This paper introduces an algorithmic performance approach for transforming real-time environmental data into collaborative, generative sound practices. Drawing from atmospheric and geospatial parameters — including temperature, humidity, and pollution indices — the system generates both electronic soundscapes and adaptive notations for acoustic performers. Through live navigation across global environmental conditions, the framework explores dynamic, location-specific harmonic structures, integrating cultural and ecological dimensions into the compositional process. By combining real-time data acquisition, functional programming techniques, and algorithmic composition, the system establishes a dialogic relationship between computational processes and human performers. Unlike prior sonification models focused on symbolic or analytical mappings, this approach emphasizes live performance as a hybrid artistic space, where environmental data actively shape musical expression and audience experience. The work aims to position environmental sonification within the broader context of generative art and real-time algorithmic performance, fostering new modes of artistic and ecological engagement.

The demo builds on a system recently selected for the demo showcase at the International Computer Music Conference (ICMC), expanding its presentation towards FARM’s focus on functional, generative, and performative dimensions. The system integrates electronic sound synthesis, adaptive graphic notation, and human performers, establishing a dialogic performance space where environmental parameters directly influence musical structure, sonic texture, and interpretative gestures.

Riccardo Mazza

Riccardo Mazza is a composer and sound artist with a focus on experimental sound research, algorithmic composition, and spatial audio. He teaches at the APM (High Perfection Music School) in Saluzzo, Italy, where he has been active in the field of new music technologies for many years.

His career has always combined research, artistic practice, and technological innovation. In 2001, he created the first Dolby Surround sound effects and field recordings library (Renaissances SFX). Two years later, he presented his object-based spatialization software SoundBuilder at the AES conference (www.soundbuilder.it), anticipating many of today’s approaches to spatial sound.

Between 2001 and 2016, Mazza directed Interactive Sound in Turin, designing immersive exhibitions and museum experiences that merged sound, space, and interactivity. In 2015, together with visual artist Laura Pol, he co-founded Project-TO (www.project-to.com), a live project exploring live coding, algorithmic music, and multimedia performance, presented at numerous festivals.

In 2018, he established the Experimental Studios (www.experimentalstudios.it), today one of the most advanced facilities in Europe dedicated to Dolby ATMOS and contemporary sound production.

Current Research

Mazza’s current research explores the translation of environmental data into sound, combining algorithmic composition and real-time synthesis. His project Sonic Earth investigates how natural phenomena can be transformed into musical identities, creating new methods of environmental sonification.

Sonic Earth has been presented internationally at major venues such as ICMC, SBCM 2025 in Brazil (live performance), and FARM 2025 in Singapore, where it was showcased in all three formats: paper presentation, demo, and live performance—opening the entire SPLASH conference.

This ongoing work reflects Mazza’s interest in bridging nature, technology, and artistic creation, offering new perspectives on how sound can embody environmental processes and cultural imagination.