Adelaide Symphony Orchestra's Sanctuary Series Offers Meditative Concert Experience on Yoga Mats

The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra's Sanctuary Series presents unconventional concerts at Grainger Studio in Adelaide, where audiences can recline on yoga mats near musicians. The series eliminates traditional concert rituals like applause and late entries, creating a meditative atmosphere in near-darkness. For the Nordic Lights program on April 10, conductor Sam Weller led performances balancing familiar works with contemporary pieces. The repertoire included compositions by Jean Sibelius, Edward Elgar, Samuel Barber, Max Richter, Anna Thorvaldsdottir, and Australian composer Olivia Davies. These works explored string orchestra possibilities, from lyrical Romantic expressions to atmospheric soundscapes. The orchestra demonstrated nuanced control across varied musical demands, maintaining precise ensemble coordination. The next Sanctuary Series event, Calm Seas, is scheduled for October 23-24. Reviewer Kym Clayton described the experience as a sonic refuge that blurs boundaries between performers and listeners.