Thousands of people have taken our musical journey along the bank of the Tyne since it opened in June as part of the launch of the Great Exhibition of the North.
With a month left to experience Aeons, we take a look at some of the reactions to Martin Green’s epic, original piece of music, featuring Becky Unthank, Mogwai’s Dominic Aitchison, and the Chorus and Orchestra of Opera North.
ITV News came along to our testing sessions in the week before the launch and captured the responses of the Great Exhibition volunteers who were the first to try out the walk:
Since then we’ve received lots more reactions via social media:
Just experienced the #AEONS sound walk along #Newcastle quayside, part of @getnorth2018 It’s a spa for the brain. The music – a symphony for the Tyne – by @Opera_North is calming & inspiring, deliberately slowing you down to take in the sights & sounds and poetry. Go and do it. pic.twitter.com/UA6P9qSA06
— Bernard Donoghue (@bernarddonoghue) July 12, 2018
Did @Martin_Green__ ‘s #Aeons walk earlier and recommend it! Powerful words & beautiful music capturing the idea of time & linked perfectly to
the river – will stick with me. Incredible 3D sound quality too – kept catching myself looking for the sounds. @getnorth2018 @Opera_North pic.twitter.com/sJ5vDjg9Qv— Emma Ellis (@e_ellis2) July 24, 2018
Great finish to the day with the aeons audio walking tour for #getnorth2018. Fabulous installation! @paulszom @CavendishUK @EnglishRiviera @altweet_pet pic.twitter.com/4D1UkYXAot
— THE HAC (@HacEvents) July 9, 2018
Have you walked the Tyne with the AEONS soundscape yet? Sharpens your senses, particularly when Becky Unthank’s in your ears under the Swing Bridge?? Congrats @laumusic @TheUnthanks & @opera_north More please!https://t.co/AjyRZmnU97 #getnorth2018@getnorth2018 #getnorth2018 pic.twitter.com/51h8HtpaNZ
— Tania Love (@TaniaLove_FBs) July 9, 2018
Experienced AEONS today, as part of @getnorth2018. Fab! Particularly Becky Unthank singing surround sound under Swing Bridge! @TheUnthanks. Also bumped into @alfiejoey @BBCFHewison @Sharunatv and @bbckamal doing piece to camera. Is anyone left at BBC today? pic.twitter.com/2V8DK0mwsg
— Jon Harle (@JonHarle1) July 5, 2018
I’ve passed Aeons of Tyne to hear you. Time to book your own Aeon experience of @getnorth2018. Original. Beautiful. pic.twitter.com/YIV45dZTzc
— Teresa Kirby (@TeresaMKirby) June 30, 2018
Had a great time with my students this morning visiting @balticmill and then walking along the river listening to #Aeons by @Martin_Green__ as part of @getnorth2018. pic.twitter.com/FDRDjjSw5b
— Tom Albans (@orderedsound) June 29, 2018
Loved Aeons walk along Tyne – #Newcastle at it’s best in the sunshine @Opera_North @GetNorth2018 pic.twitter.com/dg2TeGuxby
— Alison Spedding (@AlisonSpedding) June 27, 2018
Had a lovely stroll along the quayside listening to #Aeons #getnorth2018 . The music, songs and sounds made you walk more slowly than usual, taking everything in. Very relaxing. Loved it! #Newcastle #RiverTyne #bridges #Heatwaveuk pic.twitter.com/priyacxOmq
— Tracey Ainsley (@ThunderbirdWPC) June 27, 2018
Great @ace_thenorth Class Trip to AEONS. Such a beautiful walk bathed in @Opera_North part of @getnorth2018 #GetNorth2018 #ACESupported pic.twitter.com/P4G3uEI5uV
— Amelia Henderson (@Meeleecat) June 27, 2018
@getnorth2018‘s #Aeons by @Opera_North brings the Newcastle quayside to life. A beautiful sonic walk through millennia. Bravo ???? pic.twitter.com/QOSFPQalKG
— Bill Vince (@That_Bill) June 27, 2018
I did the Aeons walk yesterday listening to the music and feeling bridge-love and river-love in the sunshine.#GetNorth2018 pic.twitter.com/GEOg5HJspK
— Hazel Abbott (@JoyFalara) June 27, 2018
Had the best day in Newcastle with my Mam, we even squeezed in some @getnorth2018 experiences including the incredible #aeons which I would highly recommend!! Did I mention how much I love this lady and this city? ? #GetNorth2018 @altweet_pet pic.twitter.com/F2qClYbY2z
— Rachel Kershaw (@rachmotormouth) June 25, 2018
BBC Radio 4’s Music Matters took a stroll with Martin and Opera North Projects Manager Jo Nockels, and encountered some emotional responses along the way (listen from 38 minutes in).
Aeons runs as part of the Great Exhibition of the North until Friday 7 September. Book your free ticket, head to the Gateshead Millennium Bride (Newcastle side) to collect your headphones, and set off on your own unique journey along the banks of the Tyne – and back through the ages.
…and don’t forget to let us know what you thought, using the #Aeons hashtag!
