People from across Birmingham are invited to record and share the sounds of the city for a new music project, Wayfinding B.

Whether it’s the clang of workshop tools, a tram slowing at a platform, sirens, parakeets, rain or voices, all sounds are welcome.

Birmingham Contemporary Music Group and composer Sara Caneva are working together to make the sound collection of Birmingham. The recordings will be transformed into a new piece of music, to be premiered in autumn 2027 by BCMG.

Anyone wanting to contribute can use their phone or another recording device to capture a sound anywhere in Birmingham. It might an everyday sound, something that tells a story about a neighbourhood or a sound that simply makes you stop and listen.

Sounds can be uploaded via the link at bcmg.org.uk/sounds

The project begins with a Sound Walk on Sunday 27 September around the Jewellery Quarter, beginning in St Paul’s Square. Sara will lead the walk through the city, listening to the changing sounds of squares, streets, transport and green spaces. The walk gives an opportunity to hear familiar places from new perspectives, with professional microphones, headshops and field-recording equipment.

Sara Caneva (b.1991, Italy) is a composer, conductor, researcher and teacher. She has worked with respected musical institutions around Europe, including the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma and Teatro La Fenice di Venezia amongst many others, and has recently completed a PhD at University of Birmingham.

An accomplished conductor, Sara also works outside of the concert hall to create land-art installations and compositions that cross genres. She has a curiosity for how sound can be used and understood in different ways to give immediacy and connection with audiences.

Find out more and submit a recording at bcmg.org.uk