A spectacular immersive sound and light experience takes you on a journey through the night sky, the deepest oceans and around the earth from the security of one of London’s most famous churches, writes Michael Holland.
The outside son et Lumière is stunning but is just a warm-up for the main attraction within, just a teaser for when you first step into the crypt of St-Martin-in-the-Fields where the pillars and archways are swaying with the stars and sights of the astrological calendar. Music dips and climbs as an accompaniment; ‘I wandered lonely as a cloud that floats on high o’er vales and hills,’ says Wordsworth as birds sing and the illuminations change from the colours of spring to summer before they become autumnal.
When the stars reappear we move upstairs into the main church where soaring violins and organ come to a crescendo as waves crash upon the altar and fish of all sizes swim around the walls and columns as birds fly across the high ceiling. The sounds of nature and choirs take us even higher.
The audience roaming the church ranged in age from 1 – 91 and each person was mesmerised. Some sat in a pew, eyes closed taking in the sounds, perhaps in meditation; others stood goggle-eyed and transfixed by the light-show, trying to soak up every pixel of it. Everybody was swimming in colour and light.
Created by Peter Walker, Artistic Director at Luxmuralis, he says, ‘At Luxmuralis we create the stained-glass windows of our time, bringing to life the stories and concepts of our time in a way that stained glass did generations before.’
The immersive exhibition runs from Tuesday 30 January to Saturday 3 February 2024 (timed ticket slots available every 15 minutes from 5.30 – 9.45pm), is fully accessible and suitable for all ages. Ticket prices are based on the time of your visit, starting at just £8 with premium slots at £12. Tickets for under 16s are just £5, and children under two do not need a ticket.
For full details and to book tickets visit www.smitf.org/life
