I can't get to an event in Massachusetts, but this performance, taking place on Friday, January 27, 2023 looks interesting:
The size and scale of this immersive performance is unprecedented. Unlike at a traditional orchestra concert, there is no divide between the musicians and the audience. Instead, twelve string quintets will be arranged in a large circle, resembling a clock, in a 10,000 square foot theater. The participants will navigate the space walking their way around and through the piece on an emotional and temporal journey. Just as they each experienced the pandemic individually, they will traverse the music from their own unique perspectives, all with different instruments.
“Once the world reopened we all threw ourselves back into normal life because we were so eager to move past the pain of 2020,” said Murray Hidary. “Now, we’re asking the audience to look back to those early moments of uncertainty and chaos, to join the musicians on an emotional journey, and hopefully, rediscover healing and light.”
Hidary intends this to be a collective, cathartic and healing journey with the music acting as the soundtrack tracing the arc of the pandemic. The work explores the emotional challenges of this period as it navigates the feelings of uncertainty, fear, isolation, and collective longing for connection that were so prevalent at the height of the COVID-19 quarantine period.
There's also a big sound installation that has already been installed and will be at MassMoCA for some time. More details at MassMoCA's web site. It's already at capacity, but folks often don't turn up even with they've got tickets.
1 comment:
The only large-scale multiple-performing-group event I've been to was Lisa Bielawa's Crissy Broadcast. This was outdoors in Crissy Field in San Francisco, so the acoustics will doubtlessly be different from the event you're describing. It was an interesting experience, but despite plans and expectations it did not work sonically at all.
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