(b 1961 Tokyo). After studying composition and French literature in Japan she moved to Paris to study with Tristan Murail and work as an intern at IRCAM, where she developed a knowledge of electronic music. She is particularly interested in 'spectralism'. Spectralist composers consider sounds as living objects, beginning with the physical aspects of sounds (i.e sound frequencies) then using these to explore new harmonies and generate compositional structures.

Tanaka points out the use of the harmonic series on Eb which 'appears and disappears into space at the end'. However this is naturally occurring, and performers are asked to 'imagine weaving colour and scent with sounds'. This performance continues the Ensemble's interest in this composer following a highly successful performance of 'Song of Songs' for solo cello and live electronics given in 2000 by Gabriel Prynn of the Montreal-based 'Trio Fibonacci'.

© N.B. 2003