Many precious voices across the globe are vanishing fast.  Hold on to them for dear life.

Let’s move into a world in which we all leap, bound, hop, bounce, skip, bob, caper, trill, whirr, croak, buzz, chirp, squeak, chirrup and jump for joy with the best of them. 

Once upon a time in a meadow far away…the joint was jumping with life. Insects were calling, frogs croaking, the sounds of summer. But this symphony of small voices is rapidly being silenced.

JUMP is a celebration of nature and a call to arms. Written and performed by composer Karen Wimhurst, field recordings of insects and amphibians become part of an exciting musical score. They take you on an enchanting musical journey into their world.

Karen introduces the audience to 9 creatures including crickets, grasshoppers and toads. Each movement opens with a close imitation of the creature’s song. Joined by Karen on live multi-tracked clarinet, the work draws on classical and jazz in an engaging duet.

Beautiful, vibrant videos accompany the performance. Created by multi-media artist Sonia Killman, they draw on close up images of the amazing creatures heard in the music.

JUMP is a musical collaboration between composer Karen Wimhurst, entomologist (insect expert) Peter Smithers hon. FRES, and bio acoustician Charlie Woodrow.

Produced by Sound UK. Funded by Arts Council England.

Running time: 45 minutes
Suitable for: ages 7+ and their adults
Location: main auditorium