A transformative sound experience

Sonic Bloom was an immersive sound art project commissioned by the City of Greater Bendigo that transformed the historic Rosalind Park Conservatory into a vibrant hub of sonic exploration and cultural connection. Through a series of sound installations and live performances, Sonic Bloom celebrated the power of sound to connect people to place, culture, and each other.

Community Engagement

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The project began with an extensive period of interviews and conversations with the City’s Parks and Gardens teams, volunteers, and other users of Bendigo’s green spaces. These exchanges provided rich insights into the community’s relationship with nature, which informed and inspired the creative process. Complementing these stories was a curated library of sounds captured across Bendigo’s parks, gardens, and nature reserves. These natural and environmental soundscapes were creatively explored and sampled throughout the live performances, adding depth and authenticity to the experience.

LISTEN to a podcast episode which utilised one of the extended conversations from Sonic Bloom, with Kerina McIntyre, Coordinator of Heritage Gardens and Amenity Landscapes (City of Greater Bendigo)

LIVE EVENTS & SOUND INSTALLATIONS

At the heart of Sonic Bloom were three live performances, each featuring Aimee Chapman as the central performer and sound artist, joined by remarkable guest musicians:

  • The journey began with an evocative collaboration between Aimee and Troy Firebrace, a proud Yorta Yorta and Dja Dja Wurrung man. Together, they invited audiences to connect deeply with Country and cultural heritage through an immersive fusion of sound and storytelling.

  • The second event saw Aimee joined by clarinet virtuoso Aviva Endean and multi-instrumentalist Carrie Webster. Together, they created a transformative soundscape celebrating the hidden beauty of the natural environment.

  • The grand finale, The Night Reverses, featured Aimee performing alongside poet and spoken word artist Nathan Curnow and soulful musician Geoffrey Williams. This electrifying performance combined improvisational storytelling and music in a profound exploration of sound and meaning.