John Cage's 'Organ²/ASLSP' Changes Chord in Halberstadt

On August 7, 2026, the ongoing performance of John Cage's 'Organ²/ASLSP' in Halberstadt, Germany, will change its chord, marking a significant moment in the 640-year-long piece. The composition, which began on September 5, 2001, is being performed in the St. Burchardi Church, with the next chord change scheduled for 2026. This event is part of a series of updates in the art world, also including Werner Herzog receiving a major honor and a photographer celebrating Brutalism in South Korea. The piece, originally written for organ, is being realized through a specially constructed organ that allows for the extremely slow tempo, with each chord lasting for years. The Halberstadt performance is a landmark in contemporary music, attracting attention from the art and music communities worldwide.