Natasha Barrett

B. 1972. English, living and working in Norway

Masters Degree in composition and analysis, Birmingham University 1994. Doctoral Degree in composition (Structuring processes in electroacoustic composition) 1998.

First sound art work available to the public: Puzzle Wood (stereo acousmatic composition) 1995.

Since 1999 I have worked as a freelance composer and performer of acousmatic and live electroacoustic music. I compose for instruments and live electronics, sound installations, dance, theatre, and animation projects, but all energy stems from my acousmatic approach to sound – its intrinsic content and extrinsic connections. The spatiomusical potential of acousmatic sound features strongly in my work.

My best works are unarguably those designed for concert or serious/concentrated listing, rather than sound-art – which I believe stimulates and requires a different mode of listening.

My work has received prizes in Noroit-Leonce Petitot (Arras, France, 2002 & 1998), Bourges International Electroacoustic Music Awards (France 2001, 1998 & 1995), IV CIMESP 2001, Concours Scrime, (France 2000), International Electroacoustic Creation Competition of Ciberart (Italy 2000), Concours Luigi Russolo (Italy 1995 & 1998), Prix Ars Electronica (Linz, Austria 1998), Edvard Prize (Norway) 2004, 9th International Rostrum for electoacoustic music (2002).

In 2006 one of my concert works ...fetters... was awarded the Nordic Council Music Prize.

To date, my most interesting collaborations have been with the architect group OCEAN-north – creating large, sound-making spatial installations.

http://www.notam02.no/~natashab/