The Harmonic Tree is a new artwork / musical instrument resembling an exotic plant, with steel strings, percussive fruit and berries. Beneath the surface it houses an array of audio effects processors, all adjustable by tending to twigs, branches and other parts of the tree, enabling an operator to create electroacoustic soundscapes.

Special thanks to Joel Vinsen for advice on audio componentry, and to everyone who helped with the construction: Monique Tongue, Jen Eccles, Leda Farrow, Aimée Storm, Luke Scott, Jared Lewis, Stephanie Quennell, Mika Turnbull, and Harriet Trubshaw. Designed and co-built by Andrew Laking.

This work was made with support primarily from Wellington City Council’s Public Art Fund, with additional assistance from Creative New Zealand and Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School Set & Props department. Thanks also to Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekākā for hosting the work. It was originally intended for Lōemis festival in June 2020, however is appearing now, post lockdown!