Manoir Bruit is the sound creation programme of association Bruit, in collaboration with Haus am Gern and Château de Sibra.
From 6 to 14 October 2026, Biel/Bienne-based sound artist Estelle Beiner was artist-in-residence at Manoir Bruit in Sibra, France, as the eigth guest of the programme. The title for her residence is ALCHIMIE.
ALCHIMIE
6 to 15 October 2026 – Manoir Bruit, Château Sibra
Alchemy is an improvised and meditative exploration of sound centred on the four elements and their power of transmutation.
As with any transformation, three fundamental stages can be observed. In Alchemy, these are known as the Great Work – the Black Work, the White Work and the Red Work.
The ‘black’ work is the moment of the encounter with and dissolution of matter
The ‘white’ work is that of embodiment and crystallisation
The ‘red’ work is the stage where the ego ceases to exist, giving way to peace of mind.
My work during this residency was based on capturing the soundscape of the grounds of Château Sibra and on improvisations that illustrate the intrinsic transformation of the human being through the four elements.
Earth and its power of grounding, stability, patience and resilience
Water, which represents the emotions hidden in the depths of the soul, and its power of purification
Air brings clarity to confusion, illusions and all forms of limiting beliefs that shape us, enabling us to rediscover peace of mind
Fire: destructive if fuelled by repressed anger, yet creative once the blaze is brought under control. The only element that does not occur naturally in the natural world.
The sound recordings are intended to be raw and authentic, without any effects, in order to make the listening experience as close as possible to the atmosphere of the Manoir Bruit.
Everything you hear should be regarded as a profound meditation on the movements of the human soul.
Estelle Beiner, October 2026, Château de Sibra
