ABOUT THE RESIDENCY
Ex Machina is an interdisciplinary and multimedia project exploring the intricate connections and relationship between technology and humanity through visual art and piano music. Evolving technology has been changing our lives, and it also changed how we experience arts and music. The “machine” symbolizes the evolution of our practical and emotional relationship with technology. As a pianist, the acoustic piano is a musical machine with which I create sound stories to evoke ideas and emotions. In this project, we will explore the machine’s multifaceted meanings artistically, musically, and philosophically.
CREATIVE TEAM
Clara Yang—Composer and Pianist
Suzi Analogue—Hip-Hop Artist and Composer
Allen Anderson—Composer
Stephen Anderson—Composer
Chris Cerrone—Composer
Reena Esmail—Composer
Yili Fan—Movement Artist
Liliya Ugay—Composer
Lee Weisert—Composer
Xuan—Visual Artist
Yvette Young—Rock Guitarist and Composer
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Praised by Fanfare as “a first-rate pianist who isn’t afraid of challenges,” Chinese-American pianist Clara Yang (she/her) has performed throughout the U.S. and abroad in notable venues such as Weill Hall at Carnegie Hall, the Forbidden City Concert Hall (Beijing), Auditorio Nacional de Musica (Madrid) and on series such as Carolina Performing Arts and Dame Myra Hess at the Chicago Cultural Center. She is currently head of piano studies at UNC-Chapel Hill.
As a concerto soloist, she performed with renowned conductors such as Vladimir Ashkenazy and Long Yu, among others. She has performed with acclaimed artists such as Aaron Diehl, Joélle Harvey, and Lucia Lucas. She performed Philip Glass etudes alongside Mr. Glass and other renowned artists in the Glass at 80 festival. Her solo album Folding Time (Albany Records) won Global Music Awards Gold Medal. She performed a world premiere of renowned composer Chen Yi’s piano concerto with the China Philharmonic Orchestra in the Forbidden City Concert Hall. She studied with Nelita True at Eastman (DMA), Claude Frank at Yale School of Music (MM, Artist Diploma), and John Perry at USC Thornton School of Music (BM).