Who is Cassia Streb?
A Multifaceted Artist
Cassia Streb is a Canadian-born composer, performer, curator, and producer based in Los Angeles, California. Her work transcends traditional boundaries, exploring the intersections of sound, space, and human connection. She is a violist, but her artistic practice extends far beyond a single instrument, incorporating small percussion, found objects, and electronic elements into her compositions and performances.
Streb is a prominent figure in the world of contemporary and experimental music. Her artistic vision is rooted in creating unique sonic experiences that are deeply intertwined with their environment. She is known for her site-specific sound installations and her commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive experimental music community.
From Classical Training to Experimental Sound
Cassia Streb’s musical journey began with a classical training as a violist. This foundation provided her with a deep understanding of musical structure and technique. However, her artistic curiosity led her to explore more unconventional forms of musical expression.
Her time at the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) was a pivotal moment in her artistic development. She earned a Master of Fine Arts in the Multi-Focus String Performance Program in 2006, studying under influential figures like James Tenney, Michael Pisaro, and Vinny Golia. This experience ignited her passion for experimental sound and inspired her to begin composing her own music.
The Art of Site-Specific Sound
Composing for People and Places
At the heart of Cassia Streb’s artistic philosophy is the idea of composing for specific situations and for special places. Her work is not created in a vacuum; it is a direct response to the physical and social context in which it is experienced. She often composes for friends and colleagues, aiming to highlight the unique aspects of their musicality that she admires.
This approach results in music that is deeply personal and resonant. It invites audiences to engage with their surroundings in a new way, to listen more attentively to the world around them. Streb’s work is for those who seek a deeper connection with their environment and are open to seeing and hearing a familiar space through a new lens.
Sound Installations and Hybrid Performances
Cassia Streb is a pioneer in the field of sound installation. Her installations are not simply passive listening experiences; they are immersive environments that invite audience interaction. She has collaborated with artists like Thadeus Reed on installations featured in festivals in Los Angeles and Vancouver.
More recently, she has been creating sound installation “hybrids” with Tim Feeney, which involve creating audio fields with multiple speakers and then performing live within those soundscapes. These unique performances have taken place in a variety of unconventional settings, from a cemetery to an industrial stairwell.
Collaborative Spirit
Ensembles and Partnerships
Collaboration is a cornerstone of Cassia Streb’s artistic practice. She is a founding member of several influential ensembles, including the Southland Ensemble, which is dedicated to performing experimental music, and the Koan Quartet, a string quartet that champions the work of living composers. She is also a member of the improvising trio Tasting Menu, which uses found objects and small toy instruments to create its sound.
Her collaborative spirit extends beyond musical ensembles. She has worked with filmmakers, theater directors, and choreographers to create music and sound design for their projects. One notable collaboration was Sound House, a modular, interactive sound and puppet piece created with puppeteer Janie Geiser.
Music for Your Inbox: A Pandemic Innovation
During the COVID-19 pandemic, when live performances were impossible, Cassia Streb and cellist Jennifer Bewerse co-founded Music for Your Inbox. This innovative subscription service was inspired by the “Postal Pieces” of former CalArts faculty member James Tenney. It aims to create a direct and intimate connection between artists and audiences.
Subscribers receive a monthly email with a video of an experimental music performance and a corresponding postcard of visual art in the mail. This project not only provided a platform for artists to share their work during a challenging time but also created a new model for how art can be experienced and supported.
Curating the Experimental
The Dog Star Orchestra and Automata
Cassia Streb is not only a creator of experimental music but also a passionate advocate for it. As a curator, she plays a vital role in fostering a vibrant and supportive community for experimental artists. She curates a monthly series at Automata, a theater in Los Angeles, where she presents shows and installations that push the boundaries of sound and performance.
She is also the Artistic Director of the Dog Star Orchestra, a two-week summer festival in Los Angeles that has been running for over 20 years. The festival is committed to providing opportunities for independent, experimental, and non-commercial artists to present their work to a wider audience.
The Legacy of Cassia Streb
A Lasting Impact on Sound Art
Through her multifaceted work as a composer, performer, curator, and producer, Cassia Streb has made a significant impact on the world of sound art and experimental music. Her innovative approach to site-specific sound, her collaborative spirit, and her dedication to supporting other artists have helped to shape the landscape of contemporary music.
Her work challenges us to listen more deeply, to be more aware of the sonic world around us, and to find beauty and meaning in unexpected places. Cassia Streb’s legacy is not just in the music she creates but also in the community she has helped to build and the inspiration she provides to a new generation of sound artists.
