ILLUMINA
A CALL FOR BIRDSONG AND FIELD RECORDINGS
Composer Julian Revie and an international artistic team are creating ILLUMINA — a newly composed large-scale immersive musical and visual work to be presented at Christ Cathedral in California in November 2026.
Combining choir, organ, handbells, spatial sound, architecture, and large-scale projection, the work explores creation, light, memory, renewal, and the hidden harmonies woven throughout the living world — echoing the spirit of Saint Francis of Assisi’s vision of creation as a living song of praise.
As part of this project, we are inviting contributions of recordings and imagery related especially to birds that persist, sing, and flourish in places marked by environmental devastation, fragility, abandonment, industrialization, ecological imbalance, or human neglect.
The central artistic idea is one of life, beauty, and renewal emerging where they are least expected.
We are seeking moments in which beauty, tenderness, and life emerge unexpectedly:
- birdsong arising in places marked by abandonment, fragility, or neglect
- life returning to burned or deforested landscapes
- migration, nesting, flight, and dawn song amid hardship
- quiet signs of resilience, mystery, and unseen harmony
We welcome:
- audio recordings of birdsong and natural sonic environments
- video recordings of birds and landscapes
- photographs of birds, feathers, nests, wings, and environmental textures
- extreme closeups and microscopic imagery
- slow-motion footage
- recordings of wind, water, resonance, and natural movement
- contemplative moments where beauty appears unexpectedly
We are seeking material that reveals moments of mystery, beauty, resilience, and renewal within the living world. Please submit the highest-quality files available whenever possible. Raw or minimally processed material is preferred
Please include, if possible:
- your name
- for students: age and academic level (if applicable)
- location and date
- species (if known)
- what drew you to that particular moment
RESPECT FOR NATURE
Please do not disturb wildlife or habitats. Avoid approaching nests, provoking animal responses, or interfering with natural behavior. We are seeking genuine encounters with the living world – approached with attentiveness, wonder and respect.
SAFETY
Please contribute only in ways that are safe and responsible. Do not venture into dangerous terrain, contaminated areas, unstable industrial sites, or unsafe conditions. Please prioritize safety, care, and respect for the environments you enter.
TIMELINE
The primary submission deadline is October 1, 2026. Submissions received after this date may still be considered as the project develops.
All submitted material will be thoughtfully reviewed, and we will endeavor to incorporate as many contributions as possible into the project
Looking for ideas, examples, or detailed guidance?
Our Submission Guide includes examples, suggestions, and answers to common questions. The Call for Submissions provides a concise overview of the project.
All the angels pray. Every creature prays... The birds too rise and lift themselves up to heaven... and give voice to what seems to be a prayer.
— Tertullian