Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra
The “Fibre Optic Symphony Orchestra (FOSO)” installation in Wentworth, NSW is an immersive artistic experience combining quintessential Australian imagery with cutting-edge technology and musical composition to create a truly unique spectacle.
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Marketing & Communications2025-09-04 15:19:362025-09-04 16:58:57Construction is officially underway on Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra (FOSO)Key Project Details
Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra (FOSO) – Wentworth, NSW
Inspired by the arrangement of Hills Hoist clotheslines resembling an orchestra pit, each adorned with fibre optic lights representing different musical instruments, FOSO transforms this setup into a symphonic visual and auditory experience. The installation is synchronised with an original orchestral score composed by the renowned British composer Nainita Desai, elevating the viewer’s interaction with the art.
Comprising 80 columns of light made from cylindrical arrays of fibre optic cables, encircling an iconic rotary structure measuring 3.5 meters high and 4 meters in diameter, FOSO captivates visitors with its dynamic interplay of colour and sound. The lights are programmed to change hues in harmony with the musical composition, guiding visitors through a labyrinthine path of abstract light patterns that respond in real-time to the music.
The colour palette of FOSO is intricately designed to correspond with the notes of an octave, utilising a rainbow spectrum to visually interpret the music being played. This thoughtful integration of light and sound offers a multisensory journey, inviting exploration and immersion into the artistic fusion of Australian heritage, technological innovation, and creative expression.
For those seeking a profound cultural experience in regional NSW, FOSO promises an unforgettable encounter with contemporary art and sensory exploration. It represents an opportunity to engage deeply with the intersection of light, music, and landscape, making it a must-see for enthusiasts of art and cultural innovation alike.
FOSO is part of the broader LightState project, which aims to bring innovative art experiences to various regions. This collaborative effort extends beyond Wentworth, with a sister installation titled Trail of Lights on Lock Island in Mildura. Together, these installations serve as beacons of creativity and inspiration, enriching the cultural fabric of New South Wales, Victoria and beyond.
Find out more at Trail of Lights (Mildura.com)
Project Site
FOSO is set to be located 4 kilometres from the township of Wentworth, adjacent to the ancient Perry Sandhills and Thegoa Lagoon. Due to the unique nature of the sandhills, they have been used as a backdrop in many films and television shows. According to geologists, the Perry Sandhills originated after an ice age (40,000 years ago) and are formed by wind erosion over thousands of years.
Perry Sandhills, Wentworth NSW
Project Inspiration
Bruce Munro’s Inspiration
“When I was 21 years old, I read a book called ‘Gifts of Unknown Things’ by Lyall Watson, a radical thinker operating on the margins of accepted science. In it Watson described Tia, a young girl living in the Indonesian archipelago, who possessed the magical gift of seeing sounds in colour, which I later learned is called “synaesthesia”.
It is a neurological condition in which, when one sense is activated, another unrelated sense is also activated – for instance, when a person hears music and simultaneously “sees” the sound as swirls or patterns of colour.
I was captivated by the idea of a connection between sound and colour from that day forward and have worked with the notion of a human form represented as abstracted cylinders of light in a number of ways. I first used it in a private commission made to commemorate a couple’s sixtieth wedding anniversary in 2006; and in 2010, as a fundamental concept for the installation Water-Towers. The idea of creating an orchestra of lighted columns has been lying wait in my sketchbook since 2011.
The stunning location presents the opportunity to create another community of sound, differently than I had before: an abstract installation of an entire light-responsive Symphonic Orchestra. In this installation, eighty, three and a half meter high, four-meter diameter light installations, each being a “musician,” will form the physical plan of an orchestra.
Each musician is represented by the iconic Hill’s Hoist rotary washing line, an everyday Australian object that is also a beautiful structural support to my mind. Cylindrical arrays of fibre optic cables will encircle each Hills Hoist, making it a column of light.
A control system will scroll through a rainbow of colours synchronised with a symphonic soundtrack. As the fibre optic columns change hues, viewers will experience sound translated into colour.
This installation is the result of concepts and techniques developed over a number of years and evolved from many previous works”.
About the Artist
British artist Bruce Munro is renowned for his captivating large-scale light installations, which are deeply influenced by his fascination with the human experience. For over three decades, Munro has maintained the practice of recording ideas and images in sketchbooks, capturing his reactions to various stimuli such as music, literature, science, and the world around him. This meticulous documentation serves as a wellspring of inspiration, reflection, and subject matter for his art.
