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
24 May 2025
Cannes Film Festival Immersive Award for “From Dust”
From Dust, the virtual reality opera by Michel van der Aa, has won the Immersive Competition at the 78th Festival de Cannes.
The Jury of the Immersive Competition of the 78th Festival de Cannes presented on 22 May 2025 the Best Immersive Work Award to From Dust, recognizing a creation that pushed the boundaries of storytelling, art space, and audience engagement. This year’s official selection featured 9 in competition.
The Jury, chaired by French director Luc Jacquet included American musician, director and writer Laurie Anderson, French author and performer Tania de Montaigne, British director, screenwriter, and artist Martha Fiennes and Japanese video game creator Tetsuya Mizuguchi. Together, they explored a selection that invited viewers into immersive worlds where technology and feelings intersect.
Featured works
Performances
20 June 2025
From Dust
Virtual Reality Opera. Vocal ensemble Sjaella.
Holland Festival, Muziekgebouw, Kleine zaal,
Amsterdam,
Netherlands
21 June 2025
From Dust
Virtual Reality Opera. Vocal ensemble Sjaella.
Holland Festival, Muziekgebouw, Kleine zaal,
Amsterdam,
Netherlands
22 June 2025
From Dust
Virtual Reality Opera. Vocal ensemble Sjaella.
Holland Festival, Muziekgebouw, Kleine zaal,
Amsterdam,
Netherlands