Role

:

Composer Performer

Country

:

Japan

Birth

:

in Washington, D.C.

 

Miya Masaoka is a renowned composer, performer, and sound artist who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born in Washington D.C. in 1958, Masaoka grew up in a family of musicians and was exposed to music from a young age. Her mother was a pianist, and her father was a jazz musician who played the saxophone and clarinet. Masaoka began playing the koto, a traditional Japanese stringed instrument, at the age of six and continued to study it throughout her childhood. Masaoka's interest in music led her to pursue a degree in music composition at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. After completing her studies, she moved to New York City, where she became involved in the experimental music scene. She began to experiment with different forms of music, including jazz, electronic music, and improvisation. Masaoka's early works were heavily influenced by her training in classical music and her interest in traditional Japanese music. She often incorporated the koto into her compositions, blending it with other instruments to create a unique sound. Her compositions were characterized by their use of unconventional techniques and structures, such as extended techniques and aleatoric elements. One of Masaoka's most significant works is her 1994 composition "What is the Difference Between Stripping and Playing the Violin?" The piece was inspired by Masaoka's experiences as a stripper in New York City and explores the relationship between music and sexuality. The composition features a solo violinist who performs a series of gestures and movements that are meant to evoke the experience of stripping. The piece has been performed by numerous musicians and has been praised for its innovative approach to music and performance. Masaoka's work has also been influenced by her interest in technology and sound art. She has created numerous installations and performances that incorporate electronic music and interactive elements. One of her most notable works in this area is "The Long Arc of Time," a sound installation that was commissioned by the Whitney Museum of American Art in 2017. The installation features a series of speakers that are arranged in a circular pattern, creating a surround-sound effect. The speakers play a series of sounds that are meant to evoke the passage of time, including recordings of natural phenomena such as thunderstorms and bird songs. In addition to her work as a composer and sound artist, Masaoka is also an accomplished performer. She has performed at numerous festivals and venues around the world, including the Lincoln Center in New York City and the San Francisco Jazz Festival. Her performances often incorporate elements of improvisation and experimentation, and she is known for her ability to create unique and engaging musical experiences. Masaoka's contributions to the world of classical music have been widely recognized. She has received numerous awards and grants, including a Guggenheim Fellowship and a Fulbright Scholarship. Her work has been featured in numerous publications and has been the subject of several documentaries and films. Overall, Miya Masaoka is a pioneering figure in the world of classical music. Her innovative approach to composition and performance has pushed the boundaries of what is possible in music, and her work continues to inspire and influence musicians and artists around the world.

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