BEK presents a three-day workshop exploring spatial audio through both theory and practice, led by composer Mariam Gviniashvili.

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
18 – 20 June 2025
BEK in Bergen, Norway
Instructor: Mariam Gviniashvili
Participation is free of charge. Sign up here.

Workshop Description 
Join BEK for a three-day workshop exploring spatial audio through both theory and practice. Led by composer Mariam Gviniashvili, the workshop introduces participants to spatial listening, sound perception, and the creative possibilities of Ambisonics — one of the most widely used formats in immersive audio.

Participants will get practical experience with software and techniques for composing in spatial audio, and will develop their own compositional sketches. The workshop culminates in a public presentation of these works on an 8.1 speaker system at BEK.

No prior experience with spatial audio is required, but basic knowledge of digital audio workstations (DAWs) is recommended.

Program
Day 1: Introduction to Ambisonics theory and focused listening session
Day 2: Practical work with tools and software
Day 3: Independent project work with guidance, followed by a public presentation in the evening

What to Bring
Day 1: Notebook or laptop for taking notes
Days 2–3: Laptop, headphones, and MIDI controller
Links to required software will be provided at the start of the workshop.

Mariam Gviniashvili
Mariam Gviniashvili is a composer working at the intersection of electroacoustic and instrumental music, 3D sound and multimedia performance. Her work explores the physical and emotional dimensions of sound and space, and the integration of visuals and live performance.

Originally from Georgia, Gviniashvili’s musical journey began in early childhood with singing and piano, eventually leading her to composition studies at the Norwegian Academy of Music. This diverse background informs her artistic themes, ranging from the distractions of online meetings in DAYDREAMING (2022), to the “strange cosmic ballet” (5 against 4) of the audiovisual piece REVELATION (2021), and DECONSTRUCTION (2020), a work reflecting on viral spread patterns, which earned an Honorary Mention at Prix Ars Electronica.

Gviniashvili’s work has been presented at festivals, venues and radio broadcasts worldwide, including INA GRM, Center for Art and Media | ZKM, Ars Electronica, EMPAC, New York Electroacoustic Music Festival, BEAST FEaST, Virginia Tech, Transitions at CCRMA, MA/IN, ICMC, Mixtur Festival, Klingt Gut, In Situ Festival, Heroines of Sound, Ultima Festival and BBC Radio.