Noon to Midnight: An Artistic Journey at Walt Disney Concert Hall

In a remarkable blend of music and art, the LA Philharmonic is set to host the Noon to Midnight: Field Recordings event at the Walt Disney Concert Hall on Sunday, November 16. This unique event, spanning from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m., offers attendees an extraordinary opportunity to immerse themselves in a day-long celebration of artistic expression. Unlike traditional concerts, this event promises a diverse array of artistic mediums, with the highlight being the premiere of the multimedia show Lightscape by renowned artist Doug Aitken. Curated by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Ellen Reid, the event is meticulously crafted to provide an unparalleled experience for all attendees.

The genesis of Lightscape can be traced back to a successful collaboration in 2017, culminating in its conceptualization in 2020. This ambitious project, a collaboration between Aitken, the LA Philharmonic, and the LA Master Chorale, aims to transform downtown Los Angeles into a vibrant realm of introspection and artistic liberation. The Walt Disney Concert Hall serves as the world premiere venue for Lightscape, a fitting stage for Aitken’s exploration of existential questions through multiple mediums, including film. The project is complemented by minimalist compositions from a diverse group of artists, enhancing its cinematic nature.

Exploring the Sonic Landscape

The event features a myriad of sonic experiences, including the Cloud Orchestra, an audio installation that creates a collage of field recordings, artificial birds, synthesizers, and acoustic instruments. This immersive experience allows the audience to craft their unique sound collages using custom-produced vinyl and magnetic tape. The installation includes several reel-to-reel recorders, adding layers to the soundscape.

Another standout feature is Threshold Music, an ambient soundscape for the WDCH Garden designed with kinetic wind chimes. Drawing from the pioneering concepts of Erik Satie’s “musique d’ameublement” and Hiroshi Yoshimura’s Kanky? Ongaku, this piece recontextualizes the sounds of the city, drawing listeners through space and creating a live field recording in the ear of the visitor. The work invites careful listening and fosters a sense of solidarity with the shared landscape.

Initiated in a prior year, the Mobile Microphone series investigates innovative methods for capturing surrounding auditory experiences. Led by Ka, this series of tours throughout the Walt Disney Concert Hall allows attendees to engage in real-time listening practices, capturing the sounds of the environment with various mobile microphones.

Artistic Collaborations and Premieres

The event showcases a plethora of artistic collaborations and premieres, including Tidal Resonance by Lachlan Turczan, a kinetic sculpture that explores the intersection of sound, water, and light. This piece features a small pool of water shaped into a liquid lens, with sound vibrations sculpting the water’s surface into mesmerizing waveforms. The installation sheds light on the delicate balance between light and sound, inviting spectators to perceive the engaging interaction of these forces.

Part of a series examining the primal spherical representation of water, the Dew Point IV installation captures the seamless flow of droplets, mirroring the essential rhythms of water and embodying its intrinsic drive toward core unity within nature’s cycles.

The event also includes a video piece by Mercedes Dorame, a versatile artist who taps into her Tongva roots to address cultural creation and ancestral ties to both earth and sky. This installation includes a looped video with greetings in the Tongva Language, offering a profound reflection on identity and heritage.

Our Advice on the City

For those planning to attend the Noon to Midnight event, it is advisable to arrive early and plan your day to fully experience the diverse range of performances and installations. The event offers a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of music and art, with food trucks and a beer garden available throughout the day to enhance your experience.

For expert travelers, consider extending your stay in Los Angeles to explore the city’s vibrant art scene further. Visit the Marciano Art Foundation, where Lightscape will be showcased from December 17 to March 15, 2024. This extension allows for a deeper appreciation of the artistic endeavors that make Los Angeles a hub of creativity and innovation.