«The Shape of Sound» at Mattatoio, performance November 27 and installation through December 20, 2026

On Friday, November 27, 2026 at 6:00 p.m., La Pelanda at Mattatoio in Rome (piazza Orazio Giustiniani 4) hosts the performance of «The Shape of Sound», a sound installation conceived by Francesco Pellisari. Admission is free and a reservation is required for the performance, by writing to promozione@nuovaconsonanza.it. The installation remains on view through December 20, 2026.

Updated November 9, 2026.

The event

«The Shape of Sound» is an artistic research project by Pellisari that grows out of the meeting of art, science and acoustic physics. At its center is a metal basin holding about 5 mm of water, fitted with low-voltage transducers: an incoherent sound field transferred into the water produces vibrations and geometric patterns visible on the surface. The performance starts from the voice, whose emissions become vibrations in the water; the forms that result give rise to new sounds, which are in turn interpreted and transformed. It lasts about 30 minutes and puts voice, music and matter in real-time communication.

The music is by Andrea Veneri, with vocal participation by Michela Varvaro. The setup includes an iPad, amplification, lights, electronics, transducers and sound sculptures, and it stays installed for the whole run of the exhibition. The work is designed around the architectural and acoustic features of the spaces of La Pelanda and is part of the 63rd Nuova Consonanza Festival. It is promoted by the Culture Department of Roma Capitale and Azienda Speciale Palaexpo, which produces it in collaboration with Fondazione Mattatoio.

Where it takes place: Mattatoio, La Pelanda

La Pelanda is one of the spaces at Mattatoio, at piazza Orazio Giustiniani 4. It is reached by Metro Line B, Piramide stop, and by buses 280, 23, 30, 3, 170, 718, 719 and 775; a parking area for private vehicles is available. In the same complex, the Adrian Tranquilli exhibition is open from November 11, 2026 to January 17, 2027, and on November 28, 2026 Nuova Consonanza presents a concert by Trio Catch.

Practical information

• Date: Friday, November 27, 2026 (performance); installation on view through December 20, 2026
• Time: 6:00 p.m. for the performance; the installation is open Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Venue: Mattatoio, La Pelanda, piazza Orazio Giustiniani 4, Rome
• Admission: free; reservation required for the performance (promozione@nuovaconsonanza.it)
• Getting there: Metro Line B Piramide, buses 280, 23, 30, 3, 170, 718, 719, 775

Frequently asked questions about The Shape of Sound

What is it?

A sound installation with a live performance, built around a basin of water that turns the voice into visible vibrations and patterns.

Is admission free?

Yes, admission is free. For the performance on November 27 at 6:00 p.m., a reservation by email to promozione@nuovaconsonanza.it is required.

Until when can the installation be seen?

Through December 20, 2026, Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. On December 8 the installation is closed from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

How long is the performance?

About 30 minutes.

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