Composing (with) Systems
USSS invites contributions exploring the active role of systems in composition and sonic practice. We invite contributions that explore a wide range of systems including not only digital and electronic systems (e.g. modular, algorithmic, generative and AI based systems) but also conceptual systems, instrument design and adaptation, performance ecologies, assemblages and games. We welcome practical and theoretical contributions concerned with any area or period of music and sonic practice wherein systems have an active role in shaping, mediating, refracting or otherwise transforming the creative will.
The event’s title, Composing (with) Systems, is intended to encompass a range of systems based approaches to composition and creative practice including:
- The composition of systems - wherein the creation of systems is itself an act of composition
- Composition using systems - wherein systems based approaches form part of the creative process
- Systems that compose - autonomous and generative systems
We welcome proposals from wide ranging perspectives including, but not limited to, composers, performers, historians, theorists, instrument designers, technologists.
Presentation formats
- Performances
- Demonstrations
- Research papers
- Practical workshops
- Themed discussions
We encourage proposals for remote paper presentations from participants wishing to limit their carbon footprint or lower the cost of participation.
Durations
- Research papers: 20 minutes
- Workshops and demonstrations: 30 minutes
- Themed discussions: 60 minutes
- Performances: approximately 3-15 minutes for inclusion in the Wednesday and Friday evening concerts.
Event Schedule
- Wednesday 26th March until Saturday 29th March
- Concerts on Wednesday and Friday evenings.
- Informal social event on Thursday evening. We will go to one of Sheffield’s many fantastic pubs and restaurants.
The concerts will feature multichannel works by two pioneers of electroacoustic music:
- Trevor Wishart will perform his hour-long multichannel electroacoustic work The Garden of Earthly Delights, re-envisioning Bosch's famous painting in a contemporary context.
- Simon Emmerson will perform his multichannel acousmatic work Near and Far (at once). and Spirit of ‘76 for flute and system (accelerating tape delay) (1983)
A complete schedule will be made available in early 2025 following notification of acceptance.
Deadlines
- Deadline for proposals: 30th December via the following form: https://forms.gle/vCHs6EaaJqqCMgHA7
- Notification of acceptance: 27th January
- Questions before of after the submission of proposals can be directed to w.schrimshaw@sheffield.ac.uk
Facilities and resources
- The event will take place in the University of Sheffield Theatre Workshop, a flexible space including a performance space and multiple smaller rooms that will be used for presentations, workshops and demonstrations.
- Multichannel audio and diffusion system (2-32 channels)
- Digital mixing desk
- Technical questions can be directed to music-tech@sheffield.ac.uk