The project explores how music can be seen and felt beyond hearing. Led by soprano Erika Colon and the inclusive White Hands Chorus NIPPON, deaf and hearing performers use white-gloved hands to “sing” Beethoven’s Ode to Joy. Before the performance, audiences receive white gloves and learn sign language. In a divided world, this project is a testimony of what music can do to realize our humanity—inviting all to join in a shared expression of joy and unity through this timeless song.
Visible “An Die Freude” / White Hands Chorus NIPPON, Erika Colon, Company of Music, Gebärdenchor der Pfarrgemeinde Urfahr-St. Josef, Norbert Trawöger - Photo: Mariko Tagashira
Performance
Visible “An Die Freude”
Sign the Joy–Inclusive Music Performance: White Hands Chorus workshop and concert
White Hands Chorus NIPPON (JP), Erika Colon (JP/VZ), Company of Music (AT), Gebärdenchor der Pfarrgemeinde Urfahr-St. Josef (AT), Norbert Trawöger (AT)
St. Mary's Cathedral
Wed 3. Sep 2025
20:30
–
21:00
Language //
other, DE
Info //
German Sign Language Interpretation is provided.
Visible “An Die Freude” / White Hands Chorus NIPPON; Erika Colon; Company of Music; Gebärdenchor der Pfarrgemeinde Urfahr-St. Josef; Norbert Trawöger - Photo: Mariko Tagashira
Visible “An Die Freude” / White Hands Chorus NIPPON; Erika Colon; Company of Music; Gebärdenchor der Pfarrgemeinde Urfahr-St. Josef; Norbert Trawöger - Photo: Mariko Tagashira
Visible “An Die Freude” / White Hands Chorus NIPPON; Erika Colon; Company of Music; Gebärdenchor der Pfarrgemeinde Urfahr-St. Josef; Norbert Trawöger - Photo: Mariko Tagashira
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Erika Colon
Erika Colon is a soprano and the Artistic Director of White Hands Chorus NIPPON. A winner of the Tokyo International Vocal Competition, she creates inclusive performances that blend music and sign language. She leads El Sistema Connect and serves on the international arts expert panel of the Zero Project. Her work—presented at the United Nations and the Austrian Parliament—explores how music can express our shared humanity and empower children of all abilities.
Please note: The program for the Ars Electronica Festival 2025 is still in progress.
We are currently preparing all the information for the website and plan to put the full program online in the coming days – stay tuned!