Canada’s National Music Centre (NMC) has announced that electronic music pioneer Suzanne Ciani will be the next Master in Residence at Studio Bell in Calgary, acting as a mentor to new electronic musicians.
Ciani is a five-time Grammy award-nominated composer, electronic music pioneer, and neo-classical recording artist. Her work has been featured in commercials, video games, and feature films. Ciani has also released 16 solo albums, including Seven Waves, The Velocity of Love, and most recently, her quadraphonic Buchla modular synth performance recording LIVE Quadraphonic.
The Master in Residence program invites emerging artists to work under the leadership of a Master in Residence chosen to inspire creativity, encourage innovation, share expertise and provide mentorship. Previous masters have included acclaimed country icon Terri Clark, singer-songwriter Steven Page, Canadian techno ambassador, Richie Hawtin, and Our Lady Peace founder, Raine Maida. Internationally-acclaimed artist and producer, Daniel Lanois led NMC’s first ever Master in Residence event in 2015 with an interactive master session in collaboration with Sled Island Music and Arts Festival.
As Master in Residence, Ciani will offer her expertise on electronic music composition, including analog modular live performance and sound design techniques, with five emerging Canadian electronic artists, during an intensive one-day session. Participants include Montreal composer Kara-Lis Coverdale, Calgary producer and bass music advocate Homesick, Winnipeg-by-way-of-Toronto electronic artist Joanne Pollock, experimental music-maker YlangYlang from Montreal, and Toronto-based experimental electronic performer Korea Town Acid, who will also appear as part of NMC ON: After Hours on November 15. The public will also have a chance to see Ciani lead a public Buchla Masterclass on November 16. Tickets for After Hours are on sale now.
“I’m thrilled to share my history and expertise in my favorite music medium, analog modular, with young emerging Canadian artists,” said Ciani. “I’m looking forward to our exchange of ideas.”