1965
In the June 27, 1965, article "Poets Applauded at Spoleto Fête," the New York Times reported on the multidisciplinary Festival of Two Worlds in Spoleto, Italy, where Max Neuhaus was a featured performer in a program that merged experimental music with avant-garde poetry.
Context of the 1965 Spoleto Festival
Intersection of Disciplines: The festival, organized by Gian Carlo Menotti, was a major hub for the international avant-garde. Neuhaus performed alongside figures like Ezra Pound, John Berryman, and Allen Ginsberg.
The "Sound Poetry" Link: While the poets read, Neuhaus provided a sonic counterpoint. This engagement was a direct bridge to his interest in the musicality of language and the use of the voice as a "percussive" or "electronic" material.
Acoustics of the Street: Neuhaus’s time in Spoleto is often cited as an inspiration for his "Listen" (1966) project. The ancient, resonant stone streets of the Italian town encouraged him to think of the entire city as a concert hall, rather than just the stage