AN audio-visual installation co-created by Cononley composer and conductor Ben Crick is being premiered next month.

Soundscapes will combine 360-degree videography of the Yorkshire Dales with a symphonic soundtrack, produced by Skipton Camerata orchestra, within a purpose-built dome.

The unique project is the brainchild of Ben, Skipton Camerata's conductor.

He says: "My hobby has always been caving, climbing and walking and what I wanted was to take people on a musical journey to these places they might not otherwise see. I’ve created a musical portrayal of what it feels like to be there.

"Up to 14 visitors at a time will be able to occupy the dome to experience the cave-like immersive installation.

"We hope to lift audiences, and transport them via the beauty of nature and the power of music. The high harmonics of violins will sound like the breeze, and violins and violas reflect the dance of the water; there is drama in what it makes you feel and that’s the intention.

"The Yorkshire Dales has inspired artists throughout the centuries. We know audiences are going to be left in awe, experiencing this immersive, emotional and inspiring journey."

He has worked on the project with immersive media artist Michaela French, who has collaborated on festivals and events across the world, including in Australia and Mexico.

She says: "It starts with this extraordinary landscape, and our relationship with it. I’ve lived in Yorkshire for just two years, so for me it’s like wonderland – new and different."

The team involved in designing the installation included members of Northumbria University's architecture department, and joinery and specialist fit-out company Hadley had a central role in constructing the dome.

Additional structural engineering support came from Anton Sawicki, of the engineer consultancy Buro Happold; graphic design was created by Field Design, and Heather Ditch provided the written interpretation.

Ben has held a BBC music fellowship and worked with orchestras worldwide, conducting the likes of Lesley Garrett, Sir Willard White and Raphael Wallfisch. He is also co-founder and conductor of the Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra. He has written soundtracks for games, adverts, animation and film. His roles also include teaching at the University of Huddersfield and Leeds Conservatoire, and he serves on the Bradford Cultural Voice Forum.

Soundscapes premieres at Skipton Town Hall on March 14 and runs until June 1. Entry to the gallery is free. For further information and opening times, visit skiptontownhall.co.uk