Biography
SARAH ANGLISS
Trained in electroacoustics, music and a little evolutionary robotics, I specialise in creating original sound installations, exhibits and live performances that mix cutting-edge technology with vintage sound equipment and little known stories from the history of science. I'm particularly interested in creating contemporary sonic art that enables people to generate or manipulate sound using novel physical elements (e.g. robots; motion sensors). I try to avoid compositions that generate music entirely through software - I find algorithmic music is richer and more delightful when it is coupled to the real world in some meaningful way.
An experienced creator of one-off installations and exhibits, I'm also a regular performer, particularly known for my skills on the theremin and musical saw. I'm a regular on the Brighton circuit - performing occasionally at Bom-Bane's eclectic music nights. Most recently, I've been seen alongside the 'polite robot thereminist' Clara 2.0. I created this theremin-playing doll as I need a more theatrical alternative to the loop pedal. Clara 2.0 can precisely follow my own actions on the theremin, moving her dolly arm to bring her own theremin into perfect tune. I'm currently exploring ways to make Clara 2.0 an entirely stand-alone device so I can incorporate her into my live act more easily.
Playing the saw, Winchester Festival of Art and Mind
Regularly featured in the national press, my solo and collaborative work exploring infrasonic music, Category 4 diseases, cyborgs, extreme reverb, the uncanny valley, genetic privacy, evolutionary music, dogs in space, hurdy gurdies, Swinging London and a host of other topics has been seen and heard at venues throughout the UK. These include the Brighton Festival, Cheltenham Music and Science Festivals, Final Cut, the Eden Project, Edinburgh International Science Festival, Glasgow Science Centre, London Zoo, South Bank Centre, Science Museum, Soho Theatre, Southwold Pier and Winchester Festival of Art and Mind.
On Radio 4, Roger Highfield described my electroacoustic cabaret act at Cheltenham as ‘the most surreal and memorable moment of the festival’. Two of my recent, interactive sound shows, Senster and The Haunt, were shortlisted as ‘standout shows’ of Brighton Festival 2006.
Performing with robot thereminist Clara 2.0, Chambers Street, Edinburgh (photo: Emmet Spier)