Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington New Zealand School of Music—Te Kōkī’s first Sonic Artist-in-Residence announced
An alumnus of NZSM at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, Dr Ramos Flores is a composer and instrument-builder based in Wellington, originally from Morelia in Mexico. He completed his Master of Arts in Musical Composition at Wesleyan University in Connecticut, United States. Last year, he finished his Doctorate in Music Composition at NZSM, for which he researched and designed hyperinstruments—musical instruments designed to be used with electronic sensors.
“I am very happy to have three months at Toi Pōneke to work on a collection of works called Little Portals. This collection will tell the history of postal mail in New Zealand through its letterboxes. The work I will do seeks to rescue the value and history of these little portals and the postal service itself, which is rapidly changing and struggling through the new times,” says Dr Ramos Flores, who alongside his musical practice, also works as a delivery agent for New Zealand Post.
Residency judge Dr Thomas Voyce says, “Cris produces personal and fascinating work as a sound artist. Through this residency, Cris will explore notions of community and communication, and we are very excited to see how his work develops over the next few months.”
Dr Ramos Flores’ catalogue of works includes compositions for solo instruments, chamber ensemble, large orchestra, and works including electronics, as well as interactive installations. In 2014, he started the first laptop orchestra in Mexico.
He is currently teaching music technology courses at Facultad Popular de Bellas Artes, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolas de Hidalgo in Mexico, and at Massey University in Wellington.
Dr Ramos Flores will be in residence at Toi Pōneke Arts Centre in Wellington from 26 September to 18 December 2022. This residency is the final to be awarded of three NZSM residencies funded with Creative New Zealand’s help in 2022. The Victoria University of Wellington Foundation is seeking donations to their Composer-in-Residence Fund to ensure the future of the residencies.