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Unheard-of: Fire Ecologies//Environmental Responses [Brooklyn, NY]

  • 2 19th Street Brooklyn, NY, 11232 United States (map)

Join Unheard-of Ensemble and the Gowanus Dredgers for the paddle-in New York premiere of full-length version of Fire Ecologies, a unique musical and visual experience that explores American landscapes through the lens of climate change. Yes, it’s literally on the Gowanus Canal!

Composer Christopher Stark and multimedia artist Zlatko Ćosić embarked on a journey across the United States capturing audio and video for this multimedia experience. The work incorporates images of the 2020 California wildfires along with imagery from Chris's trip across Montana, Oregon, and California as well as parts of Colorado. Zlatko has gathered footage from the American heartland surrounding Missouri as well as long form explorations of nature surrounding St. Louis. In addition to Fire Ecologies, the ensemble will open the program with Cassie Wieland’s to live in static with the in-person premiere of projections by Xuan created in 2020.

The audience can immerse themselves in the experience on the Gowanus, enjoying the program from on land or on water. Limited boat access and on-water support are provided by The Gowanus Dredgers. Attendees may arrive in their own vessels, as well. Adverse weather may postpone the event.

This premiere performance takes place on the Gowanus Canal, near the Gowanus Dredgers Bunker near 19th Street. Specific location details will be provided to all ticket holders in advance of the event. Arrive before 8pm for canoe reservations. A brief pre-concert talk will happen at 8pm with Christopher Stark and our project partners in the Gowanus Dredgers.

Christopher Stark's Fire Ecologies commission has been made possible by the Chamber Music America Classical Commissioning Program, with generous funding provided by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Fire Ecologies//Environmental Responses is sponsored, in part, by the Greater New York Arts Development Fund of the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, administered by Brooklyn Arts Council. We would like to thank The Puffin Foundation for their support of this performance.

Free event, register here.