The Qwartz Pierre-Schaeffer 2012 will be given at the 8th Gala of the Qwartz Electronic Music Awards on March 29, 2012 at the Centquatre in Paris (France). Francis Dhomont joins the previous awardees (the prize is given since 2006): Bernard Parmegiani; Henri Pousseur, Otavio Soares Brandão; Jean-Claude Risset, Beatriz Ferreyra, Max Mathews; Åke Parmerud, Roger Cochini; François Bayle; and Éliane Radigue.

I have known electroacoustician Pete Stollery for a long time — almost since I started hosting Délire actuel. Fifteen years ago, he was one of the very first composers to send me material for my show. The works that ended up on his first empreintes DIGITALes releases, I had first heard and broadcasted them from DAT tapes he had mailed me. What a pleasure, then, to listen to this new album (a CD, not a DVD-A). Six works made between 2004 and 2007. Stollery has become a master in the art of lively acousmatic music. He has gained the aesthetic perfection of a Jonty Harrison, the elegance of a Francis Dhomont, and the soul… of Pete Stollery. The short Serendipities and Sychronicities represents the best of what can be found in this genre, including in terms of narrative/inspiration (it derives from Delia Derbyshire’s life and work). And Scènes, rendez-vous is a rereading/reimagining of Claude Lelouch’s famous short film C’était un rendez-vous. Strongly recommended.

Francis Dhomont will give a conference and a master class and will present two concerts at the annual festival Suona Francese on May 9, 2012 in Perugia and on May 10 in Rome in Italy.

With Entre espaces (“between spaces”), Empreintes DIGITALes adds a new composer to its roster. This one is a CD, not a DVD-A. Seven works realized between 1998 and 2007. Rather classical-sounding electroacoustic music — water sounds, footsteps in the snow, human activity — but elegantly assembled, and immersive enough to stand the test of deep listening. […]

Switched on by Manuella Blackburn is the only acousmatic work of the 13 finalist works for the Gaudeamus Prize 2012. The competition will take place during Gaudeamus Muziekweek 2012 on September 2 - 9, 2012 in Utrecht (The Netherlands).