Grimanesa Amorós light sculpture glowing above audience, highlighting concert setting at Disney Hall.

Grimanesa Amorós Illuminates Walt Disney Concert Hall with Programmed LED Sculpture Tied to Orchestra

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Written by John Oliver

2026-10-03

A Fiery Tribute: Amorós’ Scintillating Light Sculpture

In a dazzling display of light and sound, the creation “RADIANCE” lights up the Walt Disney Concert Hall, commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic. The artwork accompanies Alexander Scriabin’s “Prometheus: The Poem of Fire, Op. 60,” infusing the space with thematic elements of fire and transformation. Suspended above the orchestra, it embodies both mythological and historical narratives, referencing Prometheus and the Incan deity Viracocha to explore light as a symbol of knowledge and change.

RADIANCE sculpture glowing from rear of hall during rehearsal.
RADIANCE seen from the rear of the house during rehearsal | all images ©Grimanesa Amorós
RADIANCE glowing red above orchestra and chorus during performance.
RADIANCE in a red state above the orchestra and chorus during the performance at Walt Disney Concert Hall

Dynamic Installation Radiates with Musical Precision

Spanning dimensions of 60 × 35 × 5 feet (18.29 × 10.67 × 1.52 meters), the sculpture “RADIANCE” is an architectural marvel crafted from reflective materials and LED tubing that changes color. A bespoke lighting sequence directs its illumination, seamlessly integrated with the Walt Disney Concert Hall’s lighting to create a unified visual environment.

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The orchestration of light is meticulously composed, aligning with the orchestra through six synchronized moments. Artist Grimanesa Amorós bridges art and architecture, weaving the installation into the fabric of the performance space rather than isolating it as an independent piece. The resulting interplay ensures a harmonious progression of visual and auditory experiences. This exquisite piece works as both a led sculpture and an art installation.

Light sculpture at Walt Disney Concert Hall, glowing with changing colors.
House lighting synchronized with sculpture installation at concert hall.
the hall’s house lighting running on the same sequence as the sculpture installation
Amber light sequence illuminating strands, stage, and seating.
the sequence shifts to amber, carrying the color across the suspended strands, the stage, and the seating
Color-shifting LED tubing creating changing light effects.
color-shifting rope-like LED tubing produces the installation’s changing illumination
Sculpture lit in blue and violet against timber interior.
the installation in a blue and violet state, showing the full width of the work against the hall’s timber interior
Deep red sculpture with organ visible through strands.
a frontal view of the hanging structure lit deep red, with the concert hall’s organ visible through the strands
Full span of light sculpture centered above stage.
the full span of the work centered above the stage
Concert hall view with illuminated light sculpture hanging prominently.
Light installation featuring complex play of lights and shadows.
Concert hall glowing with dynamic light sculpture display.
Dramatic view of the light sculpture lit against the audience.
Intricate light design set against the concert hall's interior.
Colorful LED strands crisscross forming a captivating display.

Source: designboom.com

Frequently asked questions

What is the sculpture ‘RADIANCE’ inspired by?

The sculpture ‘RADIANCE’ is inspired by thematic elements of fire and transformation, and references both Prometheus and the Incan deity Viracocha to explore light as a symbol of knowledge and change.

How is the lighting of ‘RADIANCE’ controlled?

The lighting of ‘RADIANCE’ is controlled by a bespoke lighting sequence that directs its illumination, seamlessly integrated with the Walt Disney Concert Hall’s lighting.

How does ‘RADIANCE’ interact with the orchestra?

The orchestration of light in ‘RADIANCE’ is meticulously composed, aligning with the orchestra through six synchronized moments, ensuring a harmonious progression of visual and auditory experiences.