Our Transcendent Renaissance audio installation, showcased at the European Cultural Centre (ECC) Biennale exhibition in Venice, transforms Palazzo Mora into an auditory masterpiece, bridging the Renaissance era with contemporary soundscapes.
Featuring Ada Galeș and her work “Sometimes I Want to Make Art and Sometimes I Want a Phat Thai,” the installation explores the interplay between artistic creation and everyday desires. Her conceptual approach adds a layer of introspection and modernity to the exhibit, reflecting the dualities of contemporary life.
The color orange, symbolizing creativity, warmth, and transformation, is subtly integrated throughout the installation. This use of color enhances the sensory experience and highlights the nuanced role of color in art.
“At its core, this installation invites listeners to immerse themselves in a 12-minute choral experience that intertwines sixteenth-century compositions with contemporary pieces composed by me. In the heart of it are six speakers strategically positioned to mirror the unique voices of a Cathedral Choir. Each speaker embodies an individual singing voice – be it bass, tenor, alto, or soprano – offering an intimate encounter with the intricate layers of choral harmony,” Țopa explained.
“What inspired me to create this audio installation was a deep fascination with the transformative power of sound and the exploration of how music can transcend time and space. I was captivated by the idea of blending historical choral works from the sixteenth century with contemporary compositions, creating a seamless bridge between past and present within a single sonic experience.”
Transcendent Renaissance showcases a remarkable collaboration under conductor and composer Radu Mihalache. Sopranos Alexandra Moroiu, Monica Lotreanu, and Catalina Postolache blend ethereal tones, while altos Gabriela Iesean, Monica Paun, and Sarah Rizescu add warmth and depth.
Moreover, tenors Alexandru Cartis, Lucian Haralambie, and Calin Topa infuse vibrant timbres, complemented by resonant basses Radu Mihalache and Ciprian Ravnic. Ada Galeș narrates with storytelling prowess, while children’s voices by Aldous Baranowski add innocence and magic, the same source said.