Where Are New York’s Best Acoustics?
We Took a Listening Tour.

The composer Michael Gordon and members of Mantra Percussion tested the piece “Timber” in resonant spaces around the city. Here is what they learned.

TIMBER
Resonant Spaces
NYC Tour

April 14 & 21

Michael Gordon & Mantra Percussion

We searched across New York City to find
The Coolest  Resonant Spaces


From Manhattan to Brooklyn to Queens we looked for the everyday, unseen reverberant places that thousands of people pass by without ever thinking about.


Under a historic viaduct, through hidden archways, in a colonial castle, and more.


We will celebrate these spaces by playing music just as unique:


Michael Gordon’s epic

Timber

six percussionists drumming on

planks of wood!

kaleidoscopic, trance-like.


Join us at these VERY special public-access, Free-To-All, unexpected locations:

Sunday April 14

3PM - Castle Clinton (manhattan) 

Built to defend against the British Navy during the War of 1812 - Castle Clinton’s acoustics are historic.

6PM - Federal Hall (manhattan)

The Federal Hall Rotunda! George Washington was inaugurated here — the overtones in this building are legendary.

8:30PM - DUMBO Archway (brooklyn)

The DUMBO Archway under the Manhattan Bridge is one of NYC's truly unique spaces. for years Water St. ran through the Archway — we turn it into a surprise bandshell.

Sunday April 21

12PM - 7 train Viaduct (queens)

Built in 1917, the Queens BLvd viaduct has mysterious resonance that propels echoes

3PM - Endale Arch (brooklyn)

The Endale Arch in Prospect Park opened in 1867. Its unique acoustics seem to defy the laws of physics.

6PM - Fort Greene Park (brooklyn)

The Prison Ships’ Martyrs Monument stairway provides a solemn environment that reflects sound from its stone, reverberating through the surrounding trees.