TAKEN forms part of Contemporary Heritage, an ambitious programme of contemporary art commissions inspired by Lancashire’s cultural heritage. The installation in Clitheroe Castle Keep is the second commission in the programme which is taking place at historic sites across Lancashire.

TAKEN is created by contemporary classical composer Ailís Ní Ríain whose sound installations provoke and engage the audience. Ailís is passionately interested in creating public sound art and opera, and presenting contemporary music in diverse spaces.

“Beautiful and moving – I felt on the periphery of someone’s subconscious. Everything was complimentary with a certain darkness”

TAKEN is a unique sound installation in the Castle Keep which is inspired by the story of the Lancashire Witches and how the 12 accused individuals might have felt during their final four months in captivity whilst awaiting trial. In 2012 Lancashire will reflect on the 400th anniversary of the Lancashire witch trials.

Ailís spent time with 12 women and men from Lancashire and recorded each person humming a song which was personal and poignant to them. The recordings were then interwoven with an acoustic harp into the composition.

 Ailis says “It was an honour to sit with each ‘hummer’ and witness them hum for me a tune which means a great deal to them. It was an intense experience for them and I think they were very brave and generous. The Keep is a remarkable space and Taken allows visitors to imagine what it must have been like for the accused, taken from their homes and kept in such a small space, uncertain of their fate.”

The hummers voices fill every corner of the Castle Keep punctuated by the harp.

Immerse yourself in sound and thought as the Keep is brought to life through music.

For further information on opening times please visit http://www.lancashire.gov.uk/acs/sites/museums/venues/clitheroe