Role

:

Composer Performer

 

Sam Pluta is a contemporary classical music composer, improviser, and sound artist. He was born on December 29, 1979, in Ithaca, New York, and grew up in a musical family. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a classical pianist. Pluta started playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the trumpet and guitar. Pluta attended the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in trumpet performance. During his time at Eastman, he became interested in electronic music and started experimenting with computer music software. He went on to earn a Master of Music degree in composition from the University of Michigan and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in composition from Columbia University. Pluta's music is characterized by its use of electronic sounds and live processing. He often incorporates improvisation into his compositions, blurring the line between composition and performance. His works have been performed by ensembles such as the International Contemporary Ensemble, the Wet Ink Ensemble, and the Talea Ensemble. One of Pluta's most notable works is his 2012 composition "Machine Language," which was commissioned by the International Contemporary Ensemble. The piece features a soloist playing a custom-built instrument that uses sensors to control electronic sounds. The soloist's movements are captured by a motion capture system, which is used to generate visual projections that accompany the music. Another notable work by Pluta is his 2015 composition "Broken Symmetries," which was commissioned by the Wet Ink Ensemble. The piece features a large ensemble of musicians playing acoustic instruments, along with electronic sounds and live processing. The work explores the idea of symmetry and asymmetry in music, with the performers often playing in unison or in opposition to each other. In addition to his work as a composer, Pluta is also an active performer and improviser. He has performed with musicians such as Peter Evans, Tyshawn Sorey, and Ikue Mori. He is a member of the Wet Ink Ensemble and the International Contemporary Ensemble, and he has performed at venues such as the Lincoln Center and the Whitney Museum of American Art. Pluta is also a respected educator and has taught at institutions such as the University of Chicago and the Manhattan School of Music. He is currently an associate professor of music at the University of California, San Diego. In conclusion, Sam Pluta is a contemporary classical music composer who has made significant contributions to the field of electronic music and live processing. His works often incorporate improvisation and explore the boundaries between composition and performance. He is also an active performer and educator, and his work has been performed at prestigious venues and by respected ensembles.

More....