Janet Cardiff: Forty-Part Motet

Artist Janet Cardiff’s contemporary sound installation emits polyphonic choral music written in the mid-1500s by Thomas Tallis. Called “Achingly beautiful” by the New Yorker and “Transcendent” by the New York Times, Forty-Part Motet is an immersive experience not to be missed.

The installation consists of 40 speakers arranged in a large oval turned inward. Sung in Latin and a cappella by the Salisbury Cathedral Choir, one singer’s voice comes from each speaker. Visitors are invited to enter and move amongst the configuration of speakers to discover what the artist describes as “walking into a piece of music.” The first of its kind at the Nelson-Atkins, Forty-Part Motet is a new way for visitors to engage with contemporary art.

Information provided in the exhibition space is available in Braille at the information desk.

Performances

Artist In Residence: Jane Gotch
January 7–19 | Noguchi Court
Jane Gotch, choreographer and producer of contemporary performance, will interpret dynamics at play in the exhibition by translating the audience and art relationship to dance. In connection with The Charlotte Street Foundation’s Every Street is Charlotte Street 2017 initiative, Gotch’s residency will include live gallery rehearsals, movement workshops for youth & adults and a performance Thursday, January 19.

Public Rehearsal in Noguchi Court
Wednesday, January 18, 3:30–5 pm

Public Performance
Third Thursday, Jan 19 | 7–7:30 pm

Conservatory Connections: The Baroque and Renaissance in Chorus
Performance | Fri, Feb 3 | 6:30−7 pm

Enjoy Renaissance, Baroque and modern choral selections by UMKC Conservatory singers, as well as the premiere of Sky-Born, a new work by composer Mara Gibson.

Presentation

Art Engaging the Audience
Presentation | Thursday, Feb 2 | 6−7 pm

Join curator Leesa Fanning for a presentation about diverse types of contemporary art so deeply engaging they inspire the visitor’s participation.

Opportunity

A cappella Open Call
Thursdays through Sundays
November 25 – December 23 |12:30 p.m. (one performance per day)

Transform iconic museum spaces through the power of your a cappella performance and help us celebrate the exhibition Janet Cardiff Forty-Part Motet. One choral group will be featured each day during a 15-minute performance.