Hydroacoustics
A festival for the scientific and artistic exploration of the subject of reverb in Berlin’s unique water reservoirs
1+2 October 2021 | Doors 19:00 | Starts 20:00 CET
3 October 2021 | Free entry | 12-18:00 CET
Großer Wasserspeicher, Belforter Strasse
Kleiner Wasserspeicher, Diedenhofer Straße
10405 Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg
3 October 2021 | Free entry | 12-18:00 CET
Großer Wasserspeicher, Belforter Strasse
Kleiner Wasserspeicher, Diedenhofer Straße
10405 Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg
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 crypt-like column and vault structure, has relatively e ven reverberation times of 4 to 6 seconds.
Hydroacoustics will be one of the first festivals to deal scientifically and artistically with the subject of reverb. We have commissioned four composers to work with the unique acoustic conditions to develop site-specific compositions. The pieces will be 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.
After the live presentations in an acousmatic setting, the reservoirs will open for free to visitors as walk-in installations (Sunday, 03.10). Everyone, including families with children, will then have the opportunity to explore these unique spaces and experience the compositions.
After the live presentations in an acousmatic setting, the reservoirs will open for free to visitors as walk-in installations (Sunday, 03.10). Everyone, including families with children, will then have the opportunity to explore these unique spaces and experience the compositions.

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