Laskowski, Mikołaj
is a composer interested in blurring borders between the performer and the listener, distance and intimacy, kitsch and sophistication, irony and seriousness. He combines various inspirations such as science fiction, New Age, plunderphonics and field recording creating concert music, participatory performances, and online pieces.
He studied with Grażyna Pstrokońska-Nawratil at the Karol Lipiński Academy of Music in Wrocław (2009–14) and graduated with distinction from the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague, where he studied with Yannis Kyriakides and Peter Adriaansz (2013–15).
His works have been performed in many countries at festivals such as the Summer Courses for New Music in Darmstadt, Présences, Gaudeamus Muziekweek, Klang, Klangwerkstatt Berlin, Musica Polonica Nova, Musica Electronica Nova, Nordic Music Days, Ostrava Days, Tampere Biennale, Ultima, Unsafe+Sounds Festival, Warsaw Autumn, and Young Composers’ Meeting.
He was awarded in competitions such as Generace (2012) and the Young Composers’ Meeting (2013). In 2014 he was granted the Witold Lutosławski Scholarship, and in 2015 he received a recommendation at the 62nd International Rostrum of Composers. In 2016 he was awarded the Kranichsteiner Scholarship Prize during the 48th International Summer Courses for New Music in Darmstadt. In 2019 his work Deep Relaxation vol. 4: Self-Care was featured during the ISCM New Music Days in Auckland. In 2020, he was awarded at The Science of Fiction competition, and in 2021 he won the Stuttgart Composition Price.
He has worked with ensembles such as Asko|Schönberg, Electronic ID, Adapter, Garage, Nikel, Ives Ensemble, Klangforum Wien, Kwadrofonik, Kwartludium, LUX:NM, New European Ensemble, musikfabrik, Royal String Quartet, Schallfeld Ensemble, Slaagwerk Den Haag, Spółdzielnia Muzyczna, de ereprijs, Ostravska Banda, The Black Page Orchestra, TWOgether Duo, Wet Ink Ensemble, and many others. He lives and works in Berlin.
Selected works: Gezaar Aefir for string quartet (2011), Aonvrotn for computer (2012), AO for ensemble (2012), hsvaoe for computer (2012), Sharfnesses for gamelan and string quartet (2013), Darling in My Deaf for clarinet, piano and cello (2013), flux in die blomster for accordion, cello and two megaphones (2013), Na for two sopranos and ensemble (2013), Oh, Zoroaster... I Love You, Too... But... for ensemble (2014), Badly Stuffed Hands for piano, three players (2014), UNTITLEDfor positive organ (2014), Not For You (for chest organ) for positive organ (2014), The Tiger Le Me Unsatisfied for bass clarinet, violin, percussion and Hammond organ (2014), ’Neath Me, Itch! for accordion, microphone, mixer, and computer loudspeakers (2014), Atlantis & **** for flute, bass clarinet, contrabass clarinet, harp, percussion and electronics (2015), Oh, to Rub the Waxy Buddha for two samplers, piano, percussion and electronics (2015), Limbs of Sun for medieval organ and ensemble (2015), Dzięcielina pała for ensemble (2015), Korprealism 1. Death and Wellness for ensemble, electronics and video (2016), At the Opening of A Clockwork Orange, 1995 VHS for flute, bass clarinet, baritone saxophone, violin, cello and sampler (2016), Deep Relaxation vol. 1: Accordion & Viola DNA Delete Mode for accordion, viola and electronics (2016), Deep Relaxation vol. 2: Accordions & Electronics Causing Situations and Preventing Change for two accordions and electronics (2016), Deep Relaxation vol. 3: Isochronic Flute Subliminal Motivation for bass flute and electronics (2016), Deep Relaxation vol. 4: Feedback Frequencies for two performers and electronics (2017), FIRE UP/ZAPAL SIĘ for flute, bass clarinet, trumpet, percussion, violin, electronics and video (2018), Outer Space for baritone saxophone, percussion, piano, electric guitar, electronics and video (2018), 5 Things at Really Matter for large ensemble and electronics (2018), Deep Relaxation vol. 4: Self-Care for four performers, audience, electronics and sound objects (2018), Deep Relaxation vol. 5: It’s Your Body for four performers, audience, earplugs, snacks and electronics (2019), Deep Relaxation vol. 6: Sound Isolation for online video and earphones (2020), Infectious (Feel It®) for big band and electronics (2020), Deep Relaxation vol. 7: TouchMe for eight performers, audience, accessories and electronics (2020), Deep Relaxation vol. 8: Do It to Yourself for string quartet, audience, accessories, video and electronics (2020), Lighted Motion and Sound Waterfall Picture for orchestra, soundtrack and video (2021), Fiasco for ensemble and electronics (2021).