“The Human Experience: Emotion in a World of AI”, conceptualized by Ramya Shankar, is an interactive vocal and sonic exploration of emotion as energy in motion. The work moves through lived emotional landscapes such as —anger, rejection, grief, and relationships, joy, realization —each unfolding in discernible stages. For example, before exploring the stages of anger, the audience is invited to sense the initial rise of tension through sound itself. Drawing from raga phrasing and cross-genre influences, the voice becomes a mirror of human behavior, revealing emotion through resonance. Audience participation is integral, encouraging discovery and presence. In an era shaped by Artificial Intelligence and optimization, this work re-centers listening, embodiment, and emotional truth.
Vocalist / Sound Artist: Ramya Shankar
Bassist: Peter Barshay
Mridangist: Varun Pattabhiraman
Pianist: Unpil Baek
Saxophonist: Prasant Radhakrishnan
Drummer / Percussionist: Zach Mondlick
More details, performer bios, and tickets online through SFIAF
Sunday, May 2 at 2:00pm
CMC Concert Hall
$20–$30
Tickets
CMC is proud to host performances in the 2025 San Francisco International Arts Festival April 30–May 11, 2025. The Festival brings together a global community of innovative artists and audiences through projects that foster exchange across cultures all throughout the Mission District. Join us in the Concert Hall and check out the full festival lineup here.