Gary DiBenedetto

Gary DiBenedetto Gary DiBenedetto is a sound sculptor and electroacoustic composer from Brooklyn, NY. Moving from more traditional jazz instrumentation into multimedia-interactive art, he's released three CDs and made several compilation appearances, since the mid 90's. His works have been performed around the world. He's held Guest Residencies at Peters Valley and Newark Museum, and his awards include the 2006 KOA International Kinetic Art Competition and the NJ State Council on the Arts Fellowship. His most recent work, a 15 piece solo multi-media installation, was on display at Hunterdon Art Museum, in Clinton, New Jersey. Without further ado, here's the SAR Q&A with Gary DiBenedetto... *Name: Gary DiBenedetto *Members: Gary DiBenedetto *Tape manipulations, digital deconstructions or turntable creations: My “classical” electroacoustic works are derived from sounds recorded in natural and industrial environments. “A Drop in the Bucket,” the title track on my second CD, is representative of what I would consider to be one of the schools of classical electroacoustic composition. The sound source for this composition was a single drop of liquid. Since composing the pieces on “Twin Towers”, released by Electroshock Records, I have spent much of my time creating multimedia interactive sound sculptures. At present I would classify myself as someone experimenting with a combination of kinetic manually driven sound sculptures and electroacoustic composition in staged performance. *Another genre descriptor: (see above) *Location: I am from central New Jersey but like to identify myself as someone born in Brooklyn. *Original Location: Brooklyn, NY *What is your creative/artistic background: I started out as a jazz drummer; then classical flutist; jazz saxophonist; electroacoustic composer; and now multimedia-interactive artist. In all of these fields, the intent has been to “push the envelope” - to explore new forms of expression. *History: (How long have you been working?) All my life. *Born: I was born in Brooklyn in 1948. *Motivations: It’s my passion. I love the intellectual stimulation. *Philosophy: Even though many people may not perceive it, I am working with very conservative traditions. My compositions incorporate classical form and serial and traditional melodic and harmonic theory. As with my compositions, my sculptures aspire to classic traditions including composition, form and texture. In all of my work the most important element is connection to the audience. I hope the use of classical form and familiar environmental sounds enhances this possibility. Likewise, my sculptures, besides incorporating classical tradition, have manually driven audio components that encourage audience participation. Much of my work contains political and social commentary. And, it is in this realm that I feel my role as an artist is most connected. *How would you like to be remembered: A somewhat controversial fellow. *Web address: www.garydibenedetto.com www.some-assembly-required.net