Chiyoko Szlavnics (b. 1967, Toronto) has composed works ranging from solo instruments to chamber orchestra, since 1993.
She studied composition with James Tenney from 1994-7, was in residence at the Akademie Schloss Solitude from 1997-8,
and attended Walter Zimmermann's seminars at the HdK (now the UdK) in Berlin.

Her recent body of compositions are based on drawings which are translated into musical notation using the Just Intonation
ratio system as a harmonic and microtonal basis. The resulting acoustical phenomena are surprising: through her particular
choice of pitch material and extended glissandi, a transparent (glassy) surface of pure intervals is often set into motion
by rippling beating, and surprising harmonic movements and harmonic perception occur. Her compositions feature clusters,
beating, unexpected harmonies, as well other auditory experiences, such as difference tones, and what Szlavnics likes to call
"audible harmonic nodes". All of these phenomena are structured by the forms and dynamics inherent in the original drawings.

...she has also produced numerous multi-channel sound installations; created works for contemporary dance and theatre,
and video & film. In 1995 & 1997, Szlavnics co-curated Art in Open Spaces, a Toronto performance series highlighting
outdoor public art sites and spaces in the city's downtown core, through the commissioning and production of new dance
and music pieces.

...she has composed works for ensembles such as Arraymusic, Ensemble Zwischentoene, ERGO Music Projects, 40 fingers,
Hemispheres Music Projects, Janacek Philharmonic Orchestra, New Music Concerts, Ostravska Banda, Quartett Avance,
Quatuor Bozzini, Surplus, and Wandelweiser...

...her works have been presented by venues and festivals such as Akademie Schloss Solitude, Bludenzer Tage,
CBC/Glenn Gould Studio,Darmstadt, Eclat, Freunde Guter Musik, Haus 19, Interface Festival, June in Buffalo,
Klangraum, Maerzmusik, Moments Musicaux, New Music Concerts (Toronto), Ostrava New Music Days, Podewil...

...she has been featured in a variety of radio broadcasts in Europe and North America.

Szlavnics has also written articles about composers and music for a variety of publications.

Contact: chi (at) plainsound (dot) org