VIRTUAL London Heritages Conference
Abstract
This paper presents the concept, technology, and development of “Voices”, a contemporary musical piece created with the “Transhuman Ansambl” – a technological choir of 16 bespoke, autonomous machine singers. The system’s design was inspired by traditional Croatian singing and informed by an ethnographic study with two professional Croatian folk dance and singing ensembles. It enables the composition, improvisation, and live performance of a capella music between a human and the machine singers, offering new ways of reimagining musical heritage. In “Voices”, the machine singers respond in real time to the human voice via a vocal microphone, generating harmonies that evoke traditional singing styles. The paper focuses on the design decisions, the studio process, and the composition of the musical piece itself, providing an overview of the resulting performance. The paper explores how this system in combination with artistic processes influence compositional practice by enabling the integration of Croatian traditional music elements – such as distinctive rhythmic patterns and vocal techniques, reimagined within a contemporary context.
New media artist and researcher, composer, and experienced performer, Lucija Ivsic – known professionally as ZIVA – completed her practice-based PhD at SensiLab, Monash University in 2024. Residing at the crossroads of art, science, and technology, her installations and live performances focuses on music heritage and the role of technology in its reinterpretation and preservation. Her most recent work, Transhuman Ansambl, involves collaborations with non-human entities during her live shows. Her work has been exhibited and performed at some of the most prestigious arts festivals globally.
Jon McCormack is an Australian-based artist and researcher in computing. His research interests include generative art, design and music, evolutionary systems, computer creativity, human-machine relationships, and creative Artificial Intelligence. Jon is the founder and Director of SensiLab and oversees all operations, research programs and partnerships. He is also full Professor, jointly appointed by the Faculties of Art Design & Architecture and Information Technology. He is a former ARC Future Fellow, Australian Research Fellow and Australia Council for the Arts Media Arts Fellow.
Vince Dziekan is a Senior Academic and Practitioner-Researcher at Monash Art Design & Architecture (MADA), Monash University, Australia. Vince’s work engages with the transformation of contemporary curatorial practices at the intersection of emerging design practices, creative technology and museum culture.