Composer Performers Merche Blasco, Marina Cyrino and Ute Wassermann create an ever-evolving immersive sonic landscape that blends human, animal, and technological voices.
PLANKTURUTANA is a performance by the trio of composer-performers Ute Wassermann, Marina Cyrino, and Merche Blasco. The piece explores sonic interactions between invented and expanded instruments, DIY electronics, field recordings, and voice, creating a speculative environment that interweaves human and non-human sounds. Merche Blasco uses custom thimble microphones to capture electromagnetic activity from household appliances, combined with hydrophones and contact mics that amplify the resonant properties of different organic materials. Marina Cyrino plays extended flutes made out of disassembled parts and objects, and “Urutau,” a rotating wheel that amplifies dried leaves and twigs, creating rhythmic patterns. Ute Wassermann expands her voice with bird whistles and sings into an aquarium that serves as a miniature habitat, where underwater vibrations are transformed into a metallic-technological soundscape, creating an imaginary acoustic habitat.
The project: For 2027–28, Urutau–Planktonia-Araña are planning a collaboration with Instituto Mestre Nado in Olinda, Brazil. Founded in 2012 in Olinda, Pernambuco, Instituto Mestre Nado is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting social and cultural change through art. Inspired by the work of Mestre Nado, a visual artist, ceramicist, musician, and maker of musical instruments, the Institute works to promote education, citizenship, social and economic inclusion, and environmental preservation, while seeking to contribute to public policies aimed at social transformation. In collaboration with Instituto Mestre Nado, we aim to create ceramic instruments and integrate them into our artistic practice. During our stay, we plan to develop and present a new performance in collaboration with local musicians, alongside facilitating a workshop.
Premiere: concert series sounding ways of being in Berlin. Supported by initiative neue musik berlin.e.v.
URUPLANKTARA has been premiered in 2026 with guests Valentina Magaletti and Tintin Patrone. Supported by Musikfonds.
Plankturutaña was commissioned by Next Festival, Bratislava 2024