Jocelyn Pook Musically Directs 'Nine Songs'

A mesmerizing open-air musical event will be the first in a new global cultural destination. Artist Rui Fu debuts her musical composition 'Nine Songs', honoring the geographical wonders of the area while beckoning the next era in the site’s rich history.

Harnessing the artist’s fascination and experience with traditional Chinese music and poetry, this site-responsive performance reverberates musical compositions off the textured surfaces of the surrounding rock formations, while accompanying visuals further accentuate the magnificence of the landscape through the choreographed play between light and shadows.

Held for two nights on November 26th and 27th, this striking production will unveil the magic of art in its endless expressions, marking the start of Wadi AlFann’s captivating pre-opening program, which will also include temporary exhibitions, artist residencies and public symposia. 

With the assistance of co-director Farooq Chaudhry and musical director Jocelyn Pook, 'Nine Songs' sings to the past, present, and future of the area to reimagine the dynamic between human creation and the natural world. Costumes, lighting, and scenery are designed around the musical compositions and Fu’s own vocalizations, while the fiery hues and somber umbrae cast by the evening’s sunset will further juxtapose the beauty of the production with the wonders of the natural world.