South African-British experimental electronic music producer, classical composer, DJ and multi-disciplinary artist Mira Calix — born Chantal Passamonte — has died. She was 52.
Her record label Warp Records shared the news on Twitter today, writing:
We are devastated to learn about the death of our dear Mira Calix (Born Chantal Passamonte).
Mira was not only a hugely talented artist and composer, she was also a beautiful, caring human who touched the lives of everyone who had the honour of working with her.
Mira has been a huge part of Warp's family and history, as one of the first female artists signed to the label and releasing six albums — from One on One in 2000 toabsent origin in 2021.
We are so proud of her immense creative output; her artwork, videos and music were a true reflection of what an innovative, pioneering and wonderful soul she was.
She pushed the boundaries between electronic music, classical music and art in a truly unique way. She will be terribly missed by everyone at the label, staff and artists alike.
Labelmate Onehotrix Point Never replied in a tweet, saying that Passamonte was "so talented and honestly one of the funniest people I ever met."
No cause of death has been given at this time.
Her aforementioned debut album as Mira Calix, One on One, was followed by Skimskitta in 2003 — after Passamonte had worked for Warp as a publicist in the 1990s.
While her origins were more straightforward electronica, she went on to integrate classical instrumentation into her composition and multi-disciplinary artwork into her projects, most recently with last year'sabsent origin. As both a performer and DJ, Passamonte toured with the likes of Radiohead, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Boards of Canada and Autechre.
Beyond her solo work, she also formed an ensemble called Alexander's Annexe with pianist Sarah Nicolls and sound designer David Sheppard. They released their debut album Push Door to Exit in 2006, also on Warp.
In addition to her musical endeavours, Passamonte worked on filmography projects and art installations. Likewise, she viewed sound as sculptural material, and had audio, visual and multi-channel artwork commissioned by a number of reputable arts organizations, including the Barbican, the Lincoln Center, Latitude Festival, Shakespeare's Globe and the London Olympics.
Her 2020 project with pianist Siwan Rhys created a digital-instrument that re-voices the music of John Cage in response to the percussiveness of his sounds — even transcribing