Sonic Cloisters: Conclave

Rooted in Afro-Caribbean rhythms and a commitment to improvisation, Conclave brings new sonic colors and shades of experience to the dance floor.

Sonic Cloisters, a series of site-specific electronic music performances, launches this spring and features renowned and emerging electronic music artists recorded in the unique spaces of The Met Cloisters. Created specifically for digital platforms, Sonic Cloisters emphasizes the look, feel, and sound of the Cloisters as the inspiration and starting point for new electronic music. Freed from the confines of the dance floor, these artists interact with the Cloisters’ collection, architecture, and environment to explore new creative territory and compositional approaches.

Rooted in Afro-Caribbean rhythms and a commitment to improvisation, Conclave brings new sonic colors and shades of experience to the dance floor. Reflecting leader Cesar Toribio’s youth as a drummer in his church, the group transcends genres to chart territory closer to spiritual jazz than EDM. Conclave’s recent self-titled debut album—praised by Rolling Stone as “alluringly off-kilter”—features deep grooves, soulful dance tunes, and a sound that is spirited in all senses of the word.

MetLiveArts programming at The Met Cloisters is made possible by Art Mentor Foundation Lucerne.

Image courtesy of Conclave, photographed by Paula Lobo.

© 2021 The Metropolitan Museum of Art


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