Xenakis, Shiraz 71

In 1971, the composer Iannis Xenakis received a commission to produce a work for the inaugural day of the Shiraz Festival. This particular edition marked the 2500th anniversary of the establishment of the Persian Empire. The opening ceremony occurred at the remains of Persepolis, situated 45 miles northeast of the contemporary city of Shiraz. Xenakis crafted an outdoor extravaganza titled "Polytope de Persepolis". The presentation featured a 55-minute long 8-track electroacoustic composition dispersed across 59 speakers, two laser beams, military searchlights, a choreography involving 150 children carrying torches, and numerous large bonfires on the hills surrounding the ancient ruins.

Watch on YouTube