CFP: Sounds of the Pandemic, Virtual, 16 Dec 2020

[AMS]

Sounds of the Pandemic - International Online Conference

https://soundsofthepandemic.wordpress.com

The "Sound of the Pandemic" conference aims to be a forum for sharing perspectives about sound in the time of pandemic, the modifications of sonic environments and the transformations in sound production/listening behaviors, not only in the musical field, but generally speaking in all human practices which are strongly characterized by sound. Both scholarly contributions and accounts by sound artists and cultural operators are welcome. Presentation of sound recordings is strongly encouraged, but not compulsory.

A few starting points for reflection:
- Has lockdown “leveled out” the distinctive sounds of the world’s cities? Does lockdown make all places sound the same? Or, on the contrary, does the suspension of activities cause sonic peculiarities to surface?
- What kinds of emotional responses have the modifications of sonic environments generated? For example, is it possible to interpret the spread of “high sonic density” flash mobs as a way to fight the anguish of silence?
- Which are the features of musical creativity on the Internet as it flourished at every level, from amateur to professional practices, during lockdown? Is it possible to foresee long-lasting transformations in expressive, listening and consumption habits? What kind of impact are social distancing measures having in the gradual reopening of theaters and concert halls, and, in general, in the cautious restart of live musical practices? How can the challenges entailed by these measures be turned into new opportunities?

The conference will be held entirely online. Talks must be strictly between 15 and 20 minutes long, including time for presentation of sound recordings or multimedia content. General updates will be provided on the web page of the conference and on the Facebook page of the project “Come suona la Toscana”.

Talks in English, Italian or French are accepted.
You can submit a proposal by sending a 250-word abstract to Dr. Daniele Palma (daniele.palma -at- unifi.it). Proposals must include the following information:
- Title of the talk
- Name
- Affiliation (if applicable)
- Contact details
- Short CV (150 words maximum)
- Indication of possible sound recordings or multimedia content to be presented

The conference is part of Come suona la Toscana, a project by Università di Firenze led by Prof. Maurizio Agamennone, in the framework of the PRIN 2017 initiative “Heritage, Festivals, Archives. Music and performing practices of oral tradition in the XXI Century”.