Laetitia Sonami will have an extended residency at CNMAT from October to November 2022. She will work closely with students and guest researchers on the application of sensors for musicians, composers, and sound artists. Her residency will culminate in a workshop concert presenting new pieces by CNMAT composers and researchers on November 18, 2022 at 6pm.

Sonami is a composer, sound artist, performer and researcher.

Born in France, she settled in the United States in 1977 to pursue her interest in live electronic music. She studied with composers Eliane Radigue, Joel Chadabe, Robert Ashley and David Behrman.

Sonami's sound performances, live-film collaborations and sound installations focus on issues of presence and participation.

Best known for her unique instrument, the elbow-length lady's glove, which is fitted with an array of sensors tracking the slightest motion of her hand and body, she has performed worldwide and earned substantial international renown.

Recent projects include the design of a new instrument, the Spring Spyre, based on the application of machine learning to music performance; an improvisation duo, Sparrows and Ortolans, with James Fei; and Le Corps Sonore, a fully immersive sound installation on six floors of the Rubin Museum, NYC in collaboration with Eliane Radigue and Bob Bielecki. Sonami received the Herb Alpert Awards in the Arts (2000) and the Foundation for Contemporary Performance Awards (2002).

Sonami lives in Oakland, CA and is currently a guest professor at Mills College (music dept).

https://sonami.net