“Environmental Dialogue” – with Claire Chase and Annea Lockwood
This course offers a collaborative approach to the interpretation and performance of open-form ensemble works by four iconic experimental composer-improvisers: Annea Lockwood, George Lewis, Pauline Oliveros and Terry Riley. Facilitated by the flutist and interdisciplinary artist Claire Chase, the course is open to instrumentalists, vocalists, improvisers, and electronic musicians of any practice who are interested in the social dynamics, ethics, and performance practices of collectively-led ensembles.
A special component of the course will be the presence of the composer Annea Lockwood, who will work with participants to shape a performance of her improvisation-based ensemble work bayou-borne, which was written in 2016 in honor of Pauline Oliveros.
The course will culminate in public performances presented in collaboration with Chase and Lockwood.
The course language is English.
Claire Chase
Claire Chase is an internationally acclaimed flutist, teacher, and curator. She is one of the most influential advocates for contemporary music of our time and has premiered hundreds of new works in collaboration with leading composers and orchestras around the world. Chase is known for her bold, interdisciplinary artistic practice.
Chase is the Artistic Director of Density Arts and has previously led the artistic vision of the Ojai Music Festival in 2025, served as Creative chair at Carnegie Hall during the 2022–23 season, and co-founded the International Contemporary Ensemble. In 2013, she launched Density 2036, a 24-year commissioning project that reimagines the solo flute repertoire while supporting new generations of musicians. Chase is Professor of the Practice and a teacher of contemporary music at Harvard University, and she also mentors emerging artists at The Juilliard School.
Read more: https://www.clairechase.net/
Annea Lockwood
Annea Lockwood is a New Zealand-born composer and teacher based in the United States, and an Emerita Professor at Vassar College. She is known for her experimental works that draw on environmental sounds. In her compositions, Lockwood focuses on water and natural sound elements, combining them with concert music, performance, and multimedia installations. Improvisation and collaboration play a central role in both her compositions and her creative process.
Read more: https://www.annealockwood.com/
Application Guidelines
- Application deadline: 22nd March 2026, midnight EET.
- Applicants must have been born after 1st July 1986
Course Fee: 360 €, includes entrance to concerts at the festival
Accommodation (shared double rooms, shared kitchen): 320 € for accommodation in Viitasaari 29th June – 6th July 2026
How to Apply
Submit the registration form by 22nd March!
Attach the following documents to the application (in English):
- CV covering studies, courses, and previous artistic work relevant for the application
- Letter of motivation opening up experience, ambitions and wishes for participating
Attachments can be submitted in a pdf-format or as links.
Questions and further information:
Artistic Director Johan Tallgren, johan.tallgren@musiikinaika.org, +358 40 742 6345