“Sonic Mirage” is a 30-minute collaborative performance program by the SM Performance Ensemble.

The conflict of coexistence between acoustic and artificial sonic materials has long been explored and studied by the pioneers of electronic music, from the early Musique Concrète and Elektronische Musik compositions to modern-day sonic arts. This sonic conflict, boasting vastly different-yet-so-similar sound sources, still fascinates sonic venturers to these days. The developed digital algorithms have allowed us to create a complex modeling system of acoustic systems, and similarly, the extension of musical instruments has also allowed us to imitate the most complex synthesis algorithms.

The SM Performance ensemble will explore the various auditory illusion phenomena by manipulating sonic particles from acoustic and electronic sources in the digital realm. The program features the performers in ensemble and solo settings for the sonic presentation by each member of the ensemble.

To this end, we ponder about the complex relationship between humans and machines –

What is the role of technology to the artist?

Who is the collaborator or antagonist?

When we lose our chance to control the music, is it still your music?