Description
A Sermon in Space: Sound, Image, and Presence
Created in collaboration with resident artist of Arts, Letters & Numbers Adriannos Efthymiadis, with co-collaborator Jacksun Bein, this unique program invites audiences into a contemplative, immersive listening experience within the historic sanctuary of Mount Ida.
The evening is structured as a one-hour program of two consecutive works—one by Efthymiadis and one by David Gersten—each unfolding over approximately 25–30 minutes. Rooted in the tradition of chamber works and madrigals, these pieces are designed for intimate spaces and close listening, where voice, breath, and silence take precedence over spectacle.
The program begins with a seated acoustic work: a pre-recorded poem or sermon unfolds through the space, inviting the audience into a shared moment of attention and reflection. As the piece progresses, subtle visual elements—text, images, and drawings—may quietly appear in the room, creating a gentle dialogue between sound and space.
The sermon draws inspiration from Richard Selzer, a celebrated surgeon and writer born and raised in Troy. Known for his deeply reflective essays on medicine, the body, and mortality, Selzer’s work bridges science and art—informing the program’s attention to breath, vulnerability, and the unseen interior of the human experience.
The sanctuary itself becomes an active participant. Sound is shaped by the architecture—held, echoed, and transformed—so that the space is not simply a setting, but part of the composition. Rather than moving through an exhibition, the audience remains seated as the environment subtly shifts, forming a temporary, time-bound installation that exists only for the duration of the performance.
This is a quiet, immersive experience—part performance, part exhibition—centered on listening, presence, and the resonance between voice, body, and space.
Event is Pay-what you can with a suggested donation of $15.
Date & Time
Sun, Apr 12, 2026 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Venue Details
Mount Ida Preservation Hall
548 Congress StreetTroy, New York 12180
