Ideas Listen to the sound of metal in musical form by 8 composers
Sep 18, 2025
Philippe Tortell, a professor at UBC and head of the Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences Department, dives into the Heavy Metal Suite project, where music meets the mining industry's complexities. He shares how eight composers translate mineral resources into captivating melodies, including themes of water and environmental concerns. Tortell emphasizes the importance of music in sparking discussions about mining challenges. He also addresses geopolitical risks and the optimistic outlook for innovation in the sector, blending art with vital global issues.
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Art Can Reveal Hidden Supply Chains
- Music can make invisible supply chains tangible and open new conversations about mining.
- Philippe Tortell used artistic performance to soften confrontation and invite creative thinking.
Use Art To Lower Defenses
- Open indirect, creative forums to discuss contested topics rather than confrontational debates.
- Use art to lower defenses and foster receptiveness to complex issues.
Water, Memory, And Musical Flow
- T. Patrick Carabra described composing from Indigenous water practices and Manitoba's glacial history.
- He connected local water ceremonies and flowing musical forms to make geology and culture audible.
