Voyage of the Beagle by John Biddulph + Ashia Vaughan

Multi-instrumentalist, composer, and sound designer John Biddulph is thrilled to announce his latest musical project, an exploration of sound that was inspired by Charles Darwin’s iconic text, The Voyage of the Beagle. This performance in Shrewsbury, as part of the DarwIN Shrewsbury Festival and performed in Darwin’s church, The Unitarian, will offer an auditory journey alongside Darwin’s transformative voyage, blending atmospheric compositions with world music influences to bring the naturalist’s discoveries to life.

Darwin’s The Voyage of the Beagle chronicles his 1831–1836 journey aboard HMS Beagle, a pivotal expedition that shaped his theories on evolution and the diversity of life. John’s music captures the essence of this journey, drawing inspiration from the landscapes, cultures, and ecosystems Darwin encountered.

“I wanted to create a soundtrack that would allow listeners to experience Darwin’s awe and curiosity as he traversed the globe,” said John. “Each track is a musical interpretation of a chapter or extract of text in his journey—whether it’s the wildlife of South America, the vibrant Galápagos Islands, or the vast expanse of the open sea.”

The album’s tracks with titles taken from the text blend genres such as ambient, folk, classical, and South American-influenced music, featuring:

"Phosphorescence of the Sea": An ambient track with echoes of the Atlantic and bioluminescence.

"Streams of Stones": A haunting fusion of flute-like instruments and modern soundscapes.

"Galápagos Variations": A multi-layered piece evoking the islands’ unique fauna.

"Homecoming": A reflective conclusion tying together the threads of the voyage and using the organ Darwin will have heard in the Unitarian Church.

This release and performance coincide with a resurgence of interest in Darwin’s work, offering a fresh way for audiences to engage with his legacy.

This event is part of the incredible SY.Gigs series of alternative music events and part of the DarwIN Shrewsbury Festival

A unique sonic exploration of Darwin's Beagle voyage by John Biddulph with support from celestial new age architect Ashia Vaughan.