Electric Phoenix

Electric Phoenix was a British experimental electro-acoustic vocal ensemble, founded in 1979 by four members of Swingle II – Linda Hirst (mezzo-soprano), Simon Grant (bass), tenor John Potter and a sound projectionist/manager Terry Edwards. They left Ward Swingle's ensemble due to a disagreement over the repertoire. With a newly-established group, the artists were able to pursue their goal to develop and popularize a unique chamber program for amplified voice and electronics, practically absent on the international new music scene at the time. With the recruitment of Canadian soprano Karen Jensen, a post-graduate student at the Royal Academy of Music, the canonical quintet line-up was formed.

Luciano Berio, whose vocal compositions they've been actively performing, always remained a central figure to Electric Phoenix's concept and artistic goals. Berio chose them to present his Sinfonia, and Electric Phoenix subsequently performed it over 70 times with Leningrad Philharmonic Orchestra, Berliner Philharmoniker, Orchestra Del Teatro Alla Scala, Concertgebouworkest, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra and other prominent ensembles.

In 1979, an experienced American sound designer John Whiting joined Electric Phoenix – Terry Edwards passed the sound projectionist's duties to him, moving onstage as the bass singer. Whiting remained with the ensemble for over twenty years. Electric Phoenix also utilized John's October Sound studio in the basement of October Gallery as a rehearsal and recording space.

Electric Phoenix Full Members

Soprano
Karen Jensen, Elaine Barry, Judith Rees

Mezzo-soprano
Linda Hirst, Mary King, Meriel Dickinson

Tenor
Daryl Runswick, Andrew Parrott, John Potter (2)

Bass
Terry Edwards (2), Simon Grant (4)

Sound Projection
John Whiting