The Barbican Centre in London recently hosted a unique and immersive concert titled 'Darkness Visible', a collaboration between the electronic duo Ame and the renowned violist Lawrence Power. The performance, which took place on May 8, 2026, was a seamless blend of classical and electronic music, creating an atmospheric journey for the audience.
A Fusion of Genres
Ame, consisting of Frank Wiedemann and Kristian Beyer, are known for their deep house and techno productions. Lawrence Power, on the other hand, is a celebrated violist with a repertoire spanning from Baroque to contemporary. Together, they crafted a soundscape that was both ethereal and grounding. The concert featured compositions that moved from gentle, melodic passages to more intense, rhythmic sections, showcasing the versatility of both artists.
Immersive Experience
The staging was minimal yet effective, with lighting that shifted in hue and intensity to match the music's mood. The audience was seated in the round, surrounded by speakers, which enhanced the immersive quality of the performance. At times, the music felt almost cinematic, evoking images of vast landscapes or inner emotional turmoil.
Highlights included a reimagined version of Ame's classic track 'Rej', which was transformed into a haunting viola-led piece. Lawrence Power's playing was expressive and technically brilliant, his instrument singing above the electronic pulses. The collaboration felt natural, with both parties respecting the other's domain while pushing boundaries.
Critical Reception
The concert was met with enthusiastic applause from the audience. Critics have praised the event as a bold and successful experiment in genre fusion. One attendee commented, 'It was like nothing I've ever heard before. The way the viola and electronics intertwined was magical.'
However, some purists might argue that the classical elements were overshadowed by the electronic beats. Yet, for those open to new musical experiences, 'Darkness Visible' offered a compelling vision of what contemporary music can achieve when boundaries are dissolved.
In conclusion, this collaboration between Ame and Lawrence Power at the Barbican was a testament to the power of musical innovation. It demonstrated that classical and electronic music can not only coexist but also create something entirely new and beautiful. For fans of either genre, this was an unmissable event.
