Composer John Chowning is considered one of the pioneers of Computer Music. His contributions to this field, such as the invention of FM Digital Synthesis, had a strong cultural impact in the worlds of both classical and popular music. His invention allowed the production of one of the most popular digital synthesizers, the Yamaha DX7, which sold millions of units in the 1980s and was used by virtually every band from that era. Revenues from the licensing of this technology to Yamaha Corporation allowed Chowning to create the Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics (CCRMA) at Stanford University, one of the most important Computer Music research centers in the world.
Chowning's most important contribution to the world of music, however, can be found in his compositions, all considered masterpieces of Computer Music: Sabelithe (1971), Turenas (1972), Stria (1977), and Phoné (1981). These pieces will be played during the concert over a state-of-the-art ambisonic sound system. The program will also include Chowning’s piece, Voices (2011), for soprano and live electronics, performed by soprano Maureen Chowning.
Discover more about the profound impact of John Chowning on electronic music in this article by The Guardian.