#Austria #Linz #evala #Holy Echo #Ars Electronica

evala's New Sound Installation 'Holy Echo' at Ars Electronica 2026

In September 2026, from the 9th to the 13th, an innovative sound installation titled 'Holy Echo' by renowned musician and sound artist evala will be showcased in Linz, Austria, at the Ars Electronica Festival. This festival is known for its creative edge and pioneering spirit, making it an ideal platform for evala's latest work.

Ars Electronica is a globally recognized creative organization that hosts the prestigious Media Art competition, Prix Ars Electronica, alongside the celebrated Ars Electronica Festival. evala was awarded the Isao Tomita Special Prize at the Prix Ars Electronica 2025, becoming the first Japanese recipient of this honor. As an invited artist for 2026, evala is set to leave a significant impact on this year's festival.

'Holy Echo': A Unique Sound Experience

The venue for 'Holy Echo' is the iconic St. Mary's Cathedral, known as Mariendom, which is the largest cathedral in Austria, measuring 134 meters in height and 130 meters in length. evala's approach involves utilizing cutting-edge spatial sound technology to transform the entire space into an immersive auditory experience.

In evala's artistic vision, sound serves as a unifying element across cultures and religions, capable of evoking the senses and creating extraordinary soundscapes. The artist reflects on the contrast between the finely tuned acoustics of Western churches and the open, natural sounds of Eastern shrines. 'Holy Echo' aims to explore these sacred reverberations, offering visitors an opportunity to experience a new perceptual space where sounds are not only heard but deeply felt. This transformation seeks to awaken inner sensations through the invisible essence of sound.

The Opening Night Performance

On the festival's opening night, September 9th, evala will host a unique live performance, capping the event with a special finale at St. Mary's Cathedral. This exclusive presentation will feature guest artist Ayako Tanaka, an internationally recognized coloratura soprano based in Vienna and Tokyo. Utilizing the installation's system, this performance will pay homage to the late Isao Tomita, marking ten years since his passing.

Festival Insights

The performances and installation will be open to the public free of charge, with hours of operation throughout the festival. The opening event will commence at 19:00, followed by evala's live performance from 23:20 to 23:40. The sound installation will be available for public viewing during the festival, allowing different audiences to engage with this immersive experience.

The Ars Electronica Festival 2026 will present a theme centered on 'Negotiating Humanity,' investigating the fundamental question of human existence in the age of artificial intelligence through the lens of art and science. Moving from its traditional venue, PostCity, this year's festival emphasizes urban exploration and participatory dialogues across various locations within Linz, including universities, hospitals, and public spaces.

As part of this celebration, the Ars Electronica Center will also commemorate its 30th anniversary with experimental showcases, ensuring a diverse array of experiences for participants.

For more information on the festival and to explore evala's work, visit Ars Electronica. Together, let's embark on a journey to experience sound in a new dimension at 'Holy Echo' in 2026, where the unseen can be heard and felt.

About evala

evala is a pioneering sound artist and the mind behind 'See by Your Ears,' utilizing a unique spatial sound system to craft auditory experiences that open new realms of perception. With installations showcased globally, evala continues to push the boundaries of sound art.

About Ayako Tanaka

Ayako Tanaka, a talented coloratura soprano, made her debut at the Bern Opera House in Switzerland and has since captivated audiences worldwide with her exceptional vocal prowess, earning accolades and recognition across various platforms.