Sofia's Trip

What can you expect?

In a small group of around ten people, you will receive a low, controlled ‘concert dose’ of truffles: 5 to 8 grams, well below a standard dose of 15 to 30 grams. The tea is prepared by Microdose Together, specialists in supporting truffle experiences at events. You will be guided through the process step by step, so you know exactly what to expect — both from the truffles and from the music.

Truffles contain psilocybin and psilocin, the same active compounds found in magic mushrooms. After drinking the tea, it usually takes 20 to 60 minutes for the first effects to appear. A full trip lasts around 4 to 6 hours, with the most intense effects occurring during the first 1.5 to 2 hours. This is precisely why we allow plenty of time before the concert begins.

This experience is for people who are open to something intense and introspective, rather than those looking for a light, cheerful trip. We will introduce the more challenging themes in Gubaidulina’s music beforehand, so you know what to expect.

How should you prepare?

• Eat lightly beforehand: a full stomach can make the truffles less effective and may increase nausea.

• Chew the truffle thoroughly when you drink the tea — this can help with the effects and reduce nausea.

• Do not combine truffles with alcohol or weed/hash: this can make the experience unpredictable and increase the risk of a ‘bad trip’.

• Only come if you feel physically and mentally well. If you are not completely sure, it is better to wait until you feel ready — nobody is obliged to take part.

• Make sure you have nothing else planned that evening: the calmer and freer your mind, the more space there is for the experience.

Programme

18:00–18:30
Arrival and welcome. You will sign the own-risk declaration and health declaration. In the meantime, the truffle tea will be prepared.

18:30
Tea ceremony: together with your group, you will drink the truffle tea under the guidance of your Psycare NL sitter.

18:30–20:00
Introduction to the music and the experience, including short excerpts from the music of Gubaidulina and Shayesteh, so you know what to expect. You will get to know the others in small groups and have time to relax as the first effects begin to appear.

20:00–21:30
The concert.

21:30–23:30
Aftercare: time to reflect and unwind with calming music, tea and biscuits. We ask you not to leave during this period.

23:30
You may leave.

Until 00:30
Psycare NL will remain present and available for anyone who still needs support.

Your safety comes first

• One experienced sitter for every ten participants, provided by Psycare NL — specialists in supporting people during psychedelic experiences.

• Researchers from the PRSM Lab (Leiden University) may be present and may invite you to take part — entirely optionally — in scientific research into the combination of music and truffles.

• A low, fixed ‘concert dose’ of 5–8 grams. This is the maximum, but you can always choose to take less.

• The truffle tea contains lemon, honey and ginger, each with its own purpose: the acidity of the lemon helps the effects come on slightly faster, honey softens the taste and is soothing for the stomach, and ginger can help reduce nausea.

• We strongly recommend that you do not leave until at least 5 hours after taking the truffles, even if you already feel completely fine.

• It is best to eat lightly beforehand: a full stomach can make the truffles less effective, so for the best experience, keep things light before the concert.

• Mats are available throughout the space, so you can lie down and relax during your trip.

• The space is also equipped with beanbags and cushions, allowing you to sit, lie down or move around calmly.

Who cannot (yet) take part in the truffle performance?

Please check the list below before purchasing a ticket for a truffle performance. Do any of these apply to you? In that case, it is better to choose a performance without truffles — these are also available and offer an equally complete SOFIA’S TRIP experience.

• I have, or someone in my immediate family has, a history of psychosis, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

• I am currently experiencing severe psychological difficulties or going through an unstable period in terms of my mental health.

• I currently have suicidal thoughts, have recently attempted suicide, or have experienced this in the past.

• I have cardiovascular disease, including untreated high blood pressure or cardiac arrhythmias.

• I am pregnant or breastfeeding.

• I take MAO inhibitors.

• I take SSRIs, other antidepressants, lithium or other psychiatric medication.

• I am under 18.

• I have epilepsy.

Not sure? Consult your GP beforehand. On arrival, we will go through these questions with you once again.

What if you have a bad trip?

An intense or confronting experience is not necessarily the same as a dangerous experience — and it happens to more people than you might think, especially with music as powerful and immersive as Gubaidulina’s. If you notice that things are becoming difficult, the following may help:

• Tell your Psycare NL sitter. That is exactly what they are there for, and there is nothing to be ashamed of.

• Do not fight what you are feeling — try to move with the experience rather than against it. Difficult moments will pass naturally.

• Change something small: lie or sit somewhere else, open or close your eyes, or move with your sitter to a quieter space.

• A sip of something sweet may help take the edge off.

• Remember that it is temporary. What feels overwhelming now will be over within a few hours — and afterwards, a bad trip can often turn out to be the most insightful experience.

Want to know more?

The information below is based on public information provided by the Trimbos Institute and Jellinek, two independent Dutch organisations specialising in drug education and addiction care. For more information, visit the websites of the Trimbos Institute or Jellinek.

If you are still struggling with an intense experience after returning home, or would like to talk to someone about it, the Jellinek Drugline (088 505 1220) is available without judgement to anyone with questions about a drug experience.

Practical information

• When purchasing your ticket for a truffle performance, you confirm that you are taking part in the experience at your own risk.

• On arrival, you will complete a health declaration and sign the own-risk declaration before receiving the truffle tea.

• Bring a valid form of ID (18+).

• Eat lightly beforehand — a full stomach can reduce the effects of the truffles.

• Do not plan anything immediately after the concert: expect to leave no earlier than 5 hours after taking the truffles, and arrange transport home so that you do not have to drive yourself (this also applies to cycling).

• Tea, biscuits and drinks will be provided throughout the evening.

• Wear comfortable clothing and keep your phone aside as much as possible.

• Ready for the journey?

• Book your ticket for one of the truffle performances and get ready for a concert experience that goes beyond simply listening. You will first briefly go through the risk and intake questions.

Sophia’s Trip is not only an artistic project but also part of a scientific study in collaboration with the PRSM lab at Leiden University. The lab investigates the effects of psychedelics on musical experience. Participants in the Truffle Trip are surveyed before and after the concert to gain deeper insight into how truffles influence the perception of music.