Hearing-Visions-Sonares, a multi-media exhibit of the graphic scores of nine Quebec-based composers, will open Feb. 6, 2009 at the Marvin Duchow Music Library, McGill University. The exhibit is a joint effort of the Library and the Improvisation, Community, and Social Practice (ICASP) research project.

Graphic scores for experimental music use non-traditional symbols and text to convey information about the performance of a piece of music. This exhibit presents two scores each from Sandeep Bhagwati, Brian Cherney, Andrew Culver, Jean Derome, Lori Freedman, Malcolm Goldstein, Joane Hétu, Robert M. Lepage, and Danielle Palardy Roger.

Developed with the input of the Daniel Langlois Foundation, an ICASP partner, the exhibit comprises over-sized display panels of each score, with explanatory text and biographical information. Attendees will be able to hear the music performed, as well as watch a video interview with each composer, at audiovisual display stations throughout the space. A catalogue with associated essays and longer texts concerning the works and composers will be produced by graduate students funded by ICASP.

An online version of the exhibit will include all the images, texts and sounds.

Discussions are also underway to mount the exhibit at the University of Guelph and the University of British Columbia, and at annual events associated with ICASP.

All events will take place at the Marvin Duchow Music Library, floors 3-5 of the Strathcona Music Building, McGill University, 555 Sherbrooke St. W., Montreal.