Michael Johnsen (b. 1968) lives and works in Pittsburgh. As a co-founder of Orgone Cinema he has long participated in Pittsburgh’s experimental art scene. For the past ten years he has built an integrated system of electronic devices designed specifically for live performance. What started as a curiosity with existing equipment led to the design and construction of his own devices. He has toured Europe and the US releasing several CDs. Johnsen teaches sound techniques and instrument building locally. His recent collaborators include Chris Cooper, Margaret Cox, Merce Lemon, Orla, and Jack Wright. Margaret Cox (b. 1974) also lives and works in Pittsburgh. While at Carnegie Mellon University her focus in electronic media, as well as exposure to Pittsburgh’s active experimental music scene, led to a growing interest in sound. She developed an enthusiasm for new instrumental techniques and the design of new instrument interfaces. In her performances, Cox manipulates voice, field recordings, and electro-acoustic devices. Besides Michael Johnsen, she has most recently collaborated with Josh Beyer, Sweetie, Hedwig and Steve Boyle.

Click here to view a Cox/Boyle collaboration at the Frick Fine Arts Auditorium.