Asko|Schönberg and Boris Acket

A large canopy hangs like a protective veil over musicians and audience alike—a space of calm and shelter. In Shelter by David Lang, Julia Wolfe, and Michael Gordon, music and scenography merge into an experience where time and space begin to dissolve. The rhythmic pulse of Asko|Schönberg resonates like a heartbeat beneath the fabric, while Boris Acket’s lighting subtly moves in sync. Sound becomes tangible, and space turns into music. Not a traditional holiday celebration, but a moment of surrender—to sound, surroundings, and a shared experience. Boris Acket (1988) is a contemporary artist, composer, and director working across music, installation, performance, and film. His interdisciplinary projects explore nature, technology, and sensory experience. He has collaborated with Joep Beving, Colin Benders, and 4DSOUND, and presented work at STRP, ADE, and Holland Festival. Asko|Schönberg is the leading ensemble for new music in the Netherlands. Known for innovative programming, they present contemporary music in many forms—from chamber concerts to large-scale music theatre—and collaborate closely with composers, creators, and audiences.