Be inside the instrument.

The Cistern’s unique acoustical and spatial characteristics allow creators to experiment with light and sound in unrepeatable ways. The space itself acts as an instrument that participants must learn to play.

The City of Poughkeepsie has opened the Cistern to the public for multiple performances with special invitations extended to local residents and potential arts operators.

Below, you can discover more about these proof-of-concept experiences that showcase the incredible power of sound and space.

Footage by Antonieta Bocxe, MASS Design Group

MET Opera in the Cistern

SEPTEMBER 2022

Opera singing father-daughter team Emma and Greer Grimsley experimented with layering single notes to create airborne chords.

Contributors: Samuel Stubblefield, Ethan Rainbolt, Fernando Vasquez, Emma Grimsley, Greer Grimsley

Producer and hip hop artist J.PERIOD remixed R&B songs and unique sounds at slow speeds and Sarah Overton played cello to create a layered soundscape.

Contributors: Samuel Stubblefield, Ethan Rainbolt, Fernando Vasquez, J.PERIOD, Sarah Overton

Sound Bath Remixes

JULY 2024

A local organization performed in the structure for the first time. The Praise Team of Beulah Baptist Church, featuring 8 voices and 2 instruments, serenaded the audience with gospel hymns in the minimally lit space.

Contributors: Samuel Stubblefield, Ethan Rainbolt, Fernando Vasquez, Reverend T. Motley Epps, Praise Team of Beulah Baptist Church

Beulah Baptist in the Cistern

AUGUST 2024

Site-Specific Dances explores the theatrical potential in the Poughkeepsie Cistern through a series of geometric dance formations, choreographed to play with the visual illusions of the Cistern structure. Featuring live music performed by violinist Domenic Salerni and percussionist Miles Salerni.

Contributors: Site-Specific Dances, Domenic Salerni, Miles Salerni, Samuel Stubblefield, Ethan Rainbolt

Dance Fragments

NOVEMBER 2024

Stay tuned for any upcoming Cistern performances.

Photo by MASS Design Group

Immersive stills

Photo courtesy of Sean Hemmerle, www.seanhemmerle.com

Photo courtesy of David Henningsen, www.instagram.com/davidhenningsen137

Photo courtesy of Chris Roque, www.chrisroque.com