Partnering to launch Democracy Sessions, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) and avant-garde orchestral ensemble Wild Up are presenting a dynamic, three-day arts festival dedicated to examining democracy and cooperation at a pivotal moment in American history. Set just days after the 2024 US Presidential election, Democracy Sessions opens a communal space for bold dialogues on creativity, freedom, justice, and resilience. Running from November 8 to 10, this transformative series of art, music, and social gatherings unfolds at WAREHOUSE at The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, which is a part of Wonmi’s WAREHOUSE Programs. Admission is free with registration, and full program details are available at MOCA’s website.

The series begins Friday, November 8, with “Session 1: American Ledger,” an evocative evening performance that dissects the structures and symbols that have both uplifted and divided America. Featuring works by composers Louis Andriessen, Rachel Beetz, and Raven Chacon, the session invites audiences to contemplate the fine line between individual rights and the demands of the collective. Pieces include Chacon’s Compass and American Ledger #1, the premiere of Beetz’s Uninterrupted Labor, and Andriessen’s Workers Union.

On Saturday, November 9, the journey continues with “Session 2,” a preview of The Dispossessed, a groundbreaking opera-in-progress by Chana Porter and Ted Hearne inspired by Ursula K. Le Guin’s novel, featuring performers Anisia Uzeyman and Saul Williams. The day advances with “Session 3: Ark of Bones/To the Race Industry In Crisis” by Harmony Holiday, a probing critique of how liberal politics commodify Blackness. Each session includes creator discussions, encouraging deep dives into these stories of resistance, identity, and transformation.

Sunday, November 10, closes the weekend with “Session 4: The Democracy Bardo,” a participatory performance exploring the essence of democracy with live, improvised musical responses from Wild Up. The final act, “Session 5: Stimmung,” reinterprets Karlheinz Stockhausen's iconic work through HEX’s vocal ensemble, blending electronics and audience input in a unique workshop on collective harmony.

Photos courtesy of the Museum of Contemporary Art.