Tangram: Divine Intimacies

Inspired by one of the earliest texts of Chinese philosophy, Divine Intimacies explores how nearly a thousand years of musical thought can be translated into contemporary sound.

During the performance, hexagrams from the ancient Chinese text I-Ching (The Book of Changes) will be generated in real time. These combinations of Yin and Yang guide a series of structured improvisations between the musicians, shaping the music and allowing each performance to take a different path.

Music by Kaija Saariaho, Isang Yun and Kazuo Fukushima appears alongside medieval chant by Hildegard von Bingen, ancient Chinese ritual music and newly arranged historical repertoire. Though separated by time and geography, these works share a fascination with resonance, stillness and the forces that shape the natural world.

The musicians will be surrounded by a responsive LED installation created by artist Ke Peng, with visuals by Chang Meng. Light shifts across the performance, forming a changing visual landscape around the musicians.

The concert will finish at approximately 8pm. Please note this performance may include loud sound effects, flashing or strobe‑style lighting and the use of haze.

Programme

Trad Trad Live Improvisations based on I Ching
Trad Wind and Thunder Drumming
John Cage Four³ (excerpt)
Toshio Hosokawa Small Chant
Johann Sebastian Bach arr Daniel Shao Partita in G minor BWV 1004 – Sarabanda
Kaija Saariaho Six Japanese Gardens: I and IV (excerpts)
Yang Yong River Song
Hildegard von Bingen arr Alex Ho O vis eternitatis

Performers

Daniel Shao flute
Peng Cheng erhu
Garwyn Linnell cello
Beibei Wang percussion
PK Installation
Chang Meng Visuals