Munro’s artistic journey is characterised by a unique blend of creativity, resourcefulness, and technical expertise. With a background in light manufacturing, he possesses a keen eye for components and a penchant for inventive reuse. This combination enables him to create both monumental temporary installations and intimate narrative-driven artworks.
Among Munro’s most renowned works are immersive light installations found across the globe, including:
– Field of Light in Manhattan, New York, USA
– Field of Light in Uluru, Northern Territory, Australia
– Mountain Lights in Hokkaido, Japan
– Fireflies in Bradford on Avon, UK
– Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles, California, USA
Each of these installations serves as a testament to Munro’s unparalleled ability to transform spaces, evoke emotions, and inspire wonder through the medium of light.
Find out more https://www.brucemunro.co.uk/
Funding
The realisation of this remarkable experience is made possible through the generous support from the New South Wales Government – Regional Tourism Activation Fund (RTAF) $4.9 million.
Their contribution plays a vital role in bringing this immersive and captivating experience to life, enriching the cultural landscape, and fostering tourism and development in the region.
Trail of Lights, Mildura
Trail of Lights, Lock Island, Mildura, VIC
FOSO is part of the broader project, which aims to bring innovative art experiences to our region. This collaborative effort extends beyond Wentworth, with a sister installation ‘Trail of Lights’ on Lock Island in Mildura. Together, these installations serve as beacons of creativity and inspiration, enriching the cultural fabric of New South Wales, Victoria and beyond.
Find out more at Trail of Lights (mildura.com)
Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
About the FOSO Experience
What is FOSO?
Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra (FOSO) is a world-first immersive art installation by Bruce Munro. It is a symphonic visual and auditory experience inspired by the arrangement of Hills Hoist clotheslines resembling an orchestra pit. The installation features 80 columns of light made from cylindrical arrays of fibre optic cables, which encircle a central rotary structure measuring 3.5 metres high and 4 metres in diameter. The lights are synchronised with an original orchestral score by British composer Nainita Desai, changing hues and guiding visitors through a labyrinthine path in real-time with the music.
How is FOSO different from Trail of Lights?
The two installations are designed to offer contrasting and complementary experiences. FOSO is a dynamic “visual and aural experience” set against the Perry Sandhills, while Trail of Lights is described as an “immersive contemplative experience” on Lock Island. The goal is to encourage visitors to see both, paving the way for longer stays in the region.
Is this installation related to Bruce Munro’s Field of Light at Uluru?
Both are created by the internationally acclaimed artist Bruce Munro, who is known for his large-scale installations in natural landscapes. While they share his unique style, FOSO is a unique, world-first concept featuring columns of light synchronised with a symphonic score.
Planning Your Visit
When will FOSO be open?
Work on the site began in August 2025, and FOSO is expected to be completed and open to the public in April 2026, in time for the Easter period. The installation will be open for at least two years.
Where is the FOSO installation?
FOSO is located on Log Bridge Road, four kilometres from Wentworth, with the iconic Perry Sandhills and Thegoa Lagoon as its backdrop.
When and where can I purchase tickets?
Tickets are expected to go on sale in November 2025. Full details on all ticket purchasing options will be announced when tickets go on sale.
How much will tickets cost?
Ticket prices are still being finalised.
Are there any special packages available?
Yes, combination tickets providing access to both FOSO and Trail of Lights will be available. Additionally, Bruce Munro Ambassador Memberships are currently available, which include 12 months of FOSO access.
What to Expect On-Site
What should I bring or wear?
As FOSO is an outdoor evening installation, visitors are advised to check the local weather forecast and dress accordingly. It is recommended to wear comfortable, sturdy footwear suitable for walking on natural ground.
Project & Community Information
Who is leading the FOSO project?
This project is a cross-border collaboration between Wentworth Shire Council and Mildura Rural City Council. Wentworth Shire Council is leading the project delivery, owns the land, and will have operational ownership. Mildura Rural City Council is providing strategic, operational, and technical support.
What is the benefit of this project to the region?
FOSO is designed to create new tourism opportunities and encourage longer stays in the region, which will amplify the economic benefit for communities on both sides of the Murray River.
How can local businesses get involved with FOSO?
Expressions of interest are currently open for businesses to partner with FOSO to elevate the visitor experience. This includes wineries, accommodation providers, tour operators, and hospitality businesses. More information is available online at mildura.com/lights/trail-of-lights-partnerships