Role

:

Composer Performer

Country

:

France

Birth

:

1957 in France

Genre

:

Vocal

 

Laetitia Sonami is a French-born composer and sound artist who has made significant contributions to the field of electronic music. She was born in 1957 in Montpellier, France, and grew up in a family of musicians. Her father was a jazz pianist, and her mother was a classical pianist. Sonami began playing the piano at a young age and later studied music at the Conservatoire de Montpellier. In the early 1980s, Sonami moved to the United States and settled in San Francisco. She became involved in the city's vibrant experimental music scene and began experimenting with electronic music. She was particularly interested in the use of sensors and other technologies to create new sounds and musical experiences. One of Sonami's early works was "The Body Is a Sound Factory," which she created in collaboration with composer Paul DeMarinis. The piece used sensors attached to the body to create sounds that were then processed and manipulated electronically. The work was performed at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art in 1986 and was well-received by audiences and critics alike. In the years that followed, Sonami continued to explore the possibilities of electronic music and developed a unique style that blended technology with traditional musical forms. She often used sensors and other devices to create interactive performances that allowed the audience to participate in the creation of the music. One of Sonami's most well-known works is "Lady's Glove," which she created in 1991. The piece used a sensor-equipped glove to control a computer-generated sound environment. The glove was worn by Sonami and allowed her to manipulate the sounds in real-time, creating a dynamic and immersive musical experience. Another notable work by Sonami is "Invisible Ear," which she created in 1998. The piece used a custom-built instrument called the "Spring Spyre" to create a complex and evolving sound environment. The instrument consisted of a series of metal springs that were struck and manipulated by Sonami, creating a range of sounds that were then processed and manipulated electronically. In addition to her work as a composer and sound artist, Sonami has also been involved in the development of new technologies for music performance. She has worked with companies such as STEIM and Senselab to create new sensors and other devices that allow musicians to create new sounds and musical experiences. Throughout her career, Sonami has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to the field of electronic music. She has been a recipient of the Guggenheim Fellowship, the Prix Ars Electronica, and the Herb Alpert Award in the Arts, among others. Today, Sonami continues to create innovative works that push the boundaries of electronic music. She remains an important figure in the experimental music scene and continues to inspire new generations of musicians and artists.

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