BY STEPHANIE ESLAKE
If you could stand music still in time, what would it look like?
For some the answer would be “architecture”.
Patrick Kennedy tells us these physical structures that form our urban landscapes are sometimes considered to be “frozen music”. And it’s with this ethos that Patrick is introducing actual music into his Melbourne practice, Kennedy Nolan Architects.
In this interview, Patrick tells us why his firm has formed a rather unique relationship with the Affinity Quartet — one of Australia’s most innovative chamber ensembles.
Affinity is bringing chamber music into this incredible space, and it’s proving popular with listeners who are hunting for something that little bit different to the concert hall (and, according to Patrick, that little bit more authentic, too).
(To hear about this relationship from Affinity’s founding violinist Nicholas Waters, you can read our companion interview here.)
Patrick, what is it about music that architects find to be of value to their own business and ethos?
The connection between music and architecture is frequently observed. Architecture is sometimes described as ‘frozen music’, and music and architecture are said to be the sister arts.
These connections are real, and there are endless ways to analogise music and architecture. However, for us, the appeal of music is its essential difference to architecture, rather than its speculated similarity. Music is invention, creativity, interpretation, technique, passion, and beauty – the benefits to us are as human beings. And to be a better human being is to be a better architect.
From an architectural perspective, how does your building accommodate music and audiences?
Our building has an un-programmed space, which is large enough for chamber music performances, but it is also used for a diverse range of informal and formal gatherings which relate to our practice.
We feel privileged to host Affinity Quartet to rehearse and perform in our studio. Space is a luxury, and we feel very fortunate to have this room which allows us to do things which nourish us as architects and people, as well support other creative people in our community.
The space is not a typical performance venue but, in that sense, it is a great setting for chamber music. It reflects the genesis of the form — something performed in people’s homes, which are invariably diverse and personal.
How have you found your architectural audience and clients have responded to the addition of musical arts in the space?
Our colleagues and friends are enthusiastic about having music performed in our office.
The quartet make us experience the building in a completely different way because of the unaccustomed acoustic experience of the string instruments in our space. Visitors to our office enjoy an insight into our building, which presents a mysterious façade to the street.
I think they also appreciate the experience of music in a relatively informal and intimate setting – the way chamber music was always meant to be heard.
Affinity Quartet will next perform at Kennedy Nolan in Fitzroy this September 22 and 23. The program is called Nexus: Purcell, Beethoven, Bartók — and you can book your tickets online.
Shout the writer a coffee?
If you like, you can shout Steph a coffee for volunteering her time for Australian arts journalism. No amount too much or little 🙂
Pay what you like securely via PayPal.
Images supplied.
