Tod Machover - called "America's most wired composer" by The Los Angeles Times - is known for his innovative compositions as well as for designing new technologies for music. He is the Muriel R. Cooper Professor of Music & Media at the MIT Media Lab, where he directs the Opera of the Future Group. He studied with Elliott Carter and Roger Sessions at Juilliard and was the first Director of Musical Research at Pierre Boulez's IRCAM in Paris. Machover's music has been performed by many of the world's most prominent soloists and ensembles, has received numerous prizes and awards, including the "Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres" from the French government, and the 2010 Arts Prize from the World Technology Network (CNN/Time Inc.). He is renowned for his pioneering work with Hyperinstruments, which use smart technologies to enhance musical expression for all, from virtuosi like Yo-Yo Ma to players of Guitar Hero, which grew out of his Lab. Machover is especially recognized for his unusual operas, including the science fiction VALIS, the audience-interactive Brain Opera, and the robotic Death and the Powers, which premiered in Monaco - under the patronage of Prince Albert II - in fall 2010 and will be coming to San Francisco in July.
