by Annabelle Ink | Special to the Courier
Pomona College will be hosting a documentary screening of “Deep Listening” on Thursday, February 29, at 6 p.m. The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place at Rose Hills Theatre, featuring a director Q&A session following the screening.
The film, directed by Daniel Weintraub and released in 2022, has garnered acclaim worldwide, being showcased at numerous festivals and theaters. It delves into the life of Pauline Oliveros, an influential queer American figure known for her roles as a composer, musician, feminist, and humanitarian. Weintraub’s encounter with Oliveros through a neighbor sparked his desire to bring her remarkable story to light.
Describing Oliveros as a “sonic icon,” Weintraub was captivated by her journey. Born in 1932 to a pianist, Oliveros displayed musical talent from a young age, mastering various instruments such as the accordion, violin, piano, tuba, and French horn.
Oliveros’s pivotal contribution to electronic music emerged during her tenure at the San Francisco Tape Music Center in the 1960s. Subsequently, she joined the music department at the University of California, San Diego, further shaping the landscape of experimental music.
The tumultuous events of the late 1960s and early 1970s left a profound impact on Oliveros. Amidst societal unrest, she found solace in music and sound, leading to the formation of the women’s-only ♀ Ensemble and the development of “Sonic Meditations” in 1971. These meditations aimed to empower individuals to control their sonic environment, fostering humanitarian purposes and healing.
“Deep Listening,” a CD recorded 14 feet underground in a water tank, marked Oliveros’s commitment to active listening. Defined as a continuous process of engaging with sound on various levels, deep listening became a cornerstone of her teachings and inspired the establishment of the Deep Listening Institute.
Following Oliveros’s passing in 2016, Weintraub’s dedication to preserving her legacy culminated in the creation of “Deep Listening: The Story of Pauline Oliveros.” The film serves not only as a tribute to Oliveros but also as a platform to perpetuate her message of deep listening and understanding.
Event organizer Erica Tyron expressed enthusiasm for the screening, highlighting the universal appeal of Oliveros’s narrative in fostering connections and collaboration through attentive listening.
Don’t miss the screening of “Deep Listening: The Story of Pauline Oliveros” on Thursday, February 29, at 6 p.m. at Rose Hills Theatre in Claremont, CA. The post-screening director Q&A with Daniel Weintraub promises further insights into this compelling tale. For more details, visit the event page.
