SWIMMERS can take part in a unusual underwater music concert in Oxford.

The Wet Sounds performance will be held at Temple Cowley Pools with the music played underwater.

Organiser and ‘noisician’ Joel Cahen said: “The idea is for people to have the opportunity to go into the water and listen to a ‘sound art collage’, which I play live.

“The music can only be heard under water, so it’s a nice way to lie back, relax, and feel the music.”

Mr Cahen, 38, who is from Israel, came to the UK in the 1990s to study sound engineering.

It was here that he got the idea for underwater music.

He said: “It just came about when I was swimming and was curious about what music would sound like.

“I discovered it could make this really rich sound, so I’ve been putting on events in London for about eight or nine years now.”

This is the third UK tour for Wet Sounds, after successes in France and Scandinavia, but Mr Cahen’s first visit to Oxford.

People have to immerse their heads under the surface and special speakers then transmit the music.

Mr Cahen said: “It’s difficult to describe – it’s not like bands singing – but a sound collage from seven different artists and sound recordings.”

There have been claims it can help people with hearing problems, though Mr Cahen said he remained sceptical. He said: “I’ve had people come up to me and tell me they have been able to hear music for the first time in years.

“I think it is because the sound is felt throughout the whole body and can be heard through the skull and bones.

“But then I’ve had other people who still couldn’t hear anything, so I think it depends on what hearing problems you have.”

Mr Cahen said: “Sound travels four times faster in water than it does in air, so it gives a very different sensation.

“And because you can’t communicate with anyone else under water, it makes it a much more personal ex- perience than other concerts.

“People become part of the art. They can close their eyes and lie back, or dive in – whatever they do, it’ll be unique experience for them.”

The concert will take place on Sunday, February 13, from 4.30pm until 6pm at the pools in Temple Road, Cowley. Usual entrance prices apply.

There will also be a free introductory talk and listening session at Modern Art Oxford, in Pembroke Street, on Saturday, February 12, from 3pm.

Booking is essential. Call 01865 813800 to take part.

rpope@oxfordmail.co.uk