COMMUNITY PROJECT COMMISSIONS
SOHO PARISH SCHOOL / ST. ANNE’S GARDEN, SOHO
November, 2019
In September 2019, I was fortunate to be given the incredible opportunity to work with some children at my old primary school, Soho Parish School, on a community project, renovating the Soho 'Art Loo' in St. Annes Green (just off Wardour Street) and installing a new sound and art installation inspired by the area.
My idea was to make the piece, a journey into, and through Soho, starting in the underground, and navigating my way to Soho Parish School.
I decided it was also important to take this chance to make a bit of a social comment about how Soho is, in places, being overly redeveloped. And in doing so, is losing a lot of its unique character and charm. Having grown up around Soho and seen it evolve over the years, I wanted to speak to people who felt less positive about the direction Soho has been heading in.
I recorded sounds around the streets of Soho, interviewed some residents and 'old timers' who've worked there their whole lives and seen how it's changed over the years, and used sung melodies and conversations I had with the Year 5 pupils at Soho Parish to create this 'sonic journey'.
The piece ends on an uplifting note. Remembering that despite all the changes and redevelopment, Soho is still a buzzing, vibrant place full of lovely people, all working hard to keep its' special community alive.
Thanks to all the amazing year 5 children who sang with me so beautifully.
Special thanks to Sylvia Young and the Children of Soho Parish School for making this possible, and anyone I interviewed for allowing me to use your voices.
©MiloMcKinnon® 2023