We live in a period of social and political friction. Our daily lives are spent in a kind of struggle: rush, competition in various fields, striving towards set goals, and satisfying our own needs are coupled with living in fear, uncertainty about our families, friends, or homeland, and a growing sense of powerlessness and emptiness. Interpersonal relationships, both in professional and private life, are increasingly shaped and regulated on a daily basis by extreme emotions that clash to a greater or lesser extent.

My composition addresses this topic. Using musical-performative means, including friction as the dominant sound material, it reflects the complex character of contemporary multicultural European society, while also referring to Chinese culture/tradition in the title.

The piece incorporates recordings of individuals between the ages of 25 and 40, permanently residing in Europe, but originating from Ukraine, Russia, Israel, Iran, Australia, and Poland.

Anna Sowa