Will the Author of This New Symphony Please Stand Up?
Gather ’round, you eco-warriors and music lovers alike! Imagine a world where music doesn’t just make your ears tingle, but also leaves a positive footprint on our beloved Earth. Well, put on your sunglasses, because the folks at Federico II University are ready to drop some serious beats—eco-friendly beats, that is! 🎶🌍
Welcome to the Conference of the Future!
The Music for the Environment conference is scheduled for the 13th and 14th of November 2024 in the prestigious Room A3 “Carlo Gesualdo.” It promises to be the ultimate jam session, not just for musicians, but for anyone who cares about the environment. You’ll find scholars, industry experts, and music aficionados converging to explore how musical production impacts our planet—from the poor vinyl records sitting in our attics to the extravagant concert setups that blow our minds but can also blow a hole in Mother Nature’s budget!
Can Music Be a Force for Good?
Now, if you’re thinking, “What do music and Mother Earth have in common?”—you’re not alone. But here’s the kicker: every note, every strum, every beat leaves its mark. Whether it’s the pollution from touring or the carbon footprint of your favorite artist’s glittering cape, it all adds up. And with this conference, we’re diving deep into the rhythm of sustainability!
Interdisciplinary Jam Session
With the conference organized by the Department of Humanistic Studies, we’re in for a treat. Expect some heavy hitters from the worlds of musicology and environmental science discussing how we can turn the volume down on our environmental impact while cranking up the awareness! We’re in a 21st-century battle, folks—a “Battle of the Bands” where the prize is a cleaner planet. Who knew plastic straws could have a rival?
What’s on the Agenda?
The event kicks off on Wednesday, November 13, at 2:30 PM with the legendary Giorgio Ruberti moderating. Here’s where you’ll get your first taste of the MESSIAH Project—yes, it’s that serious—and listen to esteemed speakers like Maria Rossetti and Cobi van Tonder strum some knowledge your way. Prepare to be schooled!
Then, rise and shine for the second session on Thursday, November 14, at 9 AM. The fabulous Simona Frasca will take the helm as an army of scholars swarm in to tackle the relationship between music, environment, and—wait for it—interdisciplinarity! Who knew mixing genres could also mean mixing ideas?
Echoes of Change
This isn’t just an academic exercise. We’re discussing how music can amplify public awareness, mobilize us like a viral TikTok trend, and push us toward sustainable behavior. Think of how transformative ‘We Are the World’ was—now imagine that energy channeled into eco-magic!
The Sound of Tomorrow
So, whether you’re a budding environmentalist, a heavy metal enthusiast, or just someone who likes to hum along to “Despacito” in the shower, the Music for the Environment conference is going to be the place to be. Bring your questions, your enthusiasm, and maybe a kazoo or two (we’ll save the tuba for later)—because together, we can strike a chord for a greener future! 🎤🌳
Don’t be a wallflower; the time to act is NOW! Let’s turn the volume up on sustainability and make our music signify more than just a good time.
Music, often described as a universal language that transcends cultural barriers, has immense potential not just to unite people, but also to catalyze critical conversations surrounding pressing environmental issues. This pivotal message will take center stage at the Music for the Environment conference, a groundbreaking event scheduled for 13 and 14 November 2024, set to unfold in Room A3 “Carlo Gesualdo” at the esteemed Federico II University, located on via Marina.
The conference is being meticulously organized by the chairs of historical-musical disciplines within the Department of Humanistic Studies at Federico II University, drawing together an eclectic mix of scholars, industry experts, and passionate music lovers. Participants will delve deep into the intricate relationship that intertwines musical production with its environmental footprint. Every facet of music creation, from the inception of a song to the production of vinyl records, carries with it significant implications for our planet. This leads to critical inquiries: What are the ecological ramifications of our musical practices? More importantly, what actionable steps can we take to foster a more sustainable music industry?
One of the key focuses of the conference is to forge new collaborations between science and the arts, paving the way for a more harmonious and sustainable future. Employing an interdisciplinary perspective, attendees will tackle essential topics including a comprehensive examination of how our listening habits and production choices impact the environment. There will also be discussions on music’s role as a powerful agent for social change, exploring how melodies and lyrics can inspire public consciousness and encourage eco-conscious behaviors. Attendees will investigate innovative green solutions in music, such as harnessing clean energy from live concerts and designing eco-sustainable musical instruments. Additionally, the conference will address urgent issues like noise pollution and biodiversity, scrutinizing how human-generated sounds disrupt natural ecosystems and the wildlife that inhabit them.
