritage and modern digital craftsmanship, offering audiences a profound and moving tribute to one of the North East’s most treasured artifacts.
Credits
Supernatural Songs – John Tavener
James Weeks: conductor
Dame Sarah Connolly: mezzo-soprano
Royal Northern Sinfonia
Creative Team
Concert Film Director: Mary Crothers
Sound Mix: Richard Halling Stream provided by 8 Live
Event film
Direction, Editing and Event Playback: NOVAK
Drone Operator: James Winnifrith
Concert photography: Tyne Sight
Credits
Supernatural Songs – John Tavener
James Weeks: conductor
Dame Sarah Connolly: mezzo-soprano
Royal Northern Sinfonia
Creative Team
Concert Film Director: Mary Crothers
Sound Mix: Richard Halling Stream provided by 8 Live
Event film
Direction, Editing and Event Playback: NOVAK
Drone Operator: James Winnifrith
Concert photography: Tyne Sight
Other projects
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