Studio Drift's Hamburg drone performance canceled after hostile aerial attacks

A four-day light performance in Hamburg by Amsterdam-based Studio Drift was canceled following deliberate drone attacks. The event, titled Breaking Waves, featured hundreds of illuminated drones flying in choreographed formations over the German city. During dress rehearsals and the premiere, unidentified foreign high-speed drones aggressively targeted the official drones, causing several to crash. German aviation security experts described this as one of the most serious deliberate disruptions to the country's airspace by drones they have witnessed. The performance was intended to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Elbphilharmonie concert hall, with drone movements inspired by the second movement of Thomas Adès's Piano Concerto. Studio Drift, founded by Ralph Nauta and Lonneke Gordijn in 2007, is known for choreographed sculptures and kinetic installations. This marks their latest work using drones, following a 2017 performance at Art Basel Miami where a battalion of drones flew in formation to resemble a bird. The artists expressed sadness and frustration over the attacks. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.