Louise Bourgeois, Eyes, 1982. Photo courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art

By Hayley Naples ’20

The UT campus is full of extraordinary open art pieces. Thousands of students walk by them everyday, but it can be easy to forget to stop and appreciate them. Sound in Sculpture brings these art pieces to life with music through their annual free event.

Butler School of Music students of all academic levels, from undergraduate to doctorate, have composed music to celebrate the multiple Landmarks art sculptures within Bass Concert Hall. This spring, there will be five new musical compositions that highlight various works within Bass Concert Hall. While this is the sixth year of this event, it is only the second time young composers performed in Bass Concert Hall. This event will feature the steadfast Landmark art pieces such as lobby sculpture “Eyes”, but with fresh music interpretations written by a new group of students. 

The event started six years ago as a way for music composition students to showcase their work and celebrate art. Former music composition student and current Assistant Director of Student Engagement Tim Rogers hopes to offer audiences a new perspective. 

“We hope that this event will help people look at art pieces in a different way,” said Rogers. “We want others to consider that each individual may engage differently with the art.” Sound in Sculpture 2020 will be an unforgettable experience for music and art lovers as well as students and the general public.