The Invention of Wonder

Event Information

Ten sonic experiments create a theatre of the unexplained.

Is it the light that makes the sound or the sound that makes the light?

Planet-like orbs float in mid-air, objects move by themselves and hum with electronic noise.

Invisible-forces and ethereal sounds collide as you question your perception - is that the sound of the universe laughing?

It’s somewhere between a philosophical lecture, a Victorian illusion, and a performance of electronic music. The Invention of Wonder is an exploration of forces which are normally invisible. This show turns them into something which can be seen and touched, through a series of ten electro-magnetic sculptural and sonic ‘experiments.” The sonic ‘evidence’ is used to create a compelling and mesmerising sound composition. This experience may rekindle some of our lost wonder in ‘natural magic’ and the marvellous.

This new music-theatre performance, by internationally acclaimed sound artist Ray Lee, takes as one of its starting points the Philosophical Table. This was a table used to demonstrate the new discoveries of science, which was then called Natural Philosophy, during the Enlightenment (approximately 1680-1820). The original Philosophical Table is exhibited in the Science Museum in London. Ray has created a purpose built sonic ‘philosophical table’ which he uses to generate sound during the show.



Q & A Panel

The performance will be followed by a panel discussion and Q&A hosted by the Royal Philosophical Society and chaired by Professor Dan O’Brien from Oxford Brookes University.

Co-promoted by Oxford Contemporary Music and IF Oxford. In partnership with Wadham College Oxford. Photo: Ray Lee.

OCM is supported using public funding by Arts Council England. OCM is a PRS Foundation Talent Development Partner supported by PPL. Supported with funding from Oxford City Council. Affiliate Organisation of Oxford Brookes University.
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There is ramped access to the main entrance (although the path surface is loose gravel). There is level access to the auditorium and an induction loop in place. If you are a wheelchair user, there are specific seating areas reserved in the auditorium that are fully-accessible. These can be booked by emailing sofia@ocmevents.org or calling the box office on 01865 419002. If you have any requirements not mentioned already, please reach out to sofia@ocmevents.org and we will do our best to accommodate you while confirming with the venue.

Any audience member with a disability who requires a companion or personal assistant in order to attend a performance is entitled to a free companion ticket. To book, please email sofia@ocmevents.org or contact the box office on 01865 419002.

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