What is Un-Natural Frequencies?
Un-Natural Frequencies was a musical performance of three original pieces created in response to environmental, climate and biodiversity issues. Inspired by themes such as groundwater, farming schemes and flooding across Ireland and the UK, the works explored shared experiences of fear, change and resilience among rural communities facing the realities of climate change. Taking place in the atmospheric Aillwee Cave, the performance offered an immersive experience that aligned with the 2025 Irish Science Week theme “Then. Today. Tomorrow.”, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the event.
As attendees were guided into the caves, they heard about the geological forces that formed them. Inside, three original musical pieces reflected on present-day environmental challenges, including groundwater, biodiversity-friendly farming, and flooding. The final piece offered a moving response from a community already impacted by flooding, prompting reflection on what the future may hold.
The event aimed to spark curiosity and dialogue between the public and STEM experts, exploring how natural forces have shaped and continue to shape our world. Following the performance, the audience returned above ground for refreshments and a 30-minute panel discussion. The panel reflected on their experience of working on a multidisciplinary project, the process of creating the work, and the personal and professional impact it had on them.
County Clare, Ireland, is often underrepresented in research engagement, and this event provided a powerful setting to reach new audiences who had not previously engaged with science and art creative outputs. Music, as a familiar and emotional part of daily life, became a bridge to conversations about climate and the environment that might otherwise feel distant or overwhelming.