An ear alone is not a being

Sound creation, performer : Claudine Simon; Libretto : Bastien Gallet; Actress : Manon Xardel ; Sound design :  Vivien Trelcat ; Lighting designer : Lucien Laborderie

Commissioned by the Printemps des Arts festival, Monte Carlo.
Premiere on 2 April 2026 in Monaco.

What is it that allows an instrument to stand the test of time, capturing the desires of composers, the imagination of instrument makers, and the ear of the audience?

John Cage placed bolts between the piano’s strings. Others before and after him have expanded, reimagined and challenged this musical instrument, transforming it once again into a realm of exploration.

‘An Ear Alone Is Not a Being’ tells this story with humour, with curiosity, and with the sound of a piano that never ceases to surprise us.