December 9th 2024
The Grove Atrium
Middlesex University
The Burroughs
Hendon NW4 2BT
Exhibition of Brass instruments from over the past 13,000 years or so
The exhibition will include both modern analogues (reproductions) of ancient instruments and originals of ethnographic instruments.
Where suitable supervision is available, visitors will be free to handle and blow such instruments as are currently playable, this including the majority of the modern analogues of ancient instruments.
The instruments will include those from Greek, Etruscan and Roman times as well as Native European instruments such as the karnyx.
Also on show will be more-recent instruments such as the keyed bugle and ophicleides, etc.
A number of instruments will be on show which have been used in recent Hollywood movies such as The Northman, Gladiator II, Dungeons and Dragons (out 2025) and Nosferatu (out 2025)
Performances and Presentations
Performances will be given in the evening session by Simon O’Dwyer who will be demonstrating and performing on Late Bronze Age and Iron-Age Horns and Letty Stott who will be performing on various Roman and other instruments.
Dr Peter Holmes will be discussing the latest findings from his studies of the Roman Imperial Period in which he has recently revealed new instruments which have the capability to perform much as the brass did during the Renaissance and Baroque and also the new finds of keyhole and slide instruments from that period. Modern analogues will be available for visitors to study and play at various times during the day
Middlesex University Make Spaces
The instruments on display have been made by the MADET (Music Archaeology Design Engineering Team) team by various techniques, i.e., conventionally and by additive manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing. There will be an opportunity during the Music Archaeology Day for visitors to tour these but such tours would need to be booked in advance.
Over the past 40 years MDX has been an important hub for music archaeology. Dr Peter Holmes, Researcher in Residence at MDX, and former MDX lecturer, together with MADET, has been reconstructing ancient brass sound objects using all sorts of materials and make-spaces at MDX.
These sound objects are now part of museums and private collections around the world. They have also been performed on, including to create film music.
This is a unique opportunity to see Peter’s own collection, hear about his new book, talk to the team of makers, see the facilities/places where these were made, and try them out. Expect some noise - and some music!
Special guest: Simon O’Dwyer.
Events:
- Exhibition opens at 12:00-20:00
- Handling session 13:00-15:00
- Tour of the facilities 15:30-16:30
- Book launch and performance 17:30-20:00
Entry is free, booked in advance.