The Ocean Etched in the Forest

Lincoln Center presents a major work from the Pulitzer Prize-winning composer and performer Du Yun. Born in China and currently based in New York City, Du Yun’s insatiable curiosity finds new voice in The Ocean Etched in the Forest (刻在森林的海). Over the past several years, Du Yun and her collaborator Julian Crouch have worked closely with Jino artists from Yunnan province, including He Guiying, the national inheritor of his people's unique heritage. Living almost entirely isolated from urban society until 1979, the Jino people have maintained their distinct culture and ecologically grounded mindset amid rampant modernization. In collaboration with Du Yun and Crouch, Guiying has been recording Jino children from Bapiao Village as they perform nearly forgotten local folk songs. These recordings, merged with music from Du Yun’s band OK MISS and live theatrical elements, form Ocean’s original musical tapestry for a concert that transcends time and geography. Join us for a work that highlights the intersections of ancient tradition and modern methodology, folk tales and contemporary storytelling, and generations living and gone.

2pm and 7pm performances

This performance is commissioned by Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and the Beijing Music Festival. The world premiere of Ocean Etched in the Forest took place at the Beijing Music Festival, followed by the North American Premiere as part of the Lincoln Center Presents Summer for the City 2026.