Artists’ Vocal Ensemble (AVE), under the direction of Jonathan Dimmock, is excited to present a Sound Bath event at Grace Cathedral, engaging its 10 member professional singers with three instrumentalists performing on world instruments, plus organ improvisations by Jonathan Dimmock. Sound Bath events have been occurring with some regularity in the Bay Area for the past few years, modeled on the “Liegen-konzerten” concept from Europe (where the audience is given the option of lying on a mat); but this is the first known concert, anywhere in the world, to include choral music from the early Renaissance and modern (minimalist) periods within that context. Composers range from Taverner to Tavener, and include Sheppard, Morales, Gregorio, Nystedt, Oldham, and Pärt.
Grace Cathedral’s sonic ambience is especially well-suited to this endeavor as it creates a sound cloud of reverberation which envelops the listener. By lying down with eyes closed, the cognitive aspects of listening to a concert are removed, paving the way for a somatic experience. The effect is calming, and enhances the possibility of entering into a state of contemplation / meditation.
It is the aim of AVE to provide a way of listening to sacred choral music outside of a liturgical context, but still remaining true to its intent, namely to be a catalyst to enable inner transformation.
Tickets are available through Eventbrite
