Live Painting and Harmonic Music: Unique Concert with the Levallois Orchestra
On a memorable evening in Levallois, I had the incredible opportunity to combine live painting with harmonic music performed by the prestigious “Orchestre de Levallois“. This special event was set against the backdrop of Mussorgsky’s powerful compositions, creating a unique and immersive experience for the audience.
For 30 minutes, as the music resonated through the hall, I painted live on a massive canvas measuring “2 meters by 10 meters”, creating a dynamic composition filled with mechanical elements. The live audience watched in real-time as the piece came to life, the fusion of sound and art unfolding before their eyes.
This performance wasn’t just a creative expression; it also carried a deeper purpose. The concert was held in support of the association “Autistes Sans Frontières 92”, an organization dedicated to helping children with autism and their families. I am incredibly honored to have been a part of this event, where art, music, and a good cause came together harmoniously.
This evening was a testament to the power of collaboration, and I am grateful to have been part of such an inspiring initiative. Art and music have the potential to transcend boundaries, and in this case, they did just that, creating a moment of connection for a meaningful cause.
The Harmonic Orchestra project explores the intersection between live painting and classical music performance. It transforms the traditional concert format into a hybrid artistic experience where visual creation and sound evolve simultaneously.
Live painting in a musical context introduces a temporal constraint that directly influences the artistic process. Unlike studio work, the artist must respond in real time to rhythm, intensity and emotional shifts in the music. This creates a direct dialogue between sound and image.
The collaboration with the Orchestre de Levallois and the interpretation of Mussorgsky’s “Tableaux d’une exposition” provide a structured yet emotionally rich framework. The musical composition itself is already based on visual inspiration, which strengthens the connection between the two art forms.
The scale of the canvas, measuring 2 meters by 10 meters, allowed for a continuous visual flow. The horizontal format echoes the progression of musical movements, enabling a narrative structure to emerge during the performance.
Mechanical elements within the painting reflect a recurring visual language in my work. They symbolize the tension between human creativity and structured systems, reinforcing the dialogue between organic expression and controlled composition.
The presence of a live audience adds another layer to the experience. Unlike traditional exhibitions, the artwork is not presented as a finished object but as an evolving process. The audience becomes witness to transformation rather than static display.
The charitable dimension of the event, supporting “Autistes Sans Frontières 92”, introduces a social context that extends beyond artistic experimentation. It reinforces the role of art as a collective experience capable of engaging with broader human concerns.
This performance is part of a larger exploration of live painting as an interdisciplinary practice. By integrating music, space and audience interaction, it challenges conventional boundaries between visual art and performance.
Ultimately, Harmonic Orchestra represents a moment where sound and image converge in real time, creating a temporary but immersive artistic environment where both disciplines influence each other continuously.
Music from Modest Moussorgski, “Tableaux d’une exposition” 1874 / Adapted by Maurice Ravel 1922 / Artist : Alex Kanos / Bandmaster : Vincent Renaud
Sound capture : Pierric Verger / Video capture : Jonathan Dostert, Romain Pelissier / Concert performed for the benefit of the non-profit association “Autistes sans frontières 92”
Copyright © iKanoGrafik / Organised by Osaro agency / Salle Ravel / Orchestre harmonique de Levallois, 2017
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Harmonic Orchestra?
A live painting performance by Alex Kanos created during a classical music concert in Levallois.
Where did the performance take place?
At Salle Ravel in Levallois, France.
Which music was performed?
Mussorgsky’s “Tableaux d’une exposition”, adapted by Maurice Ravel.
What was the purpose of the event?
The concert supported the association Autistes Sans Frontières 92.
What makes this project unique?
It combines live painting, orchestral music and real-time audience interaction.