Sonic Intervention

Old Joe’s bells resonate across campus and beyond, but its unique sound often goes unnoticed in daily life. This immersive audio installation invited Birmingham to hear ‘Old Joe’ in a new way—drawing attention to the Chamberlain Memorial Clock Tower’s significance as a sonic landmark while blurring the lines between past and present, tradition and innovation. Sonic Intervention took place in October 2025.

  • A closeup of golden locks and arrows pointing towards a hole.

    Chamberlain Clocktower Sonic Intervention 

    This immersive audio installation invited audiences to rediscover the Chamberlain Memorial Clock Tower’s role in the city’s soundscape. During the installation, audiences heard new music from BEAST composers past and present, responding to the chimes and inspired by their memories of the UoB campus. 

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  • A black and white closeup of cogs and mechanical parts.

    Inside the Clock

    This immersive indoor installation in the Aston Webb Rotunda gallery complemented the outdoor intervention and invited listeners inside the clocktower.

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