BUCOL­IC - Cul­tur­al Machines

BUCOLIC - Cultural Machines is an experimental ensemble of human performers and robotic instruments, bringing traditional music into dialogue with new technology. The title comes from the Greek-rooted word bucolic, meaning pastoral. Kantele, robotic kantele, robotic cowbells and robotic shakuhachi meet live electronics, motion capture and visuals. The performance explores the musical agency of robotic instruments: what kind of performers can they become, and what can they contribute artistically to experimental and folk music?

This third version of Bucolic brings the full ensemble and visuals together on stage. The first version was performed at the IRCAM Forum in Latvia without visuals or robotic shakuhachi. The second was a participatory installation featuring only robotic kantele and robotic cowbells. The project is part of Village Anthems in the Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture programme and is supported by Oulu University of Applied Sciences and EU-Japan Fest.

Performers and creators: Osmo Hakosalo, kantele; Jussi Tuohino, live electronics; Vasilis Agiomyrgianakis, live electronics and robotic cowbells; Haruka Hirayama, live electronics, Mocopi and robotic shakuhachi; Koki Miyauchi, visuals. Robotic kantele developed by Jan Julin.