Hydroacoustics w/ Lucy Railton, Rabih Beaini, Sven Helbig and Marta Forsberg | 1-3.10.2021

The 150 year-old underground water reservoirs in Berlin Prenzlauer Berg are a unique industrial landmark in Europe. The larger reservoir features five concentric circles around a tower. The reverberation time in the outer ring of the water reservoir is up to 18 seconds, shortening towards the inner rings. The smaller reservoir, with its column and vault structure reminiscent of a crypt, has relatively even reverberation times of 4 to 6 seconds.

Hydroacoustics was one of the first festivals to deal scientifically and artistically with the subject of reverb. The festival, in October 2021, commissioned four composers who worked with the unique acoustic conditions to develop site-specific compositions. The pieces were premiered and recorded live.

We have invited German composer Sven Helbig, British born, Berlin-based cellist Lucy Railton, Lebanese-born musician, DJ and curator Rabih Beaini and Swedish-Polish composer, sound artist Marta Forsberg. The sold out festival was a big success with more than 700 visitors in 3 days. Here are some festival impressions by Roland Owsnitzki.

After days of writing and experimentation, Sven Helbig, Marta Forsberg, Lucy Railton, and Rabih Beaini made marvelous site-specific compositions. After the live presentations in an acousmatic setting, the reservoirs was open for free to visitors as walk-in installations. So everyone, including families with children had the opportunity all day on the Sunday to explore these unique spaces and experience the compositions.

Due to the high amount of ticket requests, we decided for your safety, and to give more people the chance to enjoy the show, to make 2 concert sessions for each day. You will receive your Hydroacoustics schedule with your E-ticket. Tickets are only valid for this schedule.

Hydroacoustics — Festival for scientific and artistic exploration of the subject of reverb, in Berlin’s unique water reservoirs.

Friday, 1. October 2021 | Session 1
18:30 CET | Kleiner Wasserspeicher: Marta Forsberg
19:30 CET | Großer Wasserspeicher: Sven Helbig
Friday, 1. October 2021 | Session 2
20:30 CET | Kleiner Wasserspeicher: Marta Forsberg
21:30 CET | Großer Wasserspeicher: Sven Helbig
Saturday, 2. October 2021 | Session 1
18:30 CET | Kleiner Wasserspeicher: Rabih Beaini
19:30 CET | Großer Wasserspeicher: Lucy Railton
Saturday, 2. October 2021 | Session 2
20:30 CET | Großer Wasserspeicher: Rabih Beaini
21:30 CET | Kleiner Wasserspeicher: Lucy Railton
Sunday, 3. October 2021
Open doors, free entry | 14-18:00 CET

Großer und kleiner Wasserspeicher | Belforter Strasse in 10405 Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg
hydroacoustics.de | Event @ Facebook | Tickets


Hydroacoustics ist ein Projekt von Digital in Berlin. Kuratiert von Michael Rosen und gefördert vom Musikfonds e. V. mit Projektmitteln der Beauftragten der Bundesregierung für Kultur und Medien im Rahmen des Sonderprogramms Neustart Kultur. Präsentiert von The Wire und taz, die tageszeitung.