A Rite for Ruins is a new musical performance by artist Publik Universal Frxnd, composed in collaboration with Janne Kosmos and Silva Westera. The performance brings together contemporary organ music, cello, voice, and sculpture. It reflects on how, in turbulent times of social decline, we experience mourning and memory.

By interweaving different sensory experiences within the church, the work contributes to an appreciation of both the historic church organ and the architecture of the building. The artists drew inspiration from a wide range of musical techniques and traditions. The result is a piece that contemplates loss. Not only as an end, but also as a beginning: of memories, connection, comfort, and hope.

The performance was created during a working period in the Groate Kerk. After its premiere presentations in Friesland, the piece will be shown both in the Netherlands and abroad. The artwork was made possible with the support of the Mondriaan Fonds and the Cultuurfonds.