Sonic Architecture – sound, space and resonance in the Observatoriebeholderen

What does a space sound like when it almost never lets go of sound?

For the very first time, the underground Observatoriebeholderen (a former water reservoir) by Ole Rømer Observatory opens as a concert venue. Here, award-winning percussionist Ying-Hsueh Chen invites audiences to experience ’Sonic Architecture’ – a unique concert where music and architecture merge.

The former water reservoir from the 1930s contains 5,000 m³ of raw concrete and has a reverberation time of up to 40 seconds. Here, the space is not simply a setting for the music – it becomes an active part of it, as every strike, resonance and moment of silence is shaped by the monumental surroundings.

The concert is part of the ’Sonic Architecture’ series, which explores the relationship between sound, materials and architecture in some of Denmark’s most remarkable historic spaces.

Step inside a hidden piece of Aarhus history and immerse yourself in sound, space and resonance. With only a very limited number of tickets available, this is a rare and intimate concert experience.

Participants
Composer and performer: Ying-Hsueh Chen
Lighting design: Sebastian Frese Bülow

Supported by
Augustinus Fonden, Koda Kultur, the Danish Arts Foundation, Hoffmann og Husmans Fond and Aage og Johanne Louis-Hansens Fond.

Practical information
Venue: Observatoriebeholderen, Observatorievej 1B, 8000 Aarhus C
Duration: Approx. 40 minutes

We recommend arriving 30 minutes before the concert begins.

Accessibility
Unfortunately, the concert is not accessible for wheelchair users or visitors with reduced mobility, as the staircase leading down to the Observatoriebeholderen is very steep.