IMA | lab No. 13

Kotoka Suzuki, born in Tokyo, Japan, is a composer who in her work focusses both on multimedia as well as instrumental processes. She has already produced several large-scale multimedia works, including spatially interactive, audiovisual works for concert and installation settings. Her art often emerge in collaboration with artists and scientists from other disciplines.

Suzuki conceives sounds as material, moving objects. In her works, these objects perpetually transform into diverse forms, sizes and colors. The objects originate both from real life and entirely freely conceived ideas.

The positioning of sounds and performers within the place is an essential element of her art. The roles of performers and public are frequently extended such that they become active compositional partners, who are invited to directly influence the music and visual elements as well as the narrative or musical structure of the work.

Her works have been performed internationally, among others by the Arditti String Quartet, Continuum, Nouvel Ensemble Moderne (NEM), Pacifica String Quartet and Earplay Ensemble, as well as at numerous festivals such as Ultraschall, ISCM World Music Days and much more. Her awards extend from the DAAD Artist-in-Residence program in Berlin, the Bourges International Electroacoustic Music Competition Prize-Multimedia (France), through to Musica Nova International Electroacoustic Music Competition Honor Prize (Czech Republic).

In discussion with Ludger Brümmer, the composer Kotoka Suzuki provides insights into her current creations. She will be working to April 2013 as guest artist at the ZKM | Karlsruhe.