CODE Hosts Immersive Concert Experience

We have interviewed Andor Sanderson and Anikó Skribek and Dávid Kara, members of Makró VJ, about the unique concert held at the Hexagon on 16th May as part of Planet Lens International Nature Photography and Film Festival.

What inspired you when creating this special audiovisual journey?

Andor Sanderson: The constant transformation of nature around us touches, provokes thought and motivates many people to act. I felt it was important to express this through plants, tiny fragments of nature and the organic sound of the piano. The digital space and electronic instruments added an entirely new dimension to this concept. Today’s generation naturally connects digital thinking with the natural world, instinctively making use of new possibilities, opening up entirely new doors. The harmony between the music and the imagery of nature invited the audience on a sort of inner journey.
Makro VJ: For our live projections, nature’s forms - or at times the environment surrounding us during the performance - are always our primary sources of inspiration. This time, we worked with a more personal theme: we brought with us the wildlife from our new home in the Danube Bend. The soundscape Andor Sanderson created was in perfect harmony with the atmosphere we aim to evoke through our improvisation.

What emotional or intellectual state did you hope to evoke in the audience?

AS: After the concert, several people shared with me that we had created a peaceful and deeply emotional space together in that moment, there and then. It was an intimate, inward experience. I believe the flow of the music, combined with such an intense and immersive visual presence, opens the door to deep thoughts we carry with us on our journey. I too had countless thoughts swirling during the concert: there were moments of letting go and understanding. There’s no specific state I aim to induce; it's more about being present together and experiencing the moment, tuning into our inner selves. More and more, I feel that people today long to give themselves time to reflect slowly, to understand their inner rhythm, to take a deep breath.
M: As everyday people living in a world of freely flowing information, we’ve become so used to a constant flood of stimuli that slowness, stillness and silence can often feel alien. Extended moments might seem boring or even irritating. But when we encounter something unexpected on a familiar surface - like a massive screen (or in this case, six of them) - it can break the cycle of constant stimulus-seeking. Our intentions are gentle; we merely wish to prompt a small realisation: the world continues to function and create, even when we are not in control of it. We are both minuscule compared to the universe and giants compared to the details. The fact that the audience is present during such a performance and allow themselves to truly experience the moment is already an incredible affirmation for us. After the last concert, curiosity drew people from the beanbags toward the macro lenses, wondering what had been shown throughout the hour. It is this spark of childlike curiosity that inspires us most deeply.

Were there any technical challenges you had to be mindful of while working on the musical and visual content?

AS: The Hexagon is an incredibly exciting space, filled with opportunities, even if that meant compromising certain aspects of my music, but in a positive way. Together with Péter Halász, the event technician, we explored new directions in my musical approach. I reshaped the soundscapes with ease and joy. Here, the listener experiences sound differently, just as the performer does - it was a wonderful feeling. Ever since, I’ve been thinking about what more I could put together in this space. The Makró VJ team also brought in an entirely new camera system, which allowed for an even more detailed and intimate portrayal of the microscopic natural world. At times, it felt as if I could touch the plants as the sounds enveloped me. We’ve worked together before, but this was a truly unique and sensory-rich experience.
M: Great question, because CODE’s Hexagon space had been prompting us to upgrade our visual equipment for some time. The massive projection surfaces demand impeccable quality, and we aimed to meet those expectations. Filming with macro lenses is always a challenge, as at this scale every vibration, movement and tremor - no matter how small in real life - can appear jarring on a large screen. That’s why the performance required a lot of practice in advance, and intense focus, dexterity and concentration during the show from both of us.

How did you feel at the CODE?

AS: I sensed a completely different energy the moment I stepped into the room. The presence of the piano and all those people created a beautiful vibration in the space. Although I had prepared a partially structured programme, by the middle of the concert I shifted into a more improvisational mode because the space and the stunning visuals inspired that rhythm. It was a wonderful feeling to immerse myself in the sound of the piano - the notes just flowed and thoughts formed within me. A few weeks ago, I released a new song called Patterns of Life, which now serves as an important anchor for my inner balance. It was a meaningful experience to perform that song for the audience in this space. I’m grateful for these moments.
M: From the preparations through to the event execution and even the quality of the documentation, we were extremely satisfied with the CODE team. It was an honour to be the co-creators of the first live audiovisual concert at the venue, and we hope to have the chance to perform there again.

What makes CODE and the Hexagon space special for you?

AS: As a creative artist, I see it as an endlessly exciting venue with vast potential, both in terms of its physical structure and its technical possibilities. I spent a lot of time in the Hexagon space in recent days, and ideas kept coming about what kind of unique, creative events could be held there in the future - be it theatre, dance, interactive performances or special concerts. During the concert, I often thought about how lovely it was to see the audience seated in a circle. Playing in such a setting creates a completely different experience - much more intimate. I’m excited to see how different creative artists will bring their own ideas to life in Hexagon’s immersive digital space and make the most of its unique opportunities.
M: As the Makro VJ Duo, we’ve been doing live projections since 2018 in all sorts of venues - whether theatre, cinema, concert or festival settings. In terms of technology and layout, the Hexagon is the most advanced space we’ve worked in so far. The immersive visuals and sound enable the audience to fully enter the atmosphere envisaged by the artists. It’s good to see that more and more institutions like this are emerging in Hungary, providing high-quality platforms for contemporary media artists.