Calin Topa - Seven Minutes After Midnight
About: Calin Topa is an interdisciplinary artist whose work moves fluidly between experimental music, sound design, and contemporary art. His practice explores the delicate borders of ambient and neoclassical sound worlds, blending technology with human perception to create immersive sonic experiences.
As a composer and sound designer, Calin works across theatre, film, and multimedia installations, developing works that expand the role of sound in storytelling and space. His artistic language is defined by subtle textures, layered atmospheres, and the ability to merge acoustic and electronic elements into cohesive soundscapes.
His projects have been presented internationally at prestigious venues and events, including the Personal Structures biennial at Palazzo Mora in Venice (2025), Experimental Loop on Governors Island in New York, the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London the National Museum of Contemporary Art and the National Theatre in Bucharest, Nicodim Gallery, and Art Safari.
Piece: SSeven Minutes After Midnight (A Monster Calls) is a dedicated listening session of the original soundtrack I composed for the theatre production of the same name, which was awarded the prestigious UNITER Prize in Romania for Best Music and Sound Design. The work blends dark sonic textures with organic and natural elements, interwoven with classical music influences, shaping a powerful emotional journey that delves deep into the subconscious of the characters.
This presentation invites the audience into an acoustic space where I remix and reframe fragments of my score, creating an intimate yet immersive sound experience. The production itself was conceived to be heard entirely on headphones, with 200 wireless headsets provided to the audience at Teatrul Excelsior in Bucharest, transforming the theatre into a collective yet personal ritual of listening heightening atmosphere, tension, and emotional resonance..