In Kimchi Choir, I lend my voice to translate microbial fermentation into a vocal ensemble. Each bacterial genus is assigned a consonant (sung on the same vowel) and a pitch from the F pentatonic scale (F–G–A–C–D), commonly used in Korean folk music. Volume corresponds to relative abundance at three key timepoints (day 0, 5, and 15).

The early days sound more like a cacophony than a harmonious choir. As the community stabilizes, more sustained tones emerge. By day 15, two families dominate: Leuconostoc (/m/) and Lactobacillus (/n/) hum a triad, with some back-up from the “Other” genuses that make up a small percentage.

Listening Guide

1 consonant/genus
F pentatonic scale (F–G–A–C–D)
Louder = more abundant
Time: day 0 → 5 → 15

A hand-carved ceramic vessel mirrors this timeline, tracing microbial shifts as concentric rings. As you make your own batch of kimchi with it, listen to the choir as a reminder of the microbial collaboration unfolding inside.