As a child, Michel van der Aa used to build labyrinths out of cardboard, complete with intriguing soundscapes. Today, he lets audiences enter alternative worlds in a different way: through his inventive musical, cinematic and digital creations. As a composer, director, and multimedia artist, he brings together various disciplines and leads the classical opera genre into new dimensions.
News
18 March 2025
“From Dust” comes to Holland Festival 2025
We are thrilled to announce that From Dust, Michel van der Aa’s virtual reality opera installation, will be presented at the Holland Festival from June 12 to 29. After a completely sold-out premiere run at the Immersive Tech Week in Rotterdam last December, this is your chance to experience this innovative work.
In From Dust, you’ll step into a world where reality and identity blur. This cutting-edge VR opera installation is uniquely tailored by you and for you using AI technology. Composed and directed by Michel van der Aa and featuring the mesmerizing vocal ensemble Sjaella, each 24-minute journey creates a personal narrative where you become an active participant rather than a passive observer.
Further information and tickets (available April 1st): hollandfestival.nl/en/from-dust
Featured works
Performances
12 April 2025
Memo
Richard Siegal, choreographer / Folkwang Tanzstudio / Ballet of Difference / Ensemble Musikfabrik
Museum Folkwang,
Essen,
Germany
12 June 2025
From Dust
Virtual Reality Opera. Vocal ensemble Sjaella.
Holland Festival, Muziekgebouw, Kleine zaal,
Amsterdam,
Netherlands
13 June 2025
From Dust
Virtual Reality Opera. Vocal ensemble Sjaella.
Holland Festival, Muziekgebouw, Kleine zaal,
Amsterdam,
Netherlands