INTERACTIVE COMPUTER MUSIC
Megumi Masaki and Keith Hamel have collaborated on two interactive computer music compositions for piano, audio processing, computer-generated sound, gesture tracking and interactive video. In both of these compositions – Touch and Corona – the pianist is given the flexibility to perform freely, while the computer and all the responsive electroacoustic and video events are synchronized to the live performance using Hamel’s NoteAbilityPro music software. We present the software and hardware environment we use for these works and discuss the challenges of working with live performers and interactive multimedia.
Megumi is excited by her collaboration with Ambrose Field and we will present Frozen reflection, Sleeping Buffalo for piano and e-bows (electro-mechanical devices). Ambrose explains: “I discovered new possibilities for harmony on the piano by developing a compositional method which combines external resonances with my own choice of colours.”

Keith Hamel a composer and Professor of Composition and Music Technology at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. Hamel writes both acoustic music and compositions that focus on interactions between live performers and computer-generated electronics. His works have been performed by many of the finest soloists and ensembles both in Canada and abroad. He has received commissions from IRCAM (Paris), Ensemble Intercontemporain, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra,Windsor Symphony Orchestra, Vancouver New Music Ensemble, the Elektra Women’s Choir, musica intima, New Music Concerts (Toronto), Hammerhead Consort, Standing Wave, Hard Rubber Orchestra, as well as from outstanding performers such as flutist Robert Cram, bassoonist Jesse Read, clarinetists Jean-Guy Boisvert and François Houle, saxophonist Julia Nolan, trombonists Jeremy Berkman and Benny Sluchin, and pianists Douglas Finch, Jane Hayes, Megumi Masaki and Corey Hamm.

Pianist Megumi Masaki’s innovation and breadth of her artistic activity, dynamic temperament and “riveting and mind-expanding” performances have earned her a reputation as a leading interpreter of contemporary music. She specializes in exploring interactive possibilities of sound, image, text and movement in the creation and performance of piano+computer+multimedia works. She frequently collaborates with composers, visual artists, writers and choreographers on interdisciplinary projects involving technologies to enhance the dynamic interaction between creator and performer. She has commissioned numerous new works and has premiered over 80 works worldwide. Megumi is Professor of piano and director of the New Music Ensemble and New Music Festival at Brandon University Canada. She is also a member of the interdisciplinary Noiseborder Ensemble and Slingshot-Kidõ USA, on faculty at the Casalmaggiore Festival Italy and Chetham’s International Summer School and Festival in Manchester UK. www.megumimasaki.com