ATLAS | The Boulder Laptop Orchestra (BLOrk)

The Boulder Laptop Orchestra (BLOrk) is the ensemble-in-residence of the Atlas Center for Media, Arts and Performance

The emergence of the laptop orchestra in the last several years has given composers and improvisers innovative tools for creating novel musical experiences. BLOrk continues this tradition of sound technology and performing arts innovation by building on the research and performances of the Princeton Laptop Orchestra (PLOrk) and the Stanford Laptop Orchestra (SLOrk).

In its performances, BLOrk partners with leading artists in the fields of music, visual arts and technological innovation to produce shows that showcase the best in creativity and innovation. In the fields of sound, music performing arts and animated graphics, past guest performers have included Pamela Z, Darwin Grosse, Hugh Ragin, Darren Kramer and Janet Federer.

Among the visual artists whose animated graphics were projected on wall-size screens in the Black Box theater were Trace Redell, Cole Ingraham and Beau Burrows. Performers have included CU students and faculty as well.

Among the tools that BLOrk uses are hemispherical speakers which project sound in a way similar to that of an acoustic instrument, creating a unique sonic experience.

BLOrk Classes
Each semester, BLOrk is offered as an Electronic Music Ensemble class for both undergraduate and graduate credit, EMUS-3457 and EMUS-5457. Non-music majors are always welcome. Enroll yourself by contacting associate professor John Gunther at john.gunther@colorado.edu.

BLOrk is the ensemble-in-residence of the Atlas Institute’s Center for Media, Art and Performance headed by Michael Theodore.

Upcoming Performance this March
Enjoy a variety of original pieces under the direction of John Gunther, an assistant professor of jazz studies at CU. BLOrk is an eclectic ensemble of musicians equipped with laptops, hemispherical speakers, traditional instruments and MIDI controllers.
7:30 p.m. March 2, 2013, Saturday, downstairs Black Box theater