Unsilent Night
EVENTS
A 21st Century Caroling
Presenting a unique seasonal soundscape
Unsilent Night is an original composition by Phil Kline, written specifically to be heard outdoors in the month of December, always as a free event. Over the past quarter century, Unsilent Night has become an international phenomenon, taking place in more than 100 cities, big and small, across five continents — from New York to San Francisco, and Brussels to Saskatoon. It takes the form of a street promenade in which the audience becomes the performer.
Originally the music was played using only cassette tapes in portable stereos, but as vintage boomboxes have become harder to find, more people use smartphones with portable speakers by downloading the free Unsilent Night app, which randomly selects one of four tracks to play. Together, all four tracks comprise Unsilent Night. Participants start their devices simultaneously, then walk a carefully chosen route through the city’s streets, creating a unique mobile sound sculpture that is different from every listener’s perspective. No music experience is necessary, and people of all ages are invited to join or watch the walk.
Support
Presented in partnership with Bent Frequency and Priscilla Smith Productions.
