Liverpool has played host to a number of events to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic this year, and a musical accompaniment is now set to fill the acoustic arches of the Anglican Cathedral.
Decorated trumpeter with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, Brendan Ball has played with orchestras across three continents, qualified as a finalist in the BBC Young Musician of the year award, and even worn a sack at the National Theatre.
His musical and theatrical accolades are numerous, but now the esteemed performer faces his one of his most testing challenges to date, as a protagonist in a large-scale multimedia production of ‘Titanic proportions’.
Liverpool Cathedral is set to host Treasured, a spectacular theatrical event including aerial performers, celestial choirs, film animation and a plethora of live music to take place at the epicentre of the sacred Anglican chamber.
The fictional story, written and composed by Ailis Ni Rhiain will explore the impact of the events on the people of that time, their families and subsequent generations will be conveyed as events unfold.
Brendan is poised to bring the Cathedral alive as a music pied piper of sorts, a musical storyteller running in tandem with the play.
He told JMU Journalism: “My role in Treasured is a unique one, as far as I’m aware. It will be my job as storyteller to convey the meaning and ambience through playing music with specific themes tailored to each installation and my playing will convey the atmosphere of each event.”
The creator and director of this grandiose project, Jen Heyes of Cut To The Chase Productions, hopes to provoke life affirming realisations of one of the most powerful tragedies of the last 100 years.
Other creative team members involved in the production include, Wired Aerial Theatre who performed As the World Tipped outside the Cathedral last year and light and projection experts Illuminos.
Classically trained trumpeter Brendan was personally chosen by the composer Ni Rhiain who specifically stated that the role was not created for a trumpeter as such, but completely bespoke to the particular skills of Brendan as a musical performer.
Brendan expresses his reservations as an integral cog in bringing her vision to life: “I think you can certainly expect the unexpected from Treasured. The Cathedral, one of the biggest in the world, has been transformed out of all recognition, into a huge performance space with spectacular installations in the side chapels and journeys as the audience is migrated around the space.”
“The audience are to be treated to a roller coaster ride of emotion and will also have their eyeballs feasted by awesome sets and thrilling special effects. Am I nervous? You bet! Am I excited? Bring it on!”
Treasured runs from October 1-6.