Flood Tide

A sonification of the Thames

Flood Tide is a live musical performance generated by the flow of the River Thames. A sensor placed in the water registers changes in the current's strength, which is then converted into musical notation and performed by professional and community musicians, including an orchestra, vocalists and taiko drummers.

The music starts off gently, lilting as the low tide begins its imperceptible transformation into the flood. As the water's flow intensifies, the tempo, rhythm and tonality are amplified. At full strength the music pulsates with a passionate, dynamic turbulence.

First performed in 2008, this production of Flood Tide is the most ambitious yet, with a record number of musicians performing for the duration of a tide cycle.

By John Eacott, presented in association with the Centre for Young Musicians, Southbank Centre's Voicelab and Tomorrow's Warriors

Timings are dependent on the tide.