This Place Meant - destination #9 - Rochester Cathedral

We are really excited for our largest collaboration of the project, where we are joined by 8 amazing artists at Rochester's Cathedral quire.

ILÃ
British artist, producer, and vocalist ILĀ* operates at the intersection of quantum computer music, AI, and human voice — crafting immersive sonic worlds that question identity and liberation. As co-founder and director of , ILĀ has collaborated with over 20 Grammy-winning artists including Imogen Heap, Alt-J, and Sam Smith, as well as the orchestral collaboration Florence + The Machine & The Jules Buckley Orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall.

London Contemporary Voices
London Contemporary Voices (LCV) is a world-leading alternative choir with a unique contemporary sound founded by ILĀ and Didier Rochard for Grammy winning artist Imogen Heap's concert Love The Earth at Royal Albert Hall in 2010. Since then the choir has worked with 100+ artists including 18 Grammy winners/nominees. LCV has featured on Elbow’s UK No. 1 album Little Fictions and multiple national/international campaigns.
On This Place Meant we will be joined by 3 members of the choir.

Alice Phelps
Multiinstrumentalist composer and performer
Current projects in production with Linzi Nanakorn (I Move the Air, Audio Led Choreography for Thrift Festival), Bittersuite, (Composer and Outreach for new show 'Held'). Current Residencies with Play for Progress, (providing therapeutic music, advocacy, and well-being support for unaccompanied minor refugees and asylum-seekers) Access All Areas, (multi-sensory music and movement with adults with PMLD) and Shaw Trust (intergenerational project exploring music and nature).

Sound Emergence

Sound Emergence is a contemplative sound practice led by André Braga-Verissimo and Sasha Maye Bruce. Their work brings together sound, heritage and community to create immersive listening experiences. They explore sound as a form of contemplation, deep listening, and collective gathering, working across art, music and history.

Rochester Cathedral, founded in 604 AD by Augustine of Canterbury, is England’s second-oldest cathedral and a striking example of Norman architecture. Rebuilt in 1080, it is known for its bold Romanesque nave, intricately carved west front, and a rare 14th-century library door that has survived intact. Set in the historic city of Rochester beside the River Medway, the cathedral has endured Viking raids, fires, and centuries of change.

• 12.30pm - 1.00pm – arrival and wonder through the cathedral
• 1pm - 1.30pm - Workshop with guest artists
• 2pm - 3pm - live sound

This will be a seated or standing experience only. Bring confortable clothing.

Please contribute according to your financial circumstances. Paying the upper tier supports the project and helps us offer lower-cost access.

Suggested contribution: £5 – £20 per place. Please book a ticket for every person in your party, including children.

A FULL SERIES ticket for This Place Meant is available for £25, allowing attendance at as many events as you wish.

Parking at Rochester Cathedral is off-site, as there is no on-site car park. However, several public car parks are located within a short 2–5 minute walk, including facilities on Northgate, Boley Hill, Blue Boar Lane and the Rochester Riverside multi-storey. Spaces are generally pay-and-display, with some disabled bays available nearby and free parking for Blue Badge holders in certain locations. As the cathedral sits in a busy historic town centre, visitors are strongly advised to allow extra time for parking.

Step free access.

Children are welcome.

The sound bath will last 60 minute, so It may not be suitable for very young children. All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

André works across sound, DJing, puppetry and performance. Founder & Artistic Director of Sound Emergence, he explores sound as a contemplative and communal practice, bridging art, heritage and collective listening. He has 15 years’ experience as an arts facilitator across charities, education and cultural organisations.

Sasha is Co-Lead Artist on the Soundbath Pilgrimage and the project’s Mental Health Advisor. She is a psychotherapist, sound practitioner, and body-based Pesso Boyden therapist specialising in holistic, integrative therapy. She is also a Mental Health First Aider with 15 years’ leadership experience across sectors.

Andre & Sasha Sound Emergence, part of And Gather CIC

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soundemergence/

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