Oramics to Electronica- Talk Series, London

Electronic music is unavoidable in modern society, we hear it constantly pumping out of clubs, cars, bars and on the radio every single day. Acknowledging this, the Science Museum, London, will be taking an entire day, on the 29th of September, to examine the roots of this now wide-spread music. Oramics to Electronica- Talk Series will take a close look at the originators and inventors of this influential genre.

Taking an historic overview, the title of the event refers to “Oramics”, the term Daphne Oram, founder of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop, to describe the music she made using her unique synthesizer. Beginning with Oram, the day provides a great opportunity to hear from others who were instrumental in changing the face of electronic music in the 60’s and 70’s. The series of talks organised will expose the work and lives of many electronic music pioneers and examine how their work still influences musicians and composers today. Uniting British electronic pioneers, the day looks back to an era when music was experimental and evolving.

Some of the events throughout the day will include the free events: Representing Sounds- the sonic self, by Jean-Philippe Calvin who will survey how technology has changed music composition, two events focused on Daphne Oram’s unique influence on electronic music by Jo Hutton and Nicolas Helm-Grovas and an event by Dr. James Mooney who will discuss the composer Hugh Davies, the inventor of Sho Zyg and founder of Goldsmiths, University of London’s electronic music studio. The evening will see a panel discussion between former employees of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop and EMS (Electronic Music Studios), discussing their work and sharing memories.

Oramics to Electronica- Talk Series, 29 September, Science Museum, Exhibiton Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 2DD, www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/visitmuseum/electronic_music_day

1. British Science Museum