Magical soundscapes in the heart of Goodwood Art Foundation

On May 23 and 24, the venue will welcome the world premiere of Imagined, Eternal. The first concert-length composition by acclaimed interdisciplinary musician and DJ Nabihah Iqbal will be performed live in the heart of the grounds.

Created in direct response to the landscape itself, the new commission features both classical and electronic sounds and is accompanied by site-specific live visuals from director and artist Daisy Dickinson.

A spokesman said: “As dusk falls across the landscape and the evening birdsong builds, the event will take place in a stretch tent enveloped by the woodland, ensuring a memorable evening whatever the weather.”

Tickets for the intimate evening performances include all-day entry to Goodwood Art Foundation’s galleries and grounds where newly installed artworks by international artists including Nancy Holt (US), Lee Ufan (South Korea), Yayoi Kusama (Japan), and Eva Rothschild (Ireland) can be found.

“A delicious pre-performance supper is bookable at the stunning light-filled restaurant, 24, with spectacular views through the trees to the south coast – the perfect way to replenish after a walk through the woodland and meadows, and before the evening event begins.”

A Goodwood Art Foundation commission, Nabihah Iqbal’s new composition for strings and electronics explores the delicate interplay of nature, melancholy and quiet joy.

“The live events provide a rare opportunity to experience new music in the landscape that fuelled its creation. Iqbal will be joined on stage by shape-shifting string ensemble Manchester Collective and a cast of guest artists: experimental producer/vocalist t l k (May 23) and cellist/composer Lucinda Chua (May 24).

Musician and composer Nabihah Iqbal said: “Even though I'll be working with classical instruments, the piece still incorporates a little bit of my usual sound signature with the textures and slightly spacey effects.

“It’s so fascinating to cross paths with classical musicians because they come from such a different world to me and I’m delighted to be collaborating with the Manchester Collective again on this performance. People can expect an unusual juxtaposition between a late spring evening in the English countryside with glimpses of the bucolic setting that we're in, along with the contrast of beautiful, psychedelic projections to match the music. There's something really very special about performing music in the space that inspired the whole creation of it - it will feel very mystical, spiritual and profound.”

Richard Grindy, director of Goodwood Art Foundation, said: “May is a beautiful month at Goodwood Art Foundation, with the woods, meadows and gardens coming into glorious bloom.

“We’re delighted to be activating our stunning grounds in novel ways through this exciting site-responsive commission with Nabihah Iqbal and Manchester Collective. We think the opportunity to enjoy such an original musical experience for the very first time, not only in such a stunning environment but also with the backdrop of incredible art by world-leading artists, is extremely special. As we enter our second year since launching, this event marks the first of our plans to bring performing arts into our programme. Watch this space for more announcements!”