Open to the public since May 1999, MASS MoCA is a project to convert a 27-building historic mill complex in the Berkshire mountains of Western Massachusetts into a multi-disciplinary center for visual, performing and media arts. More than a static display hall, MASS MoCA provides space, tools, and time for artists, cultural institutions and businesses working in sculpture, theater, dance, film, digital media and music. New work is created in partnership with high technology and new media companies.

Philip Glass —one of today's most innovative, influential composers— and The Philip Glass Ensemble took to the stage to perform original scores to a stunning array of new short silent films projected on the big screen. MASS MoCA presented this first glimpse of new work by ground-breaking and innovative directors in an uncommon, rich collaboration. Philip Glass asked four international filmmakers and artists —Atom Egoyan, Peter Greenaway, Shirin Neshat and Michal Rovner— to create short films for which he wrote new musical scores. There were no rules, no guidelines, just the belief that approaching film through the music would result in a poetic combination of sound and images full of new possibilities. In addition to the new films, there will be an unprecedented live concert screening of Godfrey Reggio's (director of Powaqqatsi and Koyaanisqatsi) two short films Evidence and Anima Mundi.

Just before a performance, Philip Glass was interviewed by Julia Wolfe and answered some questions from the audience. It was a rare chance to hear Philip Glass talk about his music and the new films.

PhilipGlass.com is proud to offer this interview.