Music By Computers: Music Collaboratory

Artists: Stephen Parkinson and Doug Collinge (both Victoria), Diana Burgoyne, John Celona, Michael Longton, William Buxton, Networks Orchestra and Darrel DeVore and others

Date: May 4 to June 8, 1983 

Music by Computers, a new music series devoted to the integration of computer technology and musical arts.

Events: 

May 4 to 14: Audience-Sensitive Electronic Sound Installation

A computer controlled sound installation designed by Douglas Collinge and Stephen Parkinson. Members of the audience established control and identities by moving over pressure-sensitive floor panels connected to an electronic sound synthesis system. Each individual controlled one element in the overall sound ensemble such as pitch, timbre, etc. In this way the audience could take an active role in the music making process. 

The electronic sound-installation was active daily during regular gallery hours. 

May 7: Opening of the Sound Installation

Douglas Collinge and Stephen Parkinson were present.

May 15: International Computer Music on Tape

A marathon evening of computer music from major studios and institutions around the world. 

May 22: William Buxton and his Structured Sound Synthesis Project

William Buxton, from Toronto, is one of the foremost pioneers in computer music performance; he utilized human interfaced in computer-controlled sound environments. He performed on a real-time digital synthesis system and developed a sixteen channel sound distribution matrix. Many of his presentations included multi-media, theatre, dance and pop music forms. Buxton performed with Carolyn Beeler and John Celona. 

May 29: 3rd Annual Live Computer Music Concert

Music by Victoria composers and artists was featured and incorporated a variety of digital sound synthesis instruments in live performance. Michael Longton and John Celona performed works on a New England Digital Synthesizer and visual artist Diana Burgoyne utilized her body with digital electronics attached to limbs, head and torso controlled by mercury switches. 

Celona also performed on a Casio Mt-30 interfaced with a digital delay processor. The work of Longton and Celona is internationally recognize, specifically their use of response-sensitive algorithmic systems in live performance. 

Burgoyne had previously performed at UCLA and at the Helen Pitt Award Show in Vancouver where she was a top winner in the 1983 art competition. 

Diana Burgoyne, Digital Body, 3rd Annual Live Computer Music Concert, Open Space, 1983

June 8: Closing

Reception and listening session of work produced during the wekk of May 31 to June 8 by the Networks Orchestra, Victoria's structured improvisation ensemble with artist-in-resident Darrel DeVore. The ensemble focused on studio-specific research and recording sessions that utilized real-time computer music systems, electronic and acoustic instruments.