Southbank Centre to unveil bespoke sound system with series of concerts

In just over a month’s time, the Southbank Centre will unveil a brand new, custom-built sound system along with a line up of concerts.

Concrete Voids will be housed within the art centres Queen Elizabeth Hall, with more than 80 speakers concealed within the vents and chambers.

The new system, designed by Southbank Centre Sound Technician Tony Birch, will allow artists to manipulate the sound sources, creating moving soundscapes as they perform.

Concrete Voids will have its public debut with a series of concerts.

In the opening double-bill on March 16, cellist Peter Gregson will perform alongside the Southbank Centre’s Resident Orchestra, Aurora Orchestra. 

Mr Gregson said: “Exploring Concrete Voids is incredibly exciting. 

“It’s much more than a reverb – which the Queen Elizabeth Hall already has in abundance – it creates a whole new dynamic layer for us to explore on stage and watching musicians react and respond to it is hugely inspiring to me as I continue to develop my new work for it.”

Up next will be viola da gamba player Liam Byrne and fiddle player Cleek Schrey before Lex Amor hits the stage on April 5.

The rapper and producer will make full use of the new system with blends of live music, poetry, and sound design.

Southbank Centre artistic director Mark Ball said: “Concrete Voids is an incredible opportunity for artists to expand the horizon of their artistry as we provide a platform for new, ambitious music. Equally, audiences will be able to experience a revolutionised atmosphere in the Queen Elizabeth Hall. Despite all its tonnes of concrete, the space echoes with life!”

More performances using Concrete Voids will be announced soon. 

Tickets for the first shows are on sale now via: https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/events/concrete-voids/

Pictured top: Concrete Voids features more than 80 speakers installed within the vents of Queen Elizabeth Hall (Picture: Pete Woodhead)