We are delighted to announce that Opal’s Comet will be sailing down the Rochdale Canal and the Calder & Hebble Navigation as part of CultureDale 2024.
Starting in Walsden, Todmorden on Wednesday 22nd May and ending in Brighouse on Monday 27th May.
See below for details of the journey and how to get involved.
Mr Wilson’s presents Opal’s Comet – a vivid, animated artwork transported by a transient community on a waterways pilgrimage. As the crew navigate real-world challenges of boat life, their vessel functions as both exhibition space and stage. Each voyage is soundtracked by a live band, performing an original song-cycle.
These songs are offered to local communities and individuals. Each song explores a different season of grief and can be listened to, learnt or used as a conversation catalyst. The songs are also an invitation to join the Opal’s Comet journey, a proposition to sing together in the landscape; on tow paths, locks and bridges.
The journey, themes and story of Opal’s Comet can also accessed and followed remotely via social media broadcasts, podcasts and other digital documentation of the artwork, and music.
Opal’s Comet offers audiences and participants the opportunity to slow down and take stock, to celebrate shared values; pay homage to those we’ve lost and discuss how we might navigate a new future.
JOUNEY PLANNER
TAKING PART
MUSIC
Opal’s Comet Podcast
If you want to know more about the myth behind the music listen up to the Opal’s Comet podcast.
PLEASE NOTE THIS MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR YOUNGER LISTENERS
Live GPS tracking available during performances
The Crew
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Sonya 'Boo' Moorhead
Creative lead, songwriter, storyteller, singer.
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Aoife Carry
Director
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Sally Edward
Producer and Community Liaison
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Sarah Dale
Cello
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John Ellis
Piano
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Rachael Gladwin
Harp
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Nicola Jayne Ingram
Quarter Master
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Nick Farrimond
Film Maker
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Steve Gumbley & Andy Plant
Artists and Makers of the Golden Barge
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Keri Sparkes & Paul Coley
Skippers (RYA certified)
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Simon Blower
Crew
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Dan Fox
Sound Design & Technical Support