Åke Parmerud has successfully pursued a professional career in contemporary music and media art since the late 70’s.
Although he originally trained as a photographer ( 1972-74 ) he went on to study music at university and subsequently the Göteborg Conservatory of Music.
In addition to his electro-acoustic and instrumental music, his prolific list of works includes compositions covering a broad cross-section of modern experimental music in the fields of dance, film, interactive art, multi-media, theatre and video.
His work has been acclaimed since his piece “Proximities” received first prize at the 1978 Bourges International Electroacoustic Music Festival in France. Since then he has received 17 international prizes and 3 major Swedish prizes (see prizes and awards).
On two occasions he has also received the Swedish “grammy” award for Best Classical Album of the Year and his music has represented Swedish Radio twice at The Prix Italia.
He has been regularly commissioned to compose works by important international institutions and his works have been presented worldwide. In 1997 his piece “Grains of Voices” was performed at the U.N in New York on United Nations Day.
His music has been released on numerous albums and compilations, and in 1998 he became a member of The Swedish Royal Academy of Music.
Åke Parmerud is not just a composer he is also a stage performer, playing electro-acoustic concerts using many different types of interactive instruments – often solo. He has toured extensively in Europe, North and South America.
In the late 80’s he teamed-up with composer Anders Blomqvist, and their live performances – which included fireworks – were successful all around Europe well into the 90’s.
The last ten years he has been working as an innovative sound and software designer for interactive audio/visual installations and performances. His own works “The Fire Inside”, “The Living Room” and “Lost Angel” have been shown in Berlin, Göteborg, Leon, Mexico City, Paris and Reykavik. He has also designed concerts and been artistic director for large audio/visual events both indoors and outdoors.
His artistic reputation has led to several creative international collaborations. Between 1999 and 2006 he worked closely with the Danish “art team” Boxiganga Teater, developing revolutionary interactive video installations plus exploring telematic concepts and interactive solutions for live performances. In 2000, 2001 and 2002 he also worked with Canadian choreographerPierre-Paul Savoi as composer, sound and software designer. Since 2002 he is working with Olle Niklasson with the audio design company AudioTechture. Audiotechture received the prestigious Red Dot design award in Berlin 2015.
He has over the last years worked with audio design, given lectures and workshops around the world and developed software for 3D sound composition.
Among other things…
Åke Parmerud
