Elizabeth Brown was chosen as Moog Music’s contest winner for the original composition contest at the first annual Ether Music Festival, held at the Orange Peel in Asheville, N.C., August 4 through 7, 2005. Brown received free admission to the festival (a $395 value) as well as a $1,000 cash prize.
“Winning the Ether Music 2005 Composition Contest was a wonderful surprise, and it enabled me to attend the Ether Music 2005 conference, where I met others who had fallen in love with the theremin as I had,” says Brown. “I heard all kinds of theremin playing, more in three days than in the rest of my life put together, and the theremin was different with each person’s touch. I learned a tremendous amount and had the privilege of meeting Lydia Kavina, as well as, the folks at Moog Music. I’m extremely grateful for this honor.”
Brown, a Julliard trained composer and performer, first discovered the theremin in the 1995 film Electronic Odyssey featuring Brian Wilson, Leon Theremin, Nicolas Slonimsky, Todd Rundergren, Clara Rockmore, and Robert Moog. She was drawn to the instruments intimate, lyrical and melancholy sound. Bown is currently working on a chamber opera for voice, theremin and recorded sound funded by a commission from the Barlow foundation.
For additional information on the theremin or Ether Music Festival please visit www.moogmusic.com.
