Performance-installation by Elaine Mitchener at Mount Stuart
| tongues of fire | yearning… | a communion with the invisible |
Celebrated vocal and movement artist Elaine Mitchener has composed new work in response to Mount Stuart.
Mitchener’s unique programme is inspired by events and objects reflecting the layered histories of Mount Stuart. From newspaper reports of the devastating 1877 fire, destroying much of the original Georgian house, to uncovered familial relationships deduced from close consideration of an eighteenth century portrait, Mitchener’s new work is a layered response to a remarkable setting. Performed in the magical Marble Hall, under the starscape ceiling and zodiac stained glass windows, these evening events will be truly memorable.
“We are delighted to commission this new work from Elaine Mitchener, a renowned experimental vocalist, composer and movement artist, who will respond directly to the intricate histories of Mount Stuart and perform under the dazzling zodiac ceiling for audiences in late Summer. This, alongside the work of Veronica Ryan, makes for a truly spectacular season for Mount Stuart’s Contemporary Visual Arts Programme which celebrates 25 years of presenting new contemporary art to audiences on the Isle of Bute this year.” - Sophie Stuart, Chair, Mount Stuart Trust and Founder of the Contemporary Visual Arts Programme
“To be in dialogue with Mount Stuart has been an enabling, rewarding and illuminating experience for me. Exploratory and revealing in equal measure this House contains deep layers of understanding and a continuous engagement of the influences of other cultures.” - Elaine Mitchener
Previous work by Mitchener has been described by Flora Wilson in The Guardian as “redefin[ing] what singing means” by “travel[ing] the full spectrum of the human voice, from subdued sounds of mouth and breath to an exhilarating remix of her own hyper-exuberant electronic soundscape.” As her period as a Wigmore Hall Associate Artist comes to a close with a concert broadcast on BBC Radio 3, new projects in development for Autumn 2026 include Always Already There at the Barbican and the then + the now = now time for Festival d’Automne, Paris and Dark Nights at the Royal Opera.
The performance-installation will take place at Mount Stuart at 6pm on Friday 11 and Saturday 12 September 2026.
The Mount Stuart Courtyard Cafe and Pantry will be open for pre-theatre sharing plates prior to doors opening at 5.45pm.