Abstract

In this address I'd like to propose that developments in sonic art from around 1950 – 1990 constitute a type of 'Overture'; that what has followed is essentially a series of 'new beginnings', and that where we are now is a new beginning as part of a mainstream. I'd like to unpack this proposal from a personal perspective looking at the following questions: How does the period 1950 to 1990 represent an Overture?What makes me think that we are now part of a mainstream?What are the ramifications for our broad constituency of being part of a mainstream?What are the likely developments from this new beginning?