YANA: An Andean Journey into Darkness, Immersive Performance by Ati Cachimuel and Collaborators

YANA (darkness) is a musical piece written by Kichwa Otavalo composer Ati Cachimuel. This piece reflects, from a sonorous perspective, the musical tradition from the Andes which combines everyday sounds and noises. The use of traditional instruments such as wind instruments made from bamboo reeds and ceramic pre-Columbian instruments interface with programmers to experiment with the creation of a new form of conceiving of Andean music. 

YANA is based on a mythic being that exists in Kichwa culture as the foundation for the narrative thread behind the musical creation. This mythic being is present in the most important festivity for Andean populations—the Inti Raymi—as the spirit in charge of balancing the energies of this world. 

As a musical proposal, YANA involves two primary contributors: an Andean musician (panpipes, wind instruments, pre-Columbian instruments, and synthesizer) and a programmer (MAX/MSP). The use of this instrumental format aims to create frequencies that generate regenerative and healing sensations, similar to those felt during the Inti Raymi celebration. Beyond this, working in collaboration with ACCAD, the goal is to expand YANA into a multidisciplinary and sensorial piece that includes visual projections, dance, and olfactory stimulation. 

Where: Tuesday, 4/23, 4:00-6:00 PM | Sullivant Hall, Rm 350 (Motion Lab)