In the early 1970’s, when John Lennon wrote the lyrics to IMAGINE, he probably never imagined that within a few years the world he dreamed of would be birthed into being.  Nestled in the foothills of the Alps in the Valchuisella Valley of Northern Italy is the Federation of Damanhur, a utopian, sustainable, eco-community.

In the peaceful and spiritual ecovillage of Damanhur – which has been awarded by United Nations for being a model for sustainable future – is a beautiful choir of singing trees.

Yep, you read that right. Since 1976, researchers in the commune have invented and developed equipment that can capture electromagnetic changes on the surface of leaves and roots, transforming them into actual sounds.

The best part is, these trees seem to control their electrical responses as if aware of the melodies they are creating. Isn’t that amazing?

The singing plants and trees of Damanhur have sparked off such a worldwide fascination that the people began organizing “Plant Concerts”, where musicians perform to the music created by the trees.

Through their research, Damanhurians have discovered ways to “teach” plants to harmonize and improvise and create music.  They attach electrode-like clips to the leaves and roots and the electrical impulses of the plants are then routed through a synthesizer and voila, beautiful music fills the forest.  Their intention is to educate people to consider plants not as objects but as living beings.