Music as a multimedia ritual – An Index of Metals presented in Bangkok and Singapore

Ten days, two cities, many new encounters – and countless musical impulses: The latest concert tour of Studio Musikfabrik led the two musicians Mine Ece Pahsa (flute) and Jung’s Kim (violoncello) in August 2025 to Bangkok and Singapore.

The focus of the trip was the performance of the audiovisual work An Index of Metals from Fausto Romitelli – a multimedia event for soprano, ensemble, video and electronics. Together with musicians from Lübeck University of Music, the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, NUS from Singapore and the Princess Galyani Vadhana Institute of Music (PGVIM) in Thailand and under the artistic direction of Peter Veale the project was realized.

As part of the annual symposium of the Princess Galyani Vadhana Institute of Music (PGVIM) in Bangkok – this year under the motto „Wonderland“ – An Index of Metals was performed on the 22nd of August 2025 in the concert hall of the institute, followed by another concert on the 26th of August at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music in Singapore. Two musicians from Studio Musikfabrik had the opportunity to present contemporary solo works from their repertoire during the symposium.

The about 50-minute total performance, the contemporary composition, immersive video design and electroacoustic soundscapes, will be performed in a similar line-up with Studio Musikfabrik and the Lübeck University of Music on the 18th October 2025 in Lübeck – a reunion with an extraordinary repertoire!

Personal impressions of the musicians

For Mine Ece Pahsa the trip was met with great anticipation from the very beginning. „Ever since I found out I’d be part of Studio Musikfabrik, I couldn’t stop picturing what those ten days ahead might hold.“ Looking back, she describes the trip as touching: „Everything I tried to imagine turned out even more beautiful than I could have dreamed.““Everything I had imagined was even more beautiful than I had ever dreamed.” She considered it a great privilege to travel to Asia for the first time for this project. She was particularly moved by the exchange with local musicians: “In Bangkok, I had the chance to meet and hear remarkable Thai musicians, to experience their world—for that I am truly grateful. It’s as if a whole new space has opened up in my mind.“

The collaboration with the ensemble was also impressive for her: “From the first rehearsal, working with Peter and playing with my colleagues has brought something exceptional to my musicianship. I felt this deepen with each passing day of the tour. “

And last but not least, it is the interpersonal relationships that remain in her memory: “The people at Studio Musikfabrik have become like family to me in such a short time, which makes this farewell all the more emotional. Knowing that I’ll see them again in Lübeck fills me with joy, even though I already miss them.“ For Mine Ece it is clear: “These ten days will remain in my memory as one of the most beautiful chapters of my life. My deepest thanks go to everyone who made this possible.“

Jung’s Kim reminisces about the project with satisfaction as well. „Joining the Bangkok and Singapore project, I hoped to engage with musicians who are genuinely dedicated to their craft and to draw new inspiration from our collaboration. This expectation was fully realized, and the experience proved to be even more enriching than I had anticipated.“

The work with Peter Veale was particularly formative: „Peter’s way of guiding the ensemble left a strong impression on me. He consistently encouraged us while offering practical and musically insightful advice. His guidance shaped our performances and helped each of us achieve the best possible results on stage.“

A personal highlight for Jungin was the presentation of his own works: „Presenting my own music in such unique venues was both exciting and deeply rewarding – an experience I will cherish for a long time.”

The exchange was also intense off stage: „Sharing meals, exploring the cities, and engaging with musicians from diverse backgrounds offered fresh perspectives and strengthened the sense of community within the ensemble.“

Sound connects cultures

The concert tour to Bangkok and Singapore was a musical event – ​​as well as a cultural bridge, a personal adventure and a striking example of the unifying power of contemporary music.

The performance of An Index of Metals set a symbol of artistic courage, intercultural cooperation and a vibrant future for new music.