On March 21, 2025, the Paradijskerk hosted 'DARK matters' – an immersive sound experience and communal meal around themes such as mourning, loss and letting go, in relation to the cycles of nature. The performance was curated by Alina Turdea and co-produced by musician Nikos ten Hoed. Music played a central role in accompanying rituals, with contributions from Genyten, Tisa World and Singing Club Rotterdam, among others. The evening took place on the first day of spring and formed a symbolic moment of transition from the dark winter to the light of spring. Through rituals from Eastern Europe and the Netherlands, mourning was approached as a cyclical process. Guests were invited to reflection and togetherness through food, music and space.

Image: Leroy Verbeet