Malus domestica (Domestic Apple)

These recordings were made by Anne Yoncha using a contact microphone strapped to the branches of several 130-year-old apple trees on site at Moon-Randolph Homestead, Missoula Montana USA, Summer 2025. The recordings were made as part of an artist residency with Open AIR culminating in a project “stretch-rift-graft-lift” reconsidering trees as collaborators and composers of a series of 12 graphic and non-traditional scores.

1. One of the orchard trees in spring. 2. Participants in a workshop “Improvisations with Trees”, led by Anne Yoncha, made and performed graphic scores documenting each bite of an apple as a measure of music, and performed the scores antiphonally in the orchard on kazoo. Images: Anne Yoncha

130 year old apple trees, including some rare and unknown varieties.

Malus domestica is defined as a deciduous species of apple belonging to the Rosaceae family, primarily cultivated in temperate zones and consumed fresh or in food products. It is notable for its eco-physiological properties that allow it to survive in cold environments, especially during frost events. Source: Science Direct

Information about the site

Additional video artworks by Anne Yoncha produced during summer 2025 in residency with the orchard

Anne Yoncha online