karenpower

I am an Irish composer, based in Cork, Ireland. My compositions use two primary sources; acoustic instruments and everyday sound-objects/environmental soundscapes. I hear and work with these two sources both separately and collectively, with each musical concept dictating the medium employed. My creative output is diverse, both in its approach and delivery, seeking to capture and translate the essence of an idea through a variety of forms, media and methods of dissemination. For example, recent compositions have been presented as orchestral works, sound installations, string quartets, wordless opera, collaborations between sound and dance, sound and image, free + guided improvisations, solo instrumental works, duets and musical happenings.

Every day environments and how we hear every day sounds lies at the core of my practice, with a continued interest in blurring the distinction between what we consider ‘music’ and all other sound. I have listened and recorded in some of the worlds most isolated and challenging locations: The Arctic, Amazon, Namib Desert and Outback Australia and have found inspiration in the natural world when allowed to unfold. My compositions utilise our inherent familiarity with such sounds as a means of engaging with musicians and audiences. Many of my works are devised to ensure that an active listening environment is created and shared between all during any performance. Resulting works simultaneously challenge every listeners memory of hearing while presenting new contexts for such sounds. I see my work as a continual learning experiment with each new work simultaneously absorbing something from its predecessor and breaking new ground for what is yet to come.
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Developing in parallel with composition is my practice as an improviser and educator. As an improviser I specialise in using environmental/everyday sounds/place as catalysts for constructing new sound-worlds. Such improvisations - whether solo or ensemble - offer unique interactions related to time, sonic sculpting and gesture. My educational work outside of Tertiary Education focuses on early years and my development of Natural Creators Program, which aims to harness and shape the natural curiosity of our youngest ears.

karenpower’s tracks

• Bog Songs Extract KPower LUXNM Live by karenpower
• No Man's Land (2020)by Karen Power - 5 minute extract from Premier with Michelle O' Rourke by karenpower
• No Mans Land (2020) KPower 10 Min Stereo Extract only of 40'00'' 8 channel Sound Installation by karenpower
• Birds Feeding In Snow Shower Storm Emma KPower by karenpower
• Sounds Like The Amazon KPower Extract by karenpower
• Ophelia Ireland From Inside Kpower by karenpower
• Sonic Pollinators Snippet by Karen Power by karenpower
• Life Flow For Terry Fox Extract by Karen Power by karenpower
• Is This On? by Karen Power (Opening Extract from 40 minute radio work) by karenpower