University Calendar

New Music Series: Sophia Vastek and Sam Torres

For Sova–the moniker of Upstate New York-based pianist/composer Sophia Vastek–the piano has always been home. A second-generation pianist, she holds a deep reverence for her history, coupled with an exploratory ear, and moves quietly between musical worlds. Described as performing with “passion and profound tenderness” (Second Inversion), her intuitive playing style has evolved into a dynamic, cinematic sound that blends neoclassical, ambient, and jazz sensibilities.

She has released multiple albums, including her breakout record In Our Softening (2022). Her music has been released on OPIA–the record label founded by Ólafur Arnalds–Innova Recordings, and Hout Records, as well as on NPR, BBC, and KEXP.

Sova’s new record Alight! is due out September 4 via Hout Records and has been called “a mesmerizing fusion of neoclassical composition and indie electronic sound design” (Last Day Deaf).

In live performance in close collaboration with audio engineer Sam Torres, she has become known for her intimate and highly detailed sound design, welcoming listeners into the complex sound of the piano itself.

Sam Torres spent his early years as an audio engineer working across North America, mixing live events ranging from chamber ensembles with spatialized live electronics to rock bands of all sizes and recording orchestral concerts in classical halls. In 2020, Sam turned his engineering attention to mastering, and has mastered projects for artists ranging from a Colin Stetson collaboration to rapper Murs and jam band Dogs In A Pile.

Sam’s debut full length album, Still, released in early 2023, is the culmination of years of development of a performance practice that processes the saxophone live to create meditative, textural sounds and is entirely improvised. His latest release, Hudson, is a chamber rock piece inspired by the Hudson River, which he’s spent most of his life in close proximity to.

Location:	Harper Hall
Price:	Free
Sponsor:	Con - Guest - Keyboard - Composition
Contact:	Claire Schmidt claire.schmidt@lawrence.edu 920-832-6612
copy this event into your personal desktop calendar