The List

Voyage of the Beagle by John Biddulph + Ashia Vaughan

Voyage of the Beagle by John Biddulph + Ashia Vaughan
Event 2.0 of Season 3.0
Multi-instrumentalist, composer, and sound designer John Biddulph is thrilled to announce his latest musical project, an exploration of sound that was inspired by Charles Darwins iconic text, The Voyage of the Beagle. This performance in Shrewsbury, as part of the Darwin Festival and performed in Darwins church, The Unitarian, will offer an auditory journey alongside Darwins transformative voyage, blending atmospheric compositions with world music influences to bring the naturalists discoveries to life.
Darwins The Voyage of the Beagle chronicles his 18311836 journey aboard HMS Beagle, a pivotal expedition that shaped his theories on evolution and the diversity of life. Johns music captures the essence of this journey, drawing inspiration from the landscapes, cultures, and ecosystems Darwin encountered.
I wanted to create a soundtrack that would allow listeners to experience Darwins awe and curiosity as he traversed the globe, said John. Each track is a musical interpretation of a chapter or extract of text in his journeywhether its the wildlife of South America, the vibrant Galápagos Islands, or the vast expanse of the open sea.
The albums tracks with titles taken from the text blend genres such as ambient, folk, classical, and South American influenced music, featuring:
Phosphorescence of the Sea: An ambient track with echoes of the Atlantic and bioluminescence.
Streams of Stones: A haunting fusion of flute-like instruments and modern soundscapes.
Galápagos Variations: A multi-layered piece evoking the islands unique fauna.
Homecoming: A reflective conclusion tying together the threads of the voyage and using the organ Darwin will have heard in the Unitarian Church.
This release and performance coincide with a resurgence of interest in Darwins work, offering a fresh way for audiences to engage with his legacy.
Support comes from Aisha Vaughan A Welsh musician whose latest album The Gate has been released on the heavyweight Los Angeles record label 'Leaving Records'. Her music weaves the melancholic beauty of Celtic New Age with layers of ASMR sound design and ethereal vocals, creating something deeply immersive and transportive. This is a rare chance to experience her stunning sound in such an intimate, resonant space.

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