Listen to a playlist of tactile and textured audio balm, courtesy of Christina Vantzou

Welcome back to Selections, a series of artist-curated playlists from those in the know.

Brussels-based composer, artist and filmmaker Christina Vantzou creates abstract and immersive music filled with with subtle sound experiments, unsettling surprises and sweeping, transcendent moments.

One of her latest works, electro-acoustic sound project The Reintegration of the Ear – originally commissioned as a 25-minute piece by Ina GRM and Re-Imagine Europe – makes full use of her usual toolkit, blending experimental electronics with voice, cello and bass flute, as well as hydrophone recordings from the island of Sifnos, field recordings from Lesvos and more. Having only performed the project at a handful of festivals since its debut in Paris at the end of 2023, Vantzou will be performing the first 45-minute version of the piece at this year’s edition of Subset Festival in Athens, alongside musicians Irene Kurka, John Also Bennett and Oliver Coates.

Ahead of the performance, she curated a playlist that delves further into The Reintegration of the Ear‘s themes, focusing on the interconnections between humankind, natural landscapes and mystical forces.

This is “music poured from a stone vessel,” she explains. “A walk through wild gardens to a wooden table, and on it, a hand carved stone vessel of impeccable design – a bird’s wings with a pouring spout.”

Listen below.

Christina Vantzou will play this year’s Subset Festival – the contemporary music branch of Athens Epidaurus Festival – held at the Athens Conservatoire from 4-8 June.