Contest set up for sculpture music

A major competition has been launched in Shrewsbury to find the perfect piece of music for the unveiling of Shrewsbury's giant Quantum Leap sculpture.

The search is on for a young musician to come up with some Charles Darwin-inspired notes to be played across the river – with part of an orchestra on the balcony of the new Theatre Severn and the rest near the sculpture.

The sculpture – thought to be the second largest in the UK after the Angel of the North – will be unveiled on June 26 as the new composition is performed for the first time.

It is dedicated to Shrewsbury's famous son Charles Darwin as the town marks the 200th anniversary of his birth and 150 years since the publication of On the Origin of Species.

Dominic Wallis, arts officer at Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council, said the competition would be run in conjunction with John Moore, director of music at Shrewsbury School.

He said: "We want young musicians to write a piece of music to be performed by a small orchestra on either bank of the river so you could have percussion on the balcony of the theatre and strings by the Quantum Leap and they will perform a piece of music across the river."

The theme for the piece of music will be connectivity.

Mr Wallis: "It is a great opportunity for a young musician to compose a piece of music."

Contact Mr Wallis on (01743) 281045.