Sum Inanes Performance by Alice Ivy-Pemberton

Composed and performed during the pandemic, Max Chung's original electroacoustic piece, Sum inanes—Latin for "I am empty"—reflects the emotional and physical toll of the era. The work unfolds as a dynamic dialogue between live electronics and violin, beginning and ending with the sound of labored breathing, a haunting reference to the respiratory symptoms of COVID-19. Responsive visuals transform and "breathe" in sync with the performer, enhancing the multi-media experiences. What starts as a state of emptiness, devoid of perception and sensation,slowly builds into an overwhelming tension, culminating in a powerful emotional climax.