Deep Listening: The Story of Pauline Oliveros

The post-WWII world of composition was full of new ideas and innovations in instrumentation. Within this exciting world moved the iconic feminist lesbian composer, performer, teacher and humanitarian Pauline Oliveros. In collaboration with her partner Ione, this film illustrates the philosophy of sound, art and listening of Oliveros with rare archival footage, unreleased collaborations with Terry Riley, Laurie Anderson and Thurston Moore amongst others and explores how her innovations opened avenues for people to create.

___

Join us for a weekend of activity curated by artist in residence and Deep Listening facilitator, Dan Johnson, celebrating the publication of A Year of Deep Listening.

A Year of Deep Listening began as a 365-day online celebration of the legacy of ground-breaking composer Pauline Oliveros, and what would have been her 90th year. The Centre for Deep Listening at Rensselaer published one text score per day — online and across social media platforms — for 365 days. An expression of the Deep Listening community, the scores were created by over 300 artists — ranging from prize winning composers to ear-minded grocery store clerks; from those who worked closely with Pauline Oliveros for decades to those she never met.

Published by Terra Nova and distributed by MIT Press, these scores are now brought together in one beautiful and historic volume, A Year of Deep Listening.

“The more I listen the more I learn to listen. Deep Listening explores the relationships among any and all sounds whether natural or technological, intended or unintended, real, remembered or imaginary. Thought is also included. Deep Listening practice consists of listening, sounding, and movement pieces…the results of which are then processed by group discussion, personal reflections, or both. Deep Listening is for musicians as well as participants from other disciplines and interests. Previous musical training is not required.” – Pauline Oliveros

Pauline Oliveros 1932-2016 composer, performer, humanitarian, was an important pioneer in American music. Acclaimed internationally, for six decades she explored sound-forging new ground for herself and others. Through improvisation, electronic music, ritual, teaching and meditation she created a body of work with such a breadth of vision that it profoundly affects those who experience it and eludes many who try to write about it. Oliveros was honoured with many awards, including four honorary doctorates, grants and concerts internationally.