A Concert in a Vanished Church: Contextualizing Peace Island's Auditory History with Modern Technology

Abstract

This paper presents an interdisciplinary project that merges archaeoacoustics with live music performance, aiming to offer a sound interpretation of San Salvador City's history in Taiwan through the fusion of historical research, archaeological discoveries, and the use of contemporary music technology. Central to the project is Ashes to Ashes, a musical performance that integrates live instruments, electronic music, and sound elements derived from 16th and 17th-century artifacts, including Dominican chants and indigenous storytelling. Employing techniques like 3D printing of instruments, physical modeling synthesis, and data sonification, the project not only resurrects forgotten sounds but also connects them with modern auditory experiences. This approach transcends traditional boundaries between historical conservation and artistic innovation, emphasizing the role of interdisciplinary collaboration in enriching our understanding of cultural heritage, particularly in East Asia.