An Unforgettable Experience at Edinburgh Fringe
Luminescence is a captivating collaboration between visual artist Maria Rud and saxophonist Tommy Smith, taking place at the historic St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh as part of the Edinburgh Fringe. This unique performance showcases the fusion of music and visual art, creating a mesmerizing experience for the audience.
The Artists: Maria Rud and Tommy Smith
Born in Moscow, Maria Rud grew up surrounded by music. Her Ukrainian mother was a composer, and from an early age, Rud discovered that music inspired visual images in her mind. As she explains, “That’s the way I hear music, through visual images rather than just the sound and the notes.”
Tommy Smith, a renowned saxophonist, first met Rud at a reception in the National Museum of Scotland, just a short walk from St Giles’. After a brief conversation, they both agreed to collaborate at some point. Their first project together was when Smith, the artistic director of the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, invited Rud to create images in response to the Orchestra’s dedications to saxophone pioneers like Albert Ayler and Ornette Coleman in their Where Rivers Meet concert series in May 2021. Luminescence premiered in a single performance at St Giles’ Cathedral in November that same year.
A Unique Performance Every Time
Luminescence is entirely improvised, making each show a one-of-a-kind experience. Smith has no idea what he will play as the cathedral falls into darkness, while Rud creates her live “storyboard” in response to the music. She describes the process as a conversation between the two artists through their respective mediums.
St Giles’ Cathedral itself plays a vital role in the performance, with the massive east window providing a canvas for Rud’s projections, giving the show an impressive scale. The incredible architecture, magical acoustics, and the long history of the cathedral – celebrating its 900th anniversary in 2024 – contribute to the atmosphere, which the audience can undoubtedly feel.
More Opportunities to Experience Luminescence
For those interested in attending this unforgettable performance, there are two more nights of Luminescence at St Giles’ Cathedral. Read a five-star review of Luminescence from Arts Reviews Edinburgh to learn more about this enthralling event.
