Lost in Translation : To what extent can sign language be used to translate the meaning of the text for hearing audiences in classical vocal music?

Abstract: The purpose of this project is to examine the extent to which sign language can be used as a means of communicating the text for hearing audiences attending classical vocal recitals. The project discusses historical practices for providing text translation of classical repertoire sung in foreign languages and gives an account of the increasing popularity of sign language interpretation for hearing audiences within the contemporary, commercial music industry. A trial performance is undertaken in order to examine the effectiveness of the idea in the context of classical vocal music. Feedback is gathered from the audience and singer’s perspective during performance and through observations made by studying the video documenting the performance.