Cornell University will host a three-day celebration of Robert Moog PhD ’65 and his pioneering invention of the Moog synthesizer, which electrified music and sparked a revolution in sound.
“When Machines Rock: A Celebration of Robert Moog and Electronic Music,” running March 5-7, features panels and performances by a wide array of electronic music artists, including renowned synthpop and electro-industrial artist Gary Numan; singer-songwriter, beat-maker, and producer Suzi Analogue; and electronic music composers David Borden, Herb Deutsch, and Suzanne Ciani.
Other events include an opening reception for the Cornell University Library exhibition "Electrifying Music: The Life and Legacy of Robert Moog," a DIY synth-building workshop, a concert by Cornell’s Electroacoustic Music Center, and shows at the Haunt by the punk-inspired electronic group ADULT. and Suzi Analogue.
THURSDAY, MARCH 5
Panel: The Life and Legacy of Robert Moog
4:30–6:00 p.m.
Klarman Hall auditorium (KG70), Cornell University
Panelists:
• David Borden, composer, founder of Mother Mallard’s Portable Masterpiece Company
• Michelle Moog-Koussa, executive director, Robert Moog Foundation
Moderated by Trevor Pinch, Goldwin Smith Professor of Science and Technology Studies at Cornell
This event is free and open to the public
Concert: Cornell Electroacoustic Music Center
8:00 p.m.
Sage Chapel, Cornell University
Directed by Kevin Ernste, associate professor of music at Cornell
This event is free and open to the public
FRIDAY, MARCH 6
Presentation: Moog Stories
3:30–4:15 p.m.
Klarman Hall auditorium (KG70), Cornell University
Featuring Brian Kehew, Los Angeles-based musician, record producer, keyboard technician for The Who, and co-author of Recording the Beatles
Moderated by Roger Moseley, associate professor of music at Cornell
This event is free and open to the public
Keynote Interview: Gary Numan
4:30–5:45 p.m.
Klarman Hall auditorium (KG70), Cornell University
Featuring the creator of the 1979 hit singles “Are ‘Friends’ Electric?” and “Cars,” a pioneer of electronic popular music, and a recipient of the Ivor Novello Inspiration Award
Moderated by Judith Peraino, professor of music at Cornell
This event is free and open to the public
Exhibit Opening: "Electrifying Music: The Life and Legacy of Robert Moog"
5:30–7:00 p.m.
Hirshland Exhibition Gallery, Level 2B, Carl A. Kroch Library, Cornell University
Drawing from Cornell’s rich archive of materials that traces Moog’s lifelong fascination with electricity and its musical possibilities, this exhibit features instrument prototypes, design schematics, photographs, correspondences, and audio recordings. It also provides viewers with an opportunity to play a theremin and Minimoog supplied by Moog Music Inc.
This event is free and open to the public
Concert: ADULT.
9:00 p.m.
The Haunt, 702 Willow Ave., Ithaca, NY
Dark electronica and dance punk band from Detroit, Michigan
SATURDAY, MARCH 7
Synth-Building Workshop
10:00 a.m.–noon
B20 Lincoln Hall, Cornell University
Led by Trevor Pinch and Jordan Aceto
This event is free and open to the public
Panel: Moog’s Collaborators
1:30–3:00 p.m.
Klarman Hall auditorium (KG70), Cornell University
Panelists:
• Mike Adams, president, Moog Music Inc.
• Steve Dunnington, engineer, Moog Music Inc.
• Herb Deutsch, composer, inventor, and early Moog collaborator
Moderated by Trevor Pinch, Goldwin Smith Professor of Science and Technology Studies at Cornell
This event is free and open to the public
Interview and Workshop: Suzi Analogue
3:30–5:00 p.m.
Klarman Hall auditorium (KG70), Cornell University
Featuring the prolific singer, songwriter, beatmaker, electronic musician, and founder of Never Normal Records
Moderated by Catherine Appert, associate professor of music at Cornell
This event is free and open to the public
Lecture and Concert: Suzanne Ciani
5:30–7:00 p.m.
Klarman Hall auditorium (KG70), Cornell University
Featuring the five-time Grammy Award-nominated electronic music composer, inducted into the first class of Keyboard Magazine’s Hall of Fame alongside Robert Moog and Don Buchla
Moderated by Trevor Pinch, Goldwin Smith Professor of Science and Technology Studies at Cornell
This event is free and open to the public
Concert: Suzi Analogue
9:00 p.m.
The Haunt, 702 Willow Ave., Ithaca, NY
Featuring the prolific singer, songwriter, beatmaker, electronic musician, and founder of Never Normal Records