Spectacular new sound-and-light installation makes its national debut in Kilkenny

The internationally acclaimed art collective Luxmuralis made its Irish debut in Kilkenny yesterday with Starlight, a 35-minute immersive experience of light, sound and fine-art projection. 

Running until December 21, Starlight transforms the 800-year-old interior of St Canice's Cathedral into a vast canvas of moving light projections accompanied by a cinematic soundscape.

The 360° experience takes audiences through a shifting landscape of stars, constellations and projections inspired by the Nativity. 

READ NEXT: LATEST: Update following serious collision on major road in Kilkenny

As visitors enter the immersive space within the cathedral, they will be wrapped in stars guiding them through an emotional story arc that unfolds through a ‘beautifully articulated’ series of fine art projections and accompanying compositions culminating in a powerful retelling of the Nativity story. 

Luxmuralis (Latin for light mural) is a collaboration between sculptor Peter Walker and composer David Harper.

Together, they create large-scale, immersive fine art experiences using cutting-edge projection technology and original compositions.

Luxmuralis has been viewed by over 1.2 million people globally in venues including Oxford University, the Limburg Dom in Germany and The Tower of London. 

READ NEXT: 'Common sense must prevail' - Kilkenny concern over 'deeply unfair' blister pack costs

Artistic Director, Peter Walker, commended the people of Kilkenny for warmly embracing Luxmuralis at the official launch event on Sunday.

"We arrived on Friday, and we've been greeted with great hospitality in the city, the restaurants, cafés, it's fantastic," he said.

"We’ve worked in some of the most remarkable buildings in the UK, including Saint Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, and Canterbury Cathedral.

"These are world-renowned buildings, and what those places have is a real sort of individual sensibility. It really comes alive when you walk in; you can feel the history, feel the culture.  

"When you come to Kilkenny, and you walk into this cathedral, you get that same sense. There’s a real sense, I think, of Kilkenny City within the building, that same hospitality, that same sort of friendly welcome, to the volunteers at the entrance, right through to the staff. They really want people to visit the building.

READ NEXT: PICTURES: Kilkenny's TJ Reid and partner Niamh de Brún-Reid share special news

"It’s a building that’s rich in heritage and history, it’s rich in art. What we’ve done, and essentially what we’re doing, is bringing in, or updating, the art history of cathedrals. 

"That next chapter, that contemporary visual art, that digital artwork, that resonates with modern generations, with the technology of today, and with the materials that we have at hand as artists, and that’s what we’re doing here in the cathedral."

Aileen McGrath, Head of Enterprise at Kilkenny County Council, described the installation as a 'significant addition to our winter programme, and we’re delighted that Kilkenny will introduce this work to Irish audiences'.

"Kilkenny has a long tradition of supporting the arts, and St Canice’s Cathedral provides a fitting setting for an installation of this kind," she said.

READ NEXT: Christmas spirit on full display at hospital emergency department in Kilkenny

"The piece brings together heritage, creativity and community, all qualities closely associated with Kilkenny. We hope people from near and far will come to experience Starlight and enjoy what promises to be a memorable part of the Christmas season."

Described as the 'stained glass windows of our time', the installation is the centrepiece of Yulefest Kilkenny’s winter programme. Tickets for the event are available from www.yulefestkilkenny.ie   

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS