A Singaporean composer born August 25, 1984 in Singapore.
A pianist by training, Diana Soh studied at the Music Conservatory of Singapore University then at the University of Buffalo, where she obtained a doctorate studying under David Felder. She completed her training at Ircam (cursus of composition and computer music) and at the music academies of Royaumont, Acanthes and Gaudeamus (Amsterdam).
Attracted by the quest for new sounds and novel forms, Soh composes with an overt desire for rupture. Writings works especially for the performers with whom she collaborates, she develops a certain dramaturgy of the physical performance. Focussing her investigations on the interaction inherent in the performance of the works, she centres her style on the opposition between calm and agitation, with the frequent utilisation of electronics. In addition to works for orchestra, ensemble and chamber groups, she composes for the stage (The boy who lived down the lane, chamber opera, 2011; Worshippers of the machine, improvisation for electronics and five dancers, 2012) and explores different media such as film and interactive video.
Diana Soh’s works are performed in Europe, Asia and the USA, by prominent musicians: Arboretum: of myths and trees for soprano, ensemble and electronics, first performed by the ensemble Court Circuit at the festival ManiFeste in Paris (2013); If I were... for wind quintet and electronics, first performed by Le Concert Impromptu at the festival Extension in Ivry (2013); Autour de Moi 1 & 2, first performed by the ensemble Multilatérale (2016); Anirukta for 16 singers, first performed by the Helsinki Chamber Choir (2016); A/Z for soprano, two percussionists and accordion, first performed by Élise Chauvin and the Trio K/D/M at Radio France (2017); Iota for instrumental ensemble, first performed by the Klangforum Wien at the festival Impuls in Graz (2017); A is for Aiya for soprano and orchestre, first performed by Élise Chauvin and the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (2018); The nature of things for eight singers and electronics, premiered by the vocal ensemble Les Métaboles (2018).
