Lumens is a human-scale musical video game performed live on stage. Two musicians are selected by a computer system to become the “players” of the game. Their mission is to progress through a series of musical levels in order to unlock the different instruments of the system (drums, melody, bass, and harmony) and ultimately complete the Lumens game.

The performance explores the relationship between the virtual and the real through an immersive 3D multi-screen environment projected in front of and around the audience. Music and visuals are generated in real time, functioning as an interactive audiovisual ecosystem where sound shapes image and image responds to sound.

 

 

Lumens combines electronic music, percussion, and invented digital instruments using drumpads, laser frames, motion capture (Kinect), and unconventional elements such as water. The result is an immersive multimedia performance that can be described as a musical video game experienced live.

The show lasts approximately 45 minutes and can be followed by an optional audience interaction segment, during which spectators are invited on stage to experiment with the custom-built instruments and collectively create sound and visuals.

 

 

Video Phase is a Montreal-based artistic duo pioneering a hybrid form that merges music, video, and interactive technology into a single artistic language. Their work is characterized by a strong integration of real-time visuals as an intrinsic component of musical composition and performance.

The studio develops its own digital instruments and interactive systems, combining digital lutherie, live music and visuals generated by game engines. This approach allows performers to improvise while preserving the ephemeral nature of live performance.

Beyond stage productions, Video Phase also creates permanent digital installations and immersive experiences, including virtual reality adaptations. Their artistic vision aims to make experimental music and digital arts accessible to a wide audience, bridging contemporary creation and popular engagement.

Since its foundation, Video Phase has presented nearly 100 performances across North America and Asia.

 

 

Video Phase was founded by Julien-Robert and Julien Compagne, two musician-creators based in Montreal.

Together, they design and perform original works that integrate musical composition, performance, interactive visual design and technological development. Both artists are directly involved in the creation of the custom instruments and digital systems used on stage, allowing for a seamless connection between gesture, sound and image.

Their work is influenced by minimalist music (notably Steve Reich), electronic music and digital arts, and focuses on creating immersive, multisensory experiences that go beyond the traditional concert format.
Julien-Robert acts as General Director of Video Phase and oversees artistic direction, production and international touring.

 

 

Lumens premiered in June 2017 at the Société des Arts Technologiques (SAT) in Montreal. Since its creation, the work has been presented extensively in Canada, the United States and Asia.

The production has been showcased at major professional events such as RIDEAU,Contact East, IPAY and Ontario Presents.

In 2018, Lumens received the Opus Prize for Electroacoustic Concert of the Year, awarded by the Conseil québécois de la musique. The project has also been adapted for virtual reality formats and for young audiences.

Across its repertoire, Video Phase has accumulated over 100 performances internationally, establishing a solid track record in touring immersive and technology-driven stage works.