REFLECTION: Looking beneath the surface

Details

From 19 May to 24 June 2012, Peterborough Cathedral will present a major arts event comprising:

• Multi-media installations throughout the Cathedral.
• Sculpture, painting, light, sound and music combining to form a multi-sensory, multi-dimensional event.
• A music festival with a full programme of concerts involving both live and recorded music, including some specifically composed for the event.
• Interactive pilgrimages, meditations, talks and worship.

‘See yourself as you really are’
Dalai Lama

This many-faceted collaboration will offer visitors a personal quest as they walk around the Cathedral by considering how reflection, in all its different meanings, affects them. 

The exhibition will explore the notion of reflection in a number of ways. A variety of materials including ‘found objects’, mirrors, reflective surfaces and multiple reflections will combine with sound and music to express metaphors of reflection, self-reflection and contemplation. 

Through reflection and distortion in myriad ways visitors will be presented with a journey which raises questions about how we see ourselves. This will provoke the questions ‘do I know myself?’ and ‘who am I?’ and will offer an unexpected experience. Reflection is both the subject and the medium, a contemporary response to a concept which has great roots in Christian spirituality and medieval meditative practice. 

Reflection is a collaboration with:

• Susan Haire, an artist with more than 20 solo shows to her credit.
• Stephen Dydo, a New York based composer and sound artist.
• Andrew Reid, Director of Peterborough Cathedral Music Association.
• Canon Jonathan Baker of Peterborough Cathedral.
• The Chapter of Peterborough Cathedral. 

Andrew Reid says: “The Cathedral is delighted to be presenting this event, which we are certain will be memorable for local people and visitors from further afield. Bringing together the arts and reflection is a concept that has a long tradition that we are proud to be continuing.”

Major portions of the installation will travel to Western Connecticut State University later in 2012 on the occasion of the Dalai Lama’s unprecedented teachings on the arts there. Reflection is highly appropriate to Buddhist thinking as well as to Christian spirituality. 

‘Art should be like [a] mirror which reveals to us our own face.’
Jorge Luis Borges

Individual Reflection Events

REFLECTION: Organ Recital of Messiaen's L'Ascension

19th May

Jemima Stephenson performs Messiaen's first organ suite (1934).

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REFLECTION: Why Reflection?

20th May

Artist Susan Haire and composer Stephen Dydo discuss the Reflection Exhibition at Peterborough Cathedral.

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REFLECTION: Touched by Light

27th May

A labyrinth walked inspired by the Reflection Exhibition.

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REFLECTION: Cello on a Mirror

1st June

As part of Peterborough Cathedral's Reflection Exhibition and series of events, Danny Kingshill performs cello suites by J.S. Bach.

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REFLECTION: A Musical Offering

1st June

As part of Peterborough Cathedral's Reflection Exhibition and series of events, 'A Musical Offering' presents mirror-inspired works by J.S. Bach performed by the Canonica Arte Chamber Ensemble.

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REFLECTION: Clair de lune

4th June

As part of Peterborough Cathedral’s Reflection’s Exhibition and series of events, Toby Hession performs piano works by Debussy, Liszt and Rachmaninov.

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REFLECTION: O Sacrum Convivium

4th June

As part of Peterborough Cathedral's Reflection Exhibition and series of events, Louise Laprun sings a recital of plainsong.

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REFLECTION: Antiphony

16th June

As part of Peterborough Cathedral's Reflection Exhibition and series of events, 'Antiphony' comprises musical improvisations by Danny Kingshill, cello, and Andrew Reid, organ.

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REFLECTION: Trois Leçons de Ténèbres

16th June

As part of Peterborough Cathedral's Reflection Exhibition and series of events, Louise Reid and Louise Laprun sing solos and duets by François Couperin.

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REFLECTION: Voice and Verse - Metaphysical Poetry

19th June

As part of Peterborough Cathedral's Reflection Exhibition and series of events, 'Voice and Verse: Metaphysical Poetry' comprises choral works sung by Peterborough Cathedral Choir and readings by members of The King's School. Andrew Reid, Director, David Humphreys, Organ.

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REFLECTION: Après un rêve

22nd June

As part of Peterborough Cathedral's Reflection Exhibition and series of events, 'Après un rêve' is a recital of French song by Jane Emmanuel, Mezzo soprano.

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When & Where

19 May to 24 June 2012.
Peterborough Cathedral. 

Entry

The main Reflection exhibition and many of the individual events as part of the programme will be free although there will be admission prices for some of the Reflection events.

Group bookings welcome: Reflection will be a focal point for community activity and, as well as welcoming individuals to the events, we invite groups for interactive pilgrimages, meditations, talks and worship. We would especially recommend Reflection as suitable for groups such as schools, parishes, WIs, community and arts groups. 

For group booking enquiries please contact Amber Homer-Wooff on 01733 355300 or email amber.homer-wooff@peterborough-cathedral.org.uk.