Episode 031 - Annie Nikunen - Dancing Through Music

Episode • Apr 19, 2021 • 1h 20m

We are in New York City again and we have the wonderful opportunity to talk with Annie Nikunen. born in Northport, New York, and now lives in New York City. She received a BA in music theory and composition at Barnard College/ Columbia University, and pursued flute performance at the Manhattan School of Music. She was referred to as the “best flute player in the state of New York” by The Observer and is a founding member of the New York City based new music group Blackbox Ensemble. They have recently begun performing again and was featured in The New Yorker. She has led a life filled with music, but also has had a continuous love with dance. At 13 she was selected to be the youngest trainee with the Joffrey Ballet School. She began exploring modern dance styles and improvisation. This spurred on an interest in utilizing and amalgamating elements of ballet, modern dance, and contact improvisation in her musical practice. Not only has music performance and dance played a key role in her life, but she is a constant supporter of new music and the continuation of new music and dance. Today we are going to talk to her about her life, being a drum major, dancing through music, and some of her newest works!

Guest:

Annie Nikunen

Music Included in this Episode:

Someday composed by Annie Nikunen, performed by Jason Black © Annie Nikunen 2016

The Sound of Space Between Us composed by Annie Nikunen, performed by Camilla Caldwell © Annie Nikunen 2020

Requiem for Anchorage (Partnering Passing Time) composed/performed by Annie Nikunen © Annie Nikunen 2021

Ensemble Links:

www.annienikunen.com

Hosts:

William F. Montgomery - www.williammontgomerycomposer.com

Hillary Lester - www.thehealthymusiciansite.com

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