Mind Travel with Pianist Murray Hidary

Mystical traditions and theoretical physics may seem like an odd pairing, but not for Murray Hidary. The composer come serial entrepreneur and dot com magnate is preparing to take over the MBH with Mind Travel – an inward voyage of spiritual reawakening scored in real time by Hidary himself. The musical journey will be experienced by each guest via their own set of headphones, making it simultaneously uniquely personal, yet shared and universal. We chatted with Hidary, who is currently on tour, in preparation for the event.

Here’s a taste of what you can expect from the evening: 

Now, let’s get to know the man behind the Mind Travel… 

How did music first enter your life?

I was 5 years old when I started playing music. My parents felt it was important that all my siblings studied an instrument. It quickly became a way for me, as a shy, introverted kid, to express myself beyond words which I found came with more difficulty. My internal world found a new language and a way to be released. I don’t think my parents planned on how far I’ve taken it though!   

You have quite a varied background – what separates your entrepreneurial pursuits from your artistic ones?

I view all my activities as exercises in expression. Creative expression. From that frame it is quite consistent. From starting a tech company and taking it public to composing a symphony, we have no limits to what we can do if we simply believe we can. We are all multifaceted, multidimensional and as human beings existing in a physical plane I believe that what we are here to do, if anything, is to express ourselves through our actions and doings and eternally create.   

In a previous interview you described art as isolating. Can you elaborate on that?

Yes, creating art and music can be an isolating experience. It has to happen when you are alone with your pen, camera, paintbrush or whatever the instrument of your medium. Alone with your thoughts, fears and dreams, synthesizing life’s personal trials and tribulations and all the interpretations and channeling them in a voice unique to only you, but which resonates with others.

How did the idea for the Mind Travel event series come to you?

Mind Travel started as my own personal practice many years ago before it ever had a name. It evolved and grew into a powerful ritual for me to explore and process my own emotions and spiritual sensibilities. Once I made the choice to share this musical world of mine with the public, I thought about what to call it. Mind Travel just felt right. It described it in a succinct way that just worked. The headphones were a later addition once I wanted to have more outdoor concerts. It was a way to have a profoundly personal, intimate experience and be together in community.

What makes Montauk the perfect setting for an event like this?

The work is about getting away from our busy digital lives and creating a breath, a pause, a moment to reflect on our lives so we can come back to our lives with renewed clarity and rhythm. Montauk’s glorious landscape provides the physical distance and transporting space we need to create separation from our everyday allowing the music to do the rest. The music gives the listener deep, uninterrupted time to reflect and explore. The mind opens up, releases and reveals as the music takes the listener in deeper and deeper.

If you could invite anyone (dead or alive) to attend, who would it be?

I would invite my grandmother who passed many years ago, well before I created Mind Travel. She loved the piano. She would ask me to play for her every time she saw me. In her later years, as her hearing was failing, she would sit right next to the piano with her ear pressed against it and listen to me play with her eyes closed. What I wouldn’t give to have her at just one concert.

How do you recommend guests prepare for this journey? 

While there is no specific preparation needed, it is best to come to it relaxed and comfortable. Some people find it helpful to bring a certain idea, problem or intention in with them, but I will say that regardless of what you come in with, the music will do with you as it will…if you allow it.

Describe a profound spiritual moment you’ve experienced…

I’ve been fortunate enough to have experiences both at and away from the piano that have given me direct access to the sense of the complete unity of all things. Those stunning, fleeting moments of consciousness where I am out of my own way. Moments that seem to defy time where I am present to my truest self and the eternal nature of it all. I would describe it further with words if I could, I promise. The most remarkable part of it though is that it is available to everyone. Everyone.  

Mind Travel by Murray Hidary takes place Saturday, July 17th at 8:00 PM.

Reserve your spot and check out our Happenings Calendar for all the good stuff!