Aural Spaces
A new dimension to live music experience in 4DSOUND
From 12 to 15 December, the music festival with 4D sound experience Aural Spaces returns to the Recital Hall of The Concertgebouw. Aural Spaces offers visitors a rare and unique audiovisual experience, a special combination of tradition and innovation, and an adventurous exploration of music and sound.
The characteristic red plush chairs make way for a 4DSOUND installation, consisting of more than forty speakers spread throughout the entire space, including among the audience. Classical acoustic methods are combined with the modern technology of 4DSOUND, further increasing the possibilities of aural experience.
This event offers a dynamic musical experience that easily transcends all conventions of a concert. Visitors can move freely through the oval space and create their own listening experience, while creators unleash their boundless vision and expressiveness on the spatial possibilities of 4DS technology. Aural Spaces presents a four-day program accessible to everyone of live concerts, listening sessions, musical meditations, masterclasses, workshops and more.
This program is an initiative of Concertvrienden and Entrée in collaboration with 4DSOUND and FIBER Festival.
The programme
This year, Aural Spaces significantly expands the range of artists and activities. Some of the names on the programme are familiar with the 4DS sound system, while other artists intuitively and playfully build on existing work using this cutting-edge technology. During this edition, electronic producer Loraine James, multimedia artist James Allister Sprang, percussionist Dominique Vleeshouwers, string ensemble Alma Quartet and Danish cellist CTM will perform unique works that further explore the possibilities of 4DS technology. The lighting design is provided by artist Nick Verstand.
Some programme components – in particular the listening sessions Low Stimuli and Seeing with your Ears – are tailored to people with auditory, visual or physical disabilities. All components form a special meeting of art and human interactions.
Tickets for the programme components are available separately. Do you want to experience Aural Spaces to the fullest? Then order a ticket for a concert and a listening session. Are you on a budget and would you like to visit the festival? There are a number of tickets available at a reduced rate.
“Everything you do is music, and everywhere is the best seat” – John Cage
The space as an instrument
Aural Spaces is a cultural festival that came from an initiative between Concertvrienden and Entrée, in collaboration with 4DSOUND and FIBER Festival. The first edition of Aural Spaces took place in 2022, with the objective of literally using the space in the Recital Hall as an instrument.
The possibilities of 4DS technology are tested by initiating exciting cross-pollinations with musicians, audiovisual artists and makers. The aim is to explore new experiences of sound, to establish a bond between the audience and the artist, and forge connections between the visitors themselves. In addition to live concerts, Aural Spaces organizes listening sessions, masterclasses and workshops, where unique, often unexpected interactions are given free rein.
Aural Spaces is all about discovering, stimulating and investigating. This event is deliberately more intimate and accessible than your average indoor festival. The oval-shaped Recital Hall normally has room for 425 seats, which are removed for the festival. However, the visitor capacity during Aural Spaces is lower than at a normal concert. With a maximum of 175 seats, attendees can fully experience the spatial experiences of the 4DS system.
About Concertvrienden
Concertvrienden is an association for people who want to be involved with The Concertgebouw and the Concertgebouw Orchestra. The association is open to all ages, with a clear distinction between two groups. Young people up to 35 years old can join the youth club Entrée, while Concertvrienden is available for people aged 35 and older. Concertvrienden is also the publisher of Preludium, the monthly magazine for lovers of classical music.
About 4DSOUND
4DSOUND is an Amsterdam-based studio focusing on spatial sound as a creative medium. For over a decade, they have been pioneering the design of advanced spatial audio software and omnidirectional sound systems. Through the development of bespoke technology and their close collaborations with innovative artists, the studio fosters a dynamic international network of creatives, engineers, studios, and institutions within the fields of music, art, education, and research.
About FIBER Festival
FIBER Festival is an Amsterdam-based festival and platform for contemporary digital culture, audiovisual art and progressive music culture. Through the lens of art, FIBER reflects on the ever-changing impact of technology on society and the planet. They explore these topics collectively through lectures, installation art, clubnights and by showing groundbreaking artistic processes to a broad audience.
