Sam Lee – award-winning inventive singer, folksong collector, conservationist and founder/director of The Nest Collective – joins forces with Chris Watson (pre-eminent sound recordist and former Kings Place artist in residence) for this special online show. Performing in response to and collaboration with Chris’ recordings, Sam alongside pianist James Keay and percussionist Saul Eisenberg weave within these soundscapes a folksong and nature inspired song journey. With Chris’ evocative and detailed capturings of native British birds and acoustically unique landscapes this ‘slow radio-esque’ immersive piece will lead listeners’s ears into the nest and upwards into the high canopies of some exquisite sound worlds. Meanwhile Sam’s ensemble will transform these habitats through their pairings with the ancient ethereal folksongs that have captured the symbolism and characters of these species throughout history. This live commission is the uniting of two devoted nature lovers who have sought, through their recordings and creativity, to tell the story of our natural world and reveal the majestic artistry of our fellow species. This stripped back textural performance will offer never heard before sounds and songs, excavated from both Chris and Sam’s extensive archives. Raptors unraveled, feathers unruffled, Nature unwrapped!

Due to COVID travel restrictions, Chris Watson will be joining the ensemble virtually, live from his home in Northumberland.