Oscillation ::: Materia Forma
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02.05.2024 22:45

Okkyung Lee

© Nigel Bates © Nigel Bates

Okkyung Lee is a cellist, composer, and improviser who moves freely between artistic disciplines and contingencies. Since 2000 she has worked in disparate contexts as a solo artist and collaborator with creators in a wide range of disciplines. A native of South Korea, Lee has taken a broad array of inspirations—including noise, improvisation, jazz, western classical, and the traditional and popular music of her homeland—and used them to forge a highly distinctive approach. Her curiosity and a determined sense of exploration guide the work she has made in disparate contexts.

She has appeared on more than 30 albums, including the latest release Yeo-Neun on Shelter Press, and Teum (The Silvery Slit), written for acclaimed Acousmonium by GRM and live cello, released on GRM Portraits/Editions Mego.

Even though Okkyung is probably known best for her improvisational work utilizing visceral extended techniques for the last two decades, she also started developing site-specific works, responding to its architecture, audience, or objects surrounding her, producing an immersive experience that also challenges the built-in hierarchy in traditional concert settings.