V&A Christmas Tree

Client: Es Devlin
Concept: Es Devlin
Video Design: Luke Halls Studio
Music Composition & Sound Design: res.lab
Audio System Design: res.lab
Creative Technologist: Ross Goodwin
Build: Lizzieprops, Michael Whiteley Studio
Projection: PRG
Sound System: Yamaha
Lead Associate Designer: Max Klaentschi

Overview

Working with world renowned stage designer Es Devlin and creative agency Sunshine, res.lab were responsible for creating the soundtrack for the V&A’s Christmas tree this year. Currently on display in the Museum’s Grand Entrance, the ‘Singing Tree’ is an audio-visual installation that invites visitors to contribute words that are transformed into an interactive choir of human and synthesised voices.

The original soundtrack is a beautiful piece of choral music, made up of multiple layers of male and female voices that transforms during the 5 week installation, gradually evolving as more words are added to the conversation by the general public.

res.lab were also responsible for designing the bespoke playback system in partnership with Yamaha. This multi-speaker setup was discretely housed inside the base of the tree to allow for maximum sound quality within the installation space, while maintaining a visually pleasing aesthetic for the tree.