Soundscapes, National Gallery

You might remember the hugely successful exhibition Metamorphosis: Titian back in 2012 when contemporary artists, poets, choreographers and dancers all responded to paintings by Titian. This summer we can't wait to catch a very similar affair at the National Gallery called Soundscapes. Six musicians and sound artists have chosen a painting from the collection and composed a response in the form of a new piece of music or sound art.

National Gallery exhibition

If you needed one, this show is a perfect reason to visit London's National Gallery and a completely new way to experience the collection by encouraging visitors to experience the work by “hearing” the paintings and “seeing” the sounds. Each artist has a room to install their musical response, which can only be heard in that specific space and not available to download, alongside the painting that inspired it. 

Who are the musicians?

The six musicians chosen are as diverse as musical genres go, so there’s scope here for every taste. From Nico Muhly, composer of chamber and orchestra music to Jamie xx, a DJ and producer whose new single Loud Places promises to be the track of the summer. The list also includes Susan Philipsz, a sound artist and former winner of the Turner Prize who explores the relationship between sound and architecture; Oscar-winning film composer Gabriel Yared whose scores include The Talented Mr Ripley; leading wildlife recorder Chris Watson and Janet Cardiff & George Bures Miller, a duo from Canada who create 3D spaces with sound.

This thrilling cross-disciplinary exhibition is an excellent way of attracting new audiences, celebrating the National Gallery collection and finding affinities between music and painting.