Scaffolding around Chiaravalle Abbey tower becomes musical instrument for CHIARA performance

The scaffolding surrounding the bell tower of the medieval Chiaravalle Abbey in Milan, currently under restoration, is being transformed into a musical instrument for the CHIARA project. Conceived by Terzo Paesaggio and Federgat, and curated by Standards (artistic) and Concrete Acoustics (technical), the installation uses a sound system mounted on the scaffolding to broadcast the abbey's internal silence along with live electronic music by Nicola Ratti. The performance takes place on September 12, 2021, at 4 PM in the public park and village of Chiaravalle, as part of the abbey's 800th anniversary celebrations. Ratti's live electronics will blend with pre-recorded and live-captured sounds from inside the abbey, creating a coherent and mimetic soundscape. The tower, known as Ciribiciaccola, is an octagonal structure over 56 meters high, featuring red bricks, Candoglia marble decorations, and terracotta. The event is free but requires reservation. Subsequent weekends will feature performances by Andrew Pekler, Ellen Arkbro, Marta De Pascalis, and Mount Fog.