It was five years ago when Norman Adams and suddenlyLISTEN first brought Pauline Oliveros to Halifax for the first time and at the time, he says, “It seemed like a dream.” No wonder. The composer, performer, philosopher and author has 60 years experience making music, exploring sound and honing her concept of Deep Listening, a meditative practice based on the concept that, “Everyone can hear, but listening is a conscious activity,” says Adams. To celebrate suddenyLISTEN’s 10th year, Oliveros is back with her accordion, Ione, a spoken word artist known for her improvisation, and Adams, who says bringing Oliveros back was a “no-brainer”. “I think that this music creates an atmosphere more so than other improvised music, it’s quite a magical atmosphere. It really creates this immersive environment that’s a really pleasant place to be.” Oliveros will also be teaching a workshop on Deep Listening on Saturday May 21 from 2 to 5pm. To register or for details email suddenlylisten@suddenlylisten.com.
Fri May 20, St. Matthews United Church, 1479 Barrington Street, 8pm, $20/$10
This article appears in May 19-25, 2011.