Solo exhibition
Ex-convent Le Monacelle, Matera, Italy – 28 August – 2 September, 2019
“Urla Chambers” explores the power of the human voice through 4 immersive sound installations. The exhibition is the representation of the experience lived by Yuval Avital in Basilicata inviting viewers to engage with the primal and emotional dimensions of sound. Each chamber highlights different vocal expressions, integrating video projections and sculptures to create an experiential space of fruition.
Massive Sonic Works:
/ˈmæsɪv ˈsɒnɪk wɜːrks/
Large-scale performances using collective participation to create powerful sound masses.
Yuval Avital’s “Massive Sonic Works” or “Opera di Massa Sonora” involves the creation of large-scale performances that utilize collective participation to craft a unique sound experience. These works focus on forming powerful sound masses through the collaboration of numerous performers, exploring new possibilities through sound rituals. The compositions often include graphic visual elements, written music, and easy-to-read instructions to allow interpretation by individuals without prior musical experience. This approach, sometimes involving hundreds of participants, aims to create what can be described as “crowd music.”
Some key works in Avital’s repertoire include:
– GARON (2012): An opera for 45 bass tubas do, percussions, and a crowd of performers.
– KARAGATAN (2013): A composition for 100 gongs and bamboo in the Philippines.
– REKA (2014): Commissioned by the Warsaw Autumn Festival and co-produced by the MiTo festival in Milan, involving traditional singers from unique cultures such as Tibetan, Zulu, Sardinian, Mongolian, and Samarkand traditions.
One of Avital’s significant compositions is MISE EN ABÎME, a milestone work that marks the beginning of his “Massive Sonic Works” series. Premiered in 2011, this composition involves a large ensemble of 100-200 non-musician vocalists, accordions, bass tubas, soprano, bass clarinet, percussions, didgeridoo, and conductors directing the performance in an immersive setup.
Another notable work is URLA, an immersive sonic experience with over 300 performers, showcasing diverse musical traditions in Matera, Italy. This piece combines traditional elements with modern instrumentation, theatrical actions, and innovative technological approaches, reflecting Yuval Avital’s interdisciplinary and transcultural artistic vision.
Yuval Avital’s creations blend complexity, cultural diversity, and technological innovation to create immersive and participatory sonic experiences that push the boundaries of traditional music composition and performance.
