MUNICH.- Since 1997, Olaf Nicolai has developed a wide variety of interdisciplinary projects through his examination of body, time and space. His most recent work, »Escalier du Chant«, is a sound installation made especially for the sweeping staircase in the Pinakothek der Moderne. At its centre is the human voice – with both its sensual power of expression and its political dimension. Olaf Nicolai has invited twelve international composers to write songs about topical political events throughout the current year – events that at the present time are just as unforeseeable as the compositions themselves. Premieres of these songs are performed a capella on the staircase in the Pinakothek der Moderne on twelve Sundays. There are no specific times for the performances as the songs are repeated at varying intervals several times throughout the day. They are sung by the Neue Vocalsolisten Stuttgart. The composer Rolf