Autobiography of Light

An evening of consciousness, listening and composition. What happens when a book is not just presented, but experienced? Welcome to an evening with Dorian Matei and The Autobiography of Light, a recently published book about consciousness, perception and the subtle ways in which we experience the world around us. A book presentation, a concert and a conversation

Dorian Matei has long been exploring the landscape of consciousness and perception, and the mysterious interplay between our inner experience and the world in which we live. Not as an abstract or purely intellectual question, but as something that can be directly experienced: in attention, in listening, in sensation and in presence.

This evening is not a lecture and not a traditional book presentation. It is an encounter between words, sound, silence, attention and the people who are in the space.

Dorian opens a door to the landscape of his book: a world in which consciousness is constantly in motion and perception does not merely form a window onto reality, but a living medium in which reality unfolds.

Music arises from that thought

Four internationally working musicians and artists come together to enter and explore this landscape: clarinetist, Golden Calf-winning composer and improviser Alex Simu; pianist, musician, communicator and researcher Folkert Oosting; double bassist and creative facilitator Lucas Dols; and drummer, composer and teacher Felix Schlarmann.

Through spontaneous composition and improvisation, they listen to what arises in the moment. Their work moves not only within music, but also through composition, education, theatre, research, communication and new forms of participation.

There is no fixed endpoint

The music arises here and now, in relation to the space and to everyone who is present. The audience's attention, the silence, the movement, the concentration and even the smallest shift in the atmosphere can become part of what is heard. The listener is therefore no longer just a spectator. Listening becomes a form of presence. Presence becomes a form of participation.

Between the music and the words, there is room for conversation. For questions, reflection and jointly exploring the ideas from The Autobiography of Light, together with Dorian and the musicians.

Come and discover the book. Listen to the music. And experience what happens when your own attention is not outside the experience, but becomes part of it.

Dorian Matei - author Alex Simu - clarinet Folkert Oosting - piano Lucas Dols - double bass Felix Schlarmann - drums