Sona Project

Stefano Curto and Sebastian Meyer recording on the field

A Journey Through Sound

Over three years, Curto and Meyer collected sounds from various geographical locations, including Siwa, Basque Country, Iceland, and more. Using advanced technology such as hydrophones, geophones, and 360° microphones, they captured the unique sonic landscapes of these regions. The work reflects both personal experiences and an organic sound performance by the artists during mixing.

Meditation and Listening

The artists incorporate meditation practices in their daily lives and apply these techniques to foster deep listening throughout their recordings. Guided by Pauline Oliveros’ philosophy, the artists believe that careful listening can transform our perception of nature and deepen our awareness, offering a mystical and emotional connection to the sounds of water in its various forms.

All sounds were collected over three years and recorded with sophisticated technology including hydrophones, geophones and a 360° microphone rig.

OPEN PDF PRESENTATION

Field photo from the Sona Project (Stefano Curto and Sebastian Meyer)

THE STORY

Stefano Curto and Sebastian Meyer met on an island in SoutheastAsia 15 years ago and have had a deep friendship ever since.They are both interested in similar research topics and artisticpractices. Over time, they developed the idea to combine theirartistic, intellectual and spiritual affinities to co-create a work.

AN Immersive Experience

SONA’s 34-minute performance is experienced by a small group of 18 people lying in a circle on comfortable mattresses with headrests, in a softly lit space. Twelve hanging speakers broadcast the composition, surrounding the audience with sound. The acoustics of the space are designed to gently absorb reverberations, creating a unique immersive listening experience. The artists aim to inspire both children and adults to reconnect with their environment through sound, promoting a deeper understanding of humanity’s place in the world.

the PREMIÈRE

From July 25 to 27, 2025, at Stefano Curto’s Babylon studio, the premiere of the SONA sound project took place. The artists chose to organize a private event in a setting familiar to them, enabling a full test of the sound architecture in all its technical and experimental components. Members of the scientific committee supporting SONA participated, alongside approximately 120 guests from diverse social and cultural backgrounds. Over the three days, committee members introduced the project to the audience through in-depth dialogue sessions, fostering direct and stimulating exchanges.During the three evenings, the multichannel composition was presented as listening sessions. The feedback collected provided valuable insights for the next development phase.

FEEDBACK

Aurora

SONA is an experience that, for me, had less to do with sound and more with a pulse.
It reminded me of this poem by Emily Dickinson:
Water, is taught by thirst.
Land - by the oceans passed.
Transport - by throe -
Peace - by it's battles told -
Love, by memorial mold -
Birds, by the snow.‍
Thank you, to you and Sebastian, for creating it.

Emily

Being all together in a circle, with our heads close, was already a great beginning: the energy joined and transformed.The immersion in the storm felt like a shower for the soul, freeing me from heavy burdens. The steady drops carried me into a cave, protected, ready to discover what lay beyond. I smiled at the children laughing and diving, at the cries of animals announcing the return of life after the storm. That beating of wings, which was actually water, brought me back to the lightheartedness of childhood.At times the water reassured me, at others it frightened me: I felt immersed in an ocean, a lake, or perhaps in the womb. (continues)

Beppe

Being immersed, submerged, and then emerging from the ocean of sound of Sons was an exciting experience.The sound aesthetics were technically flawless.The dynamics were perfect—at times caressing, at others striking like a slap.The flow was excellent, with crescendos, pauses, and suspensions.Many parts remain vivid in my memory.The section in the river with the voice was especially beautiful.It is truly an exceptional experience, one I would like to live again and would wholeheartedly recommend to others.

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Stefano Curto produces works of art by creating shiny textures with crystals and minerals set on plex canvas. In his art practice he also composes music, writes and investigates humanity and the sacred Motherland, travelling around the world for 30 years.

SEBASTIAN MEYER IS AN ARTIST BASED IN VIENNA. HIS WORKS FOCUS ON ENVIRONMENTAL LISTENING AND SOUND ECOLOGY WITHIN A TIME BASED MEDIA ARTS CONTEXT.