Mihalis Shammas is a sound artist and designer from Cyprus, based in The Hague (NL). His work is driven by an urge to create narrative objects and tools for musical expression. It spans over instrument making, performance, sound sculpture and installation work. In all these areas, he explores movement and sound by animating simple materials, manifesting tensions between mechanical and chaotic systems. His artifacts, often complex and delicate structures, become mediums for unique listening experiences.
For his performance at Äänitaiteen Seura Mihalis is playing The Lyraei; an electromagnetic string instrument that merges the worlds of modular electronics and traditional chordophones.
At the core of the instrument, an electronic brain generates magnetic pulses that excite the steel strings, driving them into continuous oscillations. Their motions, amplified by a set of handmade pickups, transform into massive, mesmerizing drones. Best experienced in a live setting, the Lyraei guides the audience into a hypnotizing journey through dense sonic tapestries.
When playing, one can shape the individual magnetic pulses with precision, or allow the signals to flow into each other in unpredictable ways. The complexities in its circuitry are reflected in the textures of its sound, as the strings are constantly wavering between chaotic motion and natural resonance. These conflicts between its electronic and mechanical state give it its signature timbre.
The Lyraei is a drone machine;
an instrument for vertical time.
https://mihalisshammas.com/
https://mihalisshammas.bandcamp.com/album/immersions
ig: @mihalisshammas
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This concert is realized with the kind support of TAIKE & Hotelli Katajanokka.
FREE ENTRANCE
Doors open at 19.00, concert starts at 20.00.
Welcome to be amongst like-minded people and enjoy a variety of donation based tasty drinks before the concert in our charming venue.