Sound artists bring love and healing to the Wende Museum

Sandy Duarte and Melissa Rosen, both strong advocates for the healing qualities of sound, have curated an experience with a mix of scientific innovation, aural and visual artistry, and mindfulness. On the night of Saturday, Feb. 14, the public is invited to participate in the interactive sound art, “My Sonic Valentine,” at the Glorya Kaufman Community Center at the Wende Museum at 10858 Culver Blvd.

From 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., NXT Foundation’s Attune 1.0, a light and sound exhibit, will unfold simultaneously in 10 different locations across Los Angeles County, including the garden at the Glorya Kaufman Community Center. Attendees are invited to bring picnic blankets and chairs to settle around the light sculpture to enjoy the exhibit. There will be snacks and fresh juices from Eli’s Elixirs to accompany the experience.

In the museum theater, notable sound artists and therapists such as Anthony Profeta will lead immersive acoustic sessions called sound baths, with special guest and Grammy-nominated artist Bella Rabbit making an appearance.

Duarte began exploring sound and its therapeutic qualities after she was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in March of 2024. While she was going through chemotherapy, Duarte bought sound bowls — Tibetan bowls that emit different frequencies and soothing tones when struck. 

“I said, ‘It’s a gift to myself so that when I go home between my [chemotherapy] rounds, I can play,’” Duarte recalled. “And then fresh out of chemo, I started playing for different groups around the city, completely bald.”

Through playing for various groups and studios, Duarte came across Rosen. Their shared interest in the restorative qualities of sound led to the creation of Sonic Unity, a collective focused on encouraging sound as a way to connect with the self and with others. 

Now in remission and almost two years after her cancer diagnosis, Duarte hopes to share her passion for sound therapy with the public on Valentine’s Day. Rosen explained how “My Sonic Valentine” connects sound and the day dedicated to love.

“My mantra is that ‘Listening is love,’” Rosen said. “The whole theme is listening, connection, and love beyond romance.”

Further emphasizing the theme of love beyond romance, Duarte created love chants — repeated affirmations of love — that will play throughout the evening.

“The word love on repeat was able to get me out of [these] dark scary times on my own,” Duarte commented. “That’s why we’re loving this event, because it’s bringing people out of the darkest isolation into connection.”

In addition to the love chants, Duarte and Rosen have invited many other sound artists and therapists to share their work. 

On the rooftop, there will be Sonic Unity Talking Circles — conversations led by therapists Janein Chavez from 4 to 5:30 p.m. and Nick Sharp from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Centered around reflection and connection to others, these talks aim to provide a welcoming space for all who attend.

Along with exploring sound, art, and love, “My Sonic Valentine” also embraces the science and technology of sound.

Biotune Wellness Technology, a company that specializes in vibroacoustic technology for wellness treatment, will offer guests a chance to try out their products. Their products, such as massage tables and headphones, work to immerse users in a full-body experience that helps with meditation.

Sonic Unity is also collaborating with the Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS) to study how transformative practices affect feelings of connectedness, intuition, and well-being. Attendees are invited to fill out a survey before and after experiencing “My Sonic Valentine” to further research by the IONS Discovery Lab.

“We wanted to ground this in art and science,” Rosen reflected. “We all know music is so powerful, but sound healing, it shuts down a certain part of the brain that allows you to really go inward in a way that I haven't experienced before.”

“That's why it was such a powerful healing modality to me.”

To learn more about “My Sonic Valentine,” visit this page.