Biography

Based in Quebec and Europe, Sonia Paço-Rocchia explores diverse mediums in her practice, which encompasses Web art, interactive sound installations, composition and improvisation. Sound is often central to her work.

Sonia readily incorporates improvisation or theatrical elements into her compositions, which include pieces for non-conventional instruments. As an improvising artist (real-time processing with non-conventional instruments, voice and bassoon), she not only performs both solo and small ensemble works, but is also an improvisational bassoonist with the London Improvisers Orchestra. Her penchant for collaborative ventures has led her to compose for dance-, theatre- and visual arts-based projects. An able programmer, she is discerning in her use of new technologies. Sonia studied mixed composition at the Université de Montréal, rounding out her training with courses at IRCAM (Paris), Numediart (Mons) and iMAL (Brussels). Her work includes a commissioned piece of mixed music for the Canada Council for the Arts, and she has previously been selected for the Pépinières européennes pour jeunes artistes residency program.

Sonia met cornet and trumpet player Frédéric Demers during her studies at the Université de Montréal. The two quickly developed a strong rapport: Frédéric, captivated by the composer’s work, came to share with her his personal approach to playing the cornet; Sonia, in turn, helped the trumpeter elevate his own performance by opening his eyes to a new perspective, all the while granting him an important role in the creative process. It was from this close partnership that Multi trompettes et folie was born.

- Traduction Michelle Wong