Megumi Masaki is an innovative pianist, interactive multimedia performing artist, educator and curator.
Megumi Masaki is an innovative pianist, interactive multimedia performing artist, educator and curator. For over 30 years, she has established a reputation as an internationally recognized interpreter of new music. Her work explores new models of interaction and integration of sound, image, text and movement in multimedia works through new technologies, including hand-gesture-motion tracking to generate and control live electronics and live video, 3D visuals, piano-controlled computer game, AI, e-textile sensors and active infrared tracking.
Megumi is a Professor of Piano at Brandon University’s School of Music and the director of its New Music Ensemble and New Music Festival. She is also on faculty at the Casalmaggiore International Festival Italy, Chetham's International Summer School and Festival Manchester UK and at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, as well as Artistic Director of the annual Eckhardt-Gramatté National Music Competition, unique in its focus on Canadian and contemporary music.
As a performer, Megumi is featured at major festivals and venues around the world, including the Barbican’s Sound Unbound Festival, Bangor BBC Music Festival, Shanghai New Music Festival, Dark Music Days Festival in Iceland, IRCAM in Paris, and ISCM World Music Days in Vancouver.
Forty-eight new works have been created for/together with Megumi and she has premiered over 100 works. Her latest double disc recording of works written for/with her, MUSIC4EYES+EARS CD/Blu-Ray under the Centrediscs label earned her a nomination for Classical Artist of the Year, Western Canadian Music Awards.
Megumi aims to create new immersive environments and expressive potentials for the piano and pianist. As a Japanese-Canadian artist, her work examines hybridity in multiracial identity and Asian music, and strives to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
Image credit: Megumi Masaki