An array of scholars and educators specializing in historical-musical subjects from various Italian universities, along with industry specialists, will actively participate in the conference’s study days. The inaugural session on Wednesday 13 November, at 2.30 pm, will be expertly moderated by Giorgio Ruberti, a distinguished professor of musicology at Federico II University. This session will debut the MESSIAH project—standing for Music for the Environment: Sustainability Strategies against the Impact from the Awareness of History. Notable speakers will include Maria Rossetti (Federico II University), Cobi van Tonder (Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna), and Alba Battista (Avellino Conservatory). The session will subsequently feature insights from David Careri (University of Rome 3) and Daniela Colafranceschi (Federico II University).
The second session, occurring on Thursday 14 November, at 9 am, will be stewarded by Simona Frasca, a professor of ethnomusicology at Federico II University. This session will spotlight a panel of esteemed scholars and specialists engaged in discussions revolving around the interplay between music, the environment, and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. Speakers will include Simone Caputo (La Sapienza University of Rome), Katia Elena Costantino (Eco.Reverb), Ilario Meandri and Camila Degen (University of Turin), along with Rosario Balestrieri (Anton Dohrn Zoological Station) and scholars Luca De Gregorio and Francesco M. Sacerdoti (Federico II University).
**Interview with Dr. Alessia Martelli, Conference Coordinator for the “Music for the Environment” Conference**
**Editor**: Welcome, Dr. Martelli! We’re thrilled to have you here to discuss the upcoming “Music for the Environment” conference at Federico II University. Can you start by telling us how this idea came about?
**Dr. Martelli**: Thank you for having me! The inspiration for this conference emerged from a growing recognition of the environmental impacts of the music industry—from production to touring. As music lovers and professionals, we realized that we have a unique opportunity to harness the power of music to advocate for sustainability. It was time to bring together scholars, musicians, and eco-activists to explore the intersection of music and environmental consciousness.
**Editor**: That’s a fascinating approach! What can attendees expect to learn at this event?
**Dr. Martelli**: Attendees will dive into discussions about the ecological implications of music production and consumption. We will explore topics like the carbon footprint of tours, the impact of vinyl production, and also how music can serve as a catalyst for social change and environmental awareness. There will be expert panels, workshops, and interdisciplinary sessions to foster collaboration between music and environmental science.
**Editor**: Interdisciplinary collaboration sounds key. Could you elaborate on how you plan to mix these different fields?
**Dr. Martelli**: Absolutely! We’re bringing together musicologists, environmental scientists, and industry experts to share insights and develop innovative solutions. For instance, we’ll discuss the use of sustainable materials in instrument manufacturing and how concerts can implement clean energy solutions. The goal is to create a platform for cross-pollination of ideas and showcase how we can inspire a greener music industry through shared knowledge.
**Editor**: That sounds like a powerful movement! How do you hope this conference will impact the music industry in the long run?
**Dr. Martelli**: Our aim is to ignite a transformative conversation about sustainability in music. We believe the conference will serve as a springboard for ongoing collaborations and initiatives that prioritize eco-friendly practices within the industry. We want participants to leave inspired to make changes—not just in their own practices but also to engage their audiences in the conversation around sustainability.
**Editor**: And for those joining who may not be experts in music or environmental science, how can they contribute to the dialogue?
**Dr. Martelli**: Everyone is welcome! Music is a universal language, and we encourage attendees from all backgrounds to participate. We’ll have interactive sessions where people can ask questions, share their own experiences, and brainstorm new ideas. The more voices we have at the table, the richer our discussions will be!
**Editor**: Thank you, Dr. Martelli. This conference certainly sounds like an exciting opportunity for change. Last question—why do you think music has such a profound potential to influence environmental awareness?
**Dr. Martelli**: Music has an unparalleled ability to evoke emotions and bring people together. It can inspire action and spread messages far and wide. With issues like climate change being so urgent, leveraging music as a tool for advocacy can resonate deeply with audiences, moving them from awareness to action. We hope to channel that energy during our conference and create a harmonious movement for a sustainable future.
**Editor**: Thank you so much for your insights, Dr. Martelli! We can’t wait to see what unfolds at the conference in November.
**Dr. Martelli**: Thank you! We’re excited too and hope to see many passionate individuals join us in this important dialogue.
