Porto Helsinki Sound Promenade Project - A way for musicalization of soundscapes

Abstract

This autoethnographic work unfolds the creative processes and execution of the Porto Helsinki Sound Promenade Project. Rooted in an ambition to investigate the intricate interplay between musicians and audience within a live performance setting, this project harnesses the cityscapes of Porto and Helsinki as wellsprings of creative inspiration, transforming these urban environments into fertile ground for musical expression. The first chapter is dedicated to academic framing. In the introduction, personal experiences merge with academic investigation, as my background shapes reflective research questions, focusing on sonic identity, soundscape, and artistic creation. The second chapter involves reviewing existing literature, definitions of relevant terms, and explanation of the research methods in detail, uncovering procedures that triggered creative processes. By analysing academic data and exploring concepts such as deep listening, sound walking, and acoustic ecology, the research gains valuable insights and provides a clear direction for the written work. The third chapter unfolds the notion behind the term musicalization of soundscapes and delves into the pathway taken from the first ideas until the presentation of the artistic component of the project. Beyond its musical ambitions, the Porto Helsinki Sound Promenade Project seeks to foster awareness of urban soundscapes and the musicalization of the environment. Furthermore, it attempts to mitigate the emotional gap between musicians and their audience, challenging traditional performance paradigms. Using its immersive design and the transformation of the performance space into a live installation, the project establishes a captivating visual and auditory setting, thereby redefining the established boundaries of a musical concert. The complete scope of this master’s degree project includes one concert, performed 15th of May, 2023, and one artistic written component.