PEOPLE are flocking to a unique art exhibition in the Great Hall in Winchester.

Janet Cardiff’s, ‘The Forty Part Motet’ comprises a sound installation of 40 speakers each playing a voice singing a part of Spem in Alium by Thomas Tallis, written in the 16th century.

More than 17,000 people have visited the exhibition since it opened on January 28. It closes on March 20.

County councillor Keith Chapman, executive member for culture and recreation, said: “With visitor figures up by around 50 per cent on the same period last year, this exhibition is proving to be a real draw for people visiting Winchester.

“It is an honour for Hampshire County Council to host such an internationally renowned artist and the 13th century Great Hall provides a unique venue which just adds to the ambiance.”

The sound installation allows the listener to immerse themselves in the music, sung by Salisbury Cathedral Choir.

People,can either listen to individual voices by each speaker or sit in the middle of the hall and have the whole sound wash over them.

To complement the exhibition, local schools, the Hampshire Music Service, local choral groups and students will be joining up to provide an innovative and largely improvised performance based on the theme of hope and using Thomas Tallis’ ‘Spem in Alium’ as their inspiration.

The performance takes place on Thursday March 10 at 6.30pm in the Great Hall and tickets cost £5.