A furnace becomes a musical instrument, entering into dialogue with voice and traditional instruments. On Thursday, 5 November 2026 at 8:00 p.m., the Crane Hall at NOI Techpark in Bolzano will host the European premiere of the second version of The Sound of Heat. Fire, Water, Earth, Air.

First presented on 1 August 2025 at the Italian Pavilion of Expo Osaka, the opera now arrives in Bolzano in a new version specially designed for the unique setting of the Crane Hall, featuring the full ensemble and an expanded percussion section.

At the heart of the composition are heat, the transformation of matter and the four elements: fire, water, earth and air. An unusual protagonist of the score is the Q-One, the electric arc furnace developed by Danieli Automation. Sound recordings from the operation of the plant were tuned and incorporated into the composition, where they interact with soprano, oboe, piano and percussion. Images of the steel plant, the furnace and the control room, together with lighting effects and changing colour schemes, accompany the audience through an experience that brings together music, engineering and industrial culture.

The approximately 40-minute performance, presented without intermission, features Sabina von Walther (soprano), Arnaldo De Felice (oboe), Giulio Garbin (piano), the Ichos Percussion ensemble and conductor Gianmaria Romanenghi. All members of Ichos Percussion are former students of the “Claudio Monteverdi” Conservatory of Music in Bolzano.

The event is promoted and produced by the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano in collaboration with the Claudio Monteverdi Conservatory of Music and Danieli Group, with the support of Windkraft Ensemble.

Admission is free upon registration.

Performers

• Sabina von Walther, soprano
• Arnaldo De Felice, oboe
• Q-One, recordings by Danieli Automation
• Giulio Garbin, piano
• Ichos Percussion, percussion ensemble
• Gianmaria Romanenghi, conductor