Micaelle Lages

Symphony of a Ritual

Symphony of a Ritualā€‹

Brooklyn, NY
2024

CREATIVE CODE

LIVE

AUDIOVISUAL

Roles: Conceptual Artist, Performer

Symphony of a Ritual is an interactive piece conducted by a live performance, designed to immerse audiences in a captivating exploration of music and ritual. Inspired by the ethos of theĀ International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression (NIME), which fosters innovation and experimentation in music and technology, this artwork introduces a new instrument.

Symphony of a Ritual serves as a novel instrument for creating music, drawing inspiration from the pioneering works of artists like John Cage. Evoking the symbolic imagery of rituals found across diverse traditions, from paganism to ceremonial practices, the piece incorporates elements such as candles and tarot cards to evoke a sense of mystique and transcendence.

Using a depth camera, each object placed on the table triggers a distinct musical note or sample based on its position, transforming the performance space into a dynamic musical canvas. As the performer manipulates these objects in real-time, an impromptu symphony unfolds, guided by the ritualistic movements and symbolism in each gesture.

Much like participating in a ritual, audience members become integral to the experience, engaging with the immersive atmosphere and contributing to the unfolding symphony through their presence and engagement. No performance is similar to a previous one, making every performance unique.