Minneapolis composer brings 'Noopiming' presentation to northern Minnesota

Posted at 9:52 AM on September 2, 2010 by Tom Robertson
Filed under: Arrowhead, Arts, Environment, Northwest Minnesota

Minneapolis composer, producer and sound artist Mike Olson brings his unique multimedia show to far northern Minnesota beginning this week.

The artist will debut his original composition, called Noopiming, at the Backus Community Center in International Falls Sept. 2.

Noopiming is an Ojibwe word meaning "in the north, inland, in the woods." Olson says the title was chosen as a direct reference to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, where he's had a lifetime of outdoor experiences.

Olson says creating the recorded choral piece started with eight singers (four male and four female) who gathered to record a large number of musical gestures under Olson's guidance.

For the end result, Olson layered and combined the individual sound clips into one complete work. Click here to listen to a sample of the piece.

The presentation includes stunning photos of the BWCA, created by photographer Dale Robert Klous.

Olson brings Noopiming to northern Minnesota with financial help from the Minnesota State Arts Board, using funding from the state's arts and culture heritage fund.

Following tonight's 7:30 p.m. debut in International Falls, the show will continue in Ely on Sept. 4; Grand Marais on Sept. 8; and Duluth on Sept. 10.