Stefan Smulovitz

Stefan Smulovitz is a highly accomplished musician (viola & laptop) and composer. His work as a programmer has led to the development of custom software called Kenaxis, a major innovation in the use of the computer as a real-time instrument. Kenaxis VBAP, his newest software, allows for performance in an immersive surround sound environment.

He has performed as part of John Zorn’s Vancouver Cobra project ,with Uri Caine as part of his Goldberg Variations, with pianist Paul Plimley, guitarist Fred Frith, the 15th Annual Time Flies Festival, and the NOW Orchestra. At the Vancouver International Jazz Festival (2002-5), Stefan has played with many of the world’s best including Evan Parker, Mark Dresser, Lori Freedman, Paul Rutherford, Francois Houle, Jesse Zubot, Mark Feldman, Peggy Lee, Torsten Muller, and Ron Samworth.

His electroaccoustic work has won awards nationally (CEC’s JTTP competition) as well as recently being part of an exhibit at MOCA in LA as part of a Frank Gehry exhibit. He was nominated for a Jessie for his composition work on Rumble Theatre’s production of Soulless. His recent 5.1 score for Radix Theatre’s Final Viewing was presented in Vancouver as part of the Push Festival and in Quebec City as part of the Mois Multi Festival.

His compositions have been performed by Chor Leoni Men’s Choir, Electra Women’s Choir, Drosera, and at the Sonic Boom 2002, 03, & 04 Festivals. Recent premieres include the NOW Orchestra performing “At Least Listen” written for jazz orchestra and Ensemble Symposium performing a 3 movement suite entitled “Fly Time”. A piece for electronics and the 10 piece Turning Point Ensemble premiered at Sonic Boom in March 2005 and was recently broadcast on CBC’s West Coast Performance.

Currently Stefan is working on a collaboration with librettist Tom Cone that has resulted in a unique extended song cycle for electric guitar and mezzo-soprano. He is also starting to work on a piece commissioned by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra for performance in April 2006 and a new commission for the Turning Point Ensemble plus electronics for 2007.

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