Hundreds of illuminated drones bathed the Elbphilharmonie into a wave of light
2 May 2022: Full Video of the spectacular art performance now online
Press Release
The artists’ duo DRIFT has created a work of art especially for the Elbphilharmonie that bathed the western corner of the building in a light show in the form of waves. Hundreds of drones danced to the second movement of the Piano Concerto by Thomas Adès, which was already performed at the Elbphilharmonie's fifth-anniversary concert on 11 January 2022; »Breaking Waves« was originally planned for this occasion. The full video of the spectacular performance on Thursday is now online.
Lonneke Gordijn and Ralph Nauta of the artist duo DRIFT have created an artwork that makes the striking exterior of the Elbphilharmonie shine in a new light. With the choreography of the swarm of drones around the Elbphilharmonie, DRIFT seeks to establish a connection between the movement of the river water and the sounds inside the concert hall. »The work is a conversation between the building and the moving light drones. It is an attempt to build a moment of connection between humans, machine and the environment« says Lonneke Gordijn. The artists drew inspiration for the light installation, which was originally planned for the Elbphilharmonie’s fifth birthday, from the second movement of the Piano Concerto by Thomas Adès, the central piece in the anniversary concert on 11 January.
»Breaking Waves« was planned in close coordination with the Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe Hamburg, which is dedicating a four-month solo exhibition to the artist duo. The exhibition is running until 8 May 2022 (»DRIFT: Moments of Connection«).
The installation was supported by Freundeskreis Elbphilharmonie + Laeiszhalle e.V. First and foremost, the Freundeskreis supports musical projects in the Elbphilharmonie and Laeiszhalle, and facilitates active participation in concert life for its members.
»Breaking Waves« was also organised in cooperation with Superblue.
29 April
On Thursday evening, thousands of people gathered in the Port of Hamburg to see the light installation »Breaking Waves« around the Elbphilharmonie by the Dutch artist duo DRIFT. Hundreds of illuminated drones danced around the iconic concert hall following the opening concert of the Hamburg International Music Festival with the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra and Joseph Haydn’s »Creation«. Boat tour companies put on special night trips on the Elbe River for the event. The installation can be viewed here.
Lonneke Gordijn and Ralph Nauta of the artist duo DRIFT have created an artwork that makes the striking exterior of the Elbphilharmonie shine in a new light. With the choreography of the swarm of drones around the Elbphilharmonie, DRIFT seeks to establish a connection between the movement of the river water and the sounds inside the concert hall. »The work is a conversation between the building and the moving light drones. It is an attempt to build a moment of connection between humans, machine and the environment« says Lonneke Gordijn. The artists drew inspiration for the light installation, which was originally planned for the Elbphilharmonie’s fifth birthday, from the second movement of the Piano Concerto by Thomas Adès, the central piece in the anniversary concert on 11 January. »Breaking Waves« was planned in close coordination with the Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe Hamburg, which is dedicating a four-month solo exhibition to the artist duo. The exhibition is running until 8 May 2022 (»DRIFT: Moments of Connection«).
The second concert with Joseph Haydn’s oratorio »The Creation« on 29 April will be broadcast live in the Elbphilharmonie Mediatheque. Alan Gilbert will conduct the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra. The soloists are Christina Landshamer (soprano), Benjamin Hulett (tenor), and Benjamin Appl (baritone). They are joined by the NDR Vokalensemble and the WDR Rundfunkchor.
Christoph Lieben-Seutter, General and Artistic Director of the Elbphilharmonie and Laeiszhalle Hamburg: »We are delighted that, thanks to the good weather, far more people had the opportunity to participate in this extraordinary project than would have been the case on the originally scheduled date in January. I viewed the light installation from the water yesterday – it was a great thrill to see the Elbphilharmonie staged in such a spectacular manner. I would like to thank everyone involved for the successful cooperation.«
Dr Carsten Brosda, Senator for Culture and Media: »With Breaking Waves, the internationally renowned artist duo Studio Drift has created an impressive installation that blends music and visual arts, nature and technology, concert hall and the Elbe, to create one total work of art. Breaking Waves seizes on the Elbphilharmonie’s unique location in an inspired way and makes us aware of the world’s fragility and beauty. It is the result of creative collaboration in the cultural city of Hamburg. With Breaking Waves, Hamburg is sending an unforgettable image out to the world, which is also a warm invitation to come and experience the cultural city of Hamburg in all its diversity in person.«
»Breaking Waves« was planned in close coordination with the Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe Hamburg, which is dedicating a four-month solo exhibition to the artist duo. The exhibition is running until 8 May 2022 (»DRIFT: Moments of Connection«).
The installation is supported by Freundeskreis Elbphilharmonie + Laeiszhalle e.V. First and foremost, the Freundeskreis supports musical projects in the Elbphilharmonie and Laeiszhalle, and facilitates active participation in concert life for its members.
»Breaking Waves« is also organised in cooperation with Superblue.
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