The Great Animal Orchestra

The Biennale of Sydney and Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain present the Australian première of The Great Animal Orchestra, a singular and memorable encounter with our living planet.

The environmentally-focused work by American pioneer soundscape ecologist Bernie Krause and London-based collective United Visual Artists will be presented at the Stargazer Lawn, Barangaroo for the duration of the 23rd Biennale of Sydney, titled rīvus, from 12 March to 13 June 2022.

A collision of culture and nature, The Great Animal Orchestra will take you out of city life and into tropical grasslands, savannas and Arctic tundra for an ‘otherworldly encounter’ with a soundscape of 15,000 animal species recorded over the last 50 years. After working with musicians like The Doors and creating effects for film scores, Bernie Krause turned his back on studio work and headed outdoors to focus on field recording.

Krause’s unparalleled research is a rare insight into the unseen world of animals. It reveals the beauty and the intricacy of animal vocalisations, which are now in danger of being silenced by human activity. Through his recording, Krause implores us to start listening before hush descends on the ‘great animal orchestra’. The immersive soundscape comes to life with visualisations, created by United Visual Artists, of each animal’s contributions to the ‘orchestra’ in vulnerable habitats in Africa, North America, the Pacific Ocean and the Amazonas (Amazon River).

The Great Animal Orchestra is a compelling call to action to preserve our planet’s remaining wild places. Listen closely to these animal voices. How can you help to ensure that they are not silenced forever?