Multimedia performer plans dance program visit

Ron Pellegrino’s residency includes two free shows with local artists

Ron Pellegrino, a leading multimedia performance artist and electronic arts pioneer, will be in residence at the Dance Program Sept. 13-18, presenting two public performances and leading other programs for students and faculty.

This laser image is from “Lazy Light,” a video by Ron Pellegrino that combining computer graphics with laser imagery and animation. Photo: Courtesy of Dance Program. Details Ron Pellegrino will present free performances Friday and Saturday, Sept. 17 and 18 at 8 p.m. in the H’Doubler Performance Space, Lathrop Hall, 1050 University Ave. Meet the artist at an informal talk Monday, Sept. 13, at 5:30 p.m. in the H’Doubler Performance Space. Information: 262-1691

A resident of San Francisco for the past 30 years, Pellegrino earned both his master of arts and doctorate in music at UW–Madison in the 1960s.

In the first of two performances on campus, Pellegrino will present his own work Friday, Sept. 17, featuring synthesizer-driven, laser-based animated music visualizations along with CD-ROM-based performances on computer.

“Every musical element has a corresponding natural visual structure,” Pellegrino says. “With laser projections that can easily be viewed by audiences, the structural principles of music are illustrated in dynamic graphic detail.”

That evening, Madison’s Rolliana Scheckler, soprano and Celtic harper, will join Pellegrino on stage. Known as “Harpsinger,” Scheckler has taught voice for more than 25 years and lever harp for 14 years.

On Saturday, Sept. 18, campus artists participating in the residency will join Pellegrino in performance. “Ron makes every effort to include all those who want to participate,” says associate professor Joseph Koykkar, a composer and teacher of music for dance, and interarts and technology in the Dance Program.

Participating artists choose music and one or more available video modules to connect with Pellegrino’s live video pickup and processing. “The net effect is live music-video without stylistic limitations,” Pellegrino says.

The residency will first address the technical issues of designing and configuring a multimedia performance facility in Lathrop Hall’s Margaret H’Doubler Performance Space. Participants will also be introduced early on to fundamental ideas and working materials for the performance event. Then participants will brainstorm, rehearse and meet with individuals and groups about multimedia in music, art, communications and education. Finally, the group will refine the performances and present the show.

“All it takes on the part of local artists is a willingness to participate and an open, positive attitude,” Pellegrino says.