Meditative Music: Sound Healing with Shannon Harris @ Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Shannon Harris performing with his custom instruments at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
History in the Making — May 13th, 6:30 PM at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
On May 13th, I stepped onto the legendary stage of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra to make history as the first Afri-Native American ever invited to facilitate a sound bath in the Grand Hall. This was no ordinary performance. This event occurred on the very stage where Florence Price’s work was first performed in the 1933 World’s Fair. She was the first African American woman composer to debut at Chicago Symphony Orchestra. This performance was dedicated to two incredible women: my mother and Florence Price.
Shannon playing his boutique air synthesizer and trichord string instrument
Guests were immersed in the powerful lineage of musical instruments where they could explore their connection to medicinal music and frequency therapy. During this unforgettable tribute, I unveiled my custom-made Trichord and the revolutionary Air Synthesizer. The Air Synthesizer, which uses ultrasound technology to create ethereal, touchless sound, brought a new dimension of non-tactile instrumentation to the masses. For the evening, I featured the enchanting tones of the harp blended with the melodic calls of birds creating a sonic journey resonating deeply with the soul.
Shannon entering Symphony Hall while playing harmonic tube instruments.
The evening began with a slow, deliberate procession. I played harmonic tube instruments. Their resonant tones reverberated through the hall like a sacred invocation. As I moved toward the stage, the sounds hovered in the air like otherworldly voices. Some said it was as if angels were speaking and their echoes were dancing off the walls.
Shannon Harris entering the stage after the procession
Shannon engaging the audience and providing context to the evening.
After the procession I engaged the audience sharing important context by weaving together the architectural elegance, acoustic resonance, musical lineage, and healing potential of sound and sacred space. Through story and sound, I traced the threads connecting history, science, and sacred medicine where I invited the audience into a curated tapestry where every element sang with purpose.
Performing to a SOLD OUT audience
I performed before a full house. Every space was filled with anticipation. The air was electric with collective breath and unspoken expectation.
Crowd surrounding Shannon Harris on stage
Crowd surrounding Shannon Harris on stage
Kimi and Shannon during the talk back sessions
After the performance, I had the thrill of joining a well-attended meet-and-greet/ Q&A session, where energies were high and the conversations were lively.
All photos taken by Eric Snoza
