Pauline Oliveros (1932-2016)
Pauline reading one of her text scores during a performance @ The Guesthouse in June 2014. Credit John Godfrey.
Pauline Oliveros, one of the most celebrated figures in contemporary music, passed away unexpectedly on 24 November, Thanksgiving Day. The following is a tribute to her from composers John Godfrey and Karen Power.
A radical thinker throughout her life, Oliveros was at the forefront of many innovations. She was a ground-breaking free improviser throughout her career and a pioneer of the creative use of music technology; her Expanded Instrument System, an improvising tool combining acoustic instruments and music technologies, is the model for cutting-edge developments even today. She spearheaded technologies that allow children with severe physical or cognitive disabilities to improvise music. Influenced by a lifelong interest in the sound of our environment, a profound consideration of the differences between hearing and listening, and the experience of recording in the Dan Harpole Cistern — a vast, disused water tank with a 45 second reverb — she created Deep Listening, a discipline designed to open our minds - our imaginations - to sound.
Through thousands of performances and a multitude of recordings, the establishment of the Deep Listening Band and Institute, teaching, mentoring and so much more, she touched a myriad of lives. Oliveros was deeply humanitarian, and much of her work was designed to foster inclusivity and liberate creativity in all those who encountered it, regardless of previous experience or ability.
Over recent years, she came to love Ireland and forged many connections with us here; with the artistic community of Cork, with Quiet Music Ensemble, with University College Cork (she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in 2014), and with the land — she especially loved Beara.
We will remember our friend as a woman of extraordinary devotion to others, profound wisdom, astonishing musicianship and a wicked love of chocolate. We feel honoured and privileged to have shared time and space with her; her effect on our lives — on those of everybody she met — was transforming. She leaves a wonderful, constructive legacy: her art is deeply human and continues to impart to us all a special dignity — she can still teach us how to fly.
On 18 December in Cork, there will be an informal event to celebrate the life of this extraordinary woman through performances of her music, Sonic Meditations, talks and togetherness; Pauline’s partner Ione will join us by Skype. All are welcome: The Guesthouse, Cork, 3pm, 18 December 2016.
John Godfrey and Karen Power