Inspired by the moving meditation of East Asian calligraphy painting, composer/musician Phyllis Chen investigates the movements made by performance calligraphists: choreographed, efficient, and unfalteringly committed. This work-in-progress examines the intersection between traditional Shodo calligraphy performance and live music.
This project is supported through the Cage Cunningham Fellowship, established in 2015 for artists who demonstrate John Cage and Merce Cunningham’s commitment to artistic innovation. In recognition of Cunningham's centennial celebration in 2019, the 2018—19 Cage Cunningham Fellowship extends the award to five artists including Phyllis Chen.
Leadership support for music programming provided by the Thompson Family Foundation.
Phyllis Chen
Described by the New York Times as "spellbinding" and "delightfully quirky matched with interpretive sensitivity," Phyllis Chen is a composer, keyboardist, and creative force whose music draws from tactile exploration of objects and sound.