Walking inside a moving symphony
Composer transforms Beijing into a groundbreaking fusion of sound, space and human connection, Chen Nan reports.
That early concept evolved into City of Floating Sounds, which premiered in June 2024 at Factory International, Manchester's new cultural venue. Now, for its Beijing debut, Huang expands the experience into a citywide event, where audiences literally become part of the music itself, weaving their footsteps and presence into its texture.
The production consists of two segments. The outdoor segment unfolds across five distinct routes near the NCPA, guiding participants through some of Beijing's most iconic landmarks. From the historic Zhengyangmen on Beijing's Central Axis to the vibrant commercial area of Qianmen, the cultural streets of Liulichang, and the winding hutong alleys, each route offers a unique sonic experience.
Participants will use their mobile devices to access a designated mini-app that plays the music. Each person will be randomly assigned a different musical track, becoming a piece of the larger "puzzle "that completes the symphony.
