In the nonconformist spirit of the SoNoRo festivals, L’heure bleue – An Immersive Experience at the MINA Museum is a groundbreaking project developed in collaboration with the museum and an international team of neuroscience researchers.
The complex sensory experience is scheduled for September 26 and 27, 2024, with performances at 6:00 PM and 8:30 PM. It aims to redefine the conventional classical concert, synergistically merging science and art.
The talented Ion Cotenescu crafts the visual environment for this event, while violist Răzvan Popovici and pianist Diana Ketler will deliver the artistic performances.
This event promises to be a multi-sensory experience, blending auditory, visual, and olfactory stimuli in a unique and deeply memorable context.
Multisensory Experience
This unique immersive event will combine:
- Auditory experiences through live performances of classical works by composers such as Louis Vierne, Edward Elgar, Maurice Ravel, and George Enescu.
- Visual projections of art pieces from masters like Hokusai, Cézanne, El Greco, and Van Gogh, meticulously selected to evoke harmony and aesthetic pleasure.
- Olfactory stimuli, releasing controlled aromas into the environment to complement the auditory and visual experiences.
Scientific Approach of L’heure bleue
The immersive experience is deeply rooted in neuroscience, developed in collaboration with experts such as Dragoș Cîrneci, Robert Zgarbură, and Florin Sebastian Piscociu.
Neuroscientific studies have shown that complex, unpredictable stimuli activate diverse neural networks, including the prefrontal cortex, parietal cortex, and limbic system regions.
The scientific research behind L’heure bleue draws on neuroaesthetics, a field that examines the biological basis of artistic experiences. Studies in this field reveal that certain visual features, like symmetry and harmonious proportions, activate the brain’s reward systems. These principles will be applied in real-time during the concert, using visual projections designed to stimulate specific areas of the brain associated with pleasure and cognitive processing.
The Neuroscience of Multisensory Integration
The simultaneous presentation of sound, visuals, and aromas will be meticulously synchronized based on principles of multisensory integration. Research shows that when sensory inputs align coherently, the brain processes them as a unified perceptual experience, activating regions like the superior temporal sulcus (STS), auditory cortex, and visual cortex. This synchronization enhances the overall emotional and cognitive experience, allowing the audience to be fully immersed in the performance.
To further engage the brain, unexpected stimuli (auditory, visual, and olfactory) will be introduced at key moments during the event, creating „cognitive exclamation points” that enhance focus and deepen the emotional connection with the music. Including olfactory elements strengthens memory retention, allowing attendees to recall the experience more clearly.
The Olfactory Component
Olfactory artist Ami Lungu brings her expertise in natural essences and aroma creation to the event. Her innovative approach to scent design will add a new dimension to the immersive experience, enhancing the emotional and cognitive impact of the music. Ami’s creations are inspired by nature, botany, and the history of civilizations, blending aesthetics with therapeutic effects.
Neuroimaging Research
In collaboration with Mindlifeline, the event will also include a scientific research component using electroencephalography (EEG) to measure participants’ brain activity before and after the immersive experience. This non-invasive technique will provide insights into how the brain processes multisensory stimuli, contributing valuable data to the field of immersive technologies and their impact on human perception.
L’heure bleue – The Performers
The concert will be led by Răzvan Popovici and Diana Ketler, both internationally acclaimed musicians. The pieces are carefully selected to evoke the beauty and nostalgia of twilight, featuring works by Claude Debussy, Frank Bridge, Rebecca Clarke, and Jules Massenet, among others. Combined with the multisensory setup, their performances will provide therapeutic benefits, offering the audience a mental and emotional transformative experience.
The concert draws inspiration from the „blue hour” of twilight, a time known for its emotional depth and contemplative nature, which has historically inspired artists across various mediums.
L’heure bleue Playlist
L’heure bleue – An Immersive Experience at the MINA Museum promises to be a groundbreaking event that bridges art, science, and technology. It offers an innovative platform for exploring how classical music can be experienced in a deeply engaging, multisensory environment. By integrating visual, auditory, and olfactory elements in real-time, the project opens new horizons for both artistic expression and scientific research, enriching the cultural landscape of Romania and beyond.
Tickets for L’heure bleue are available here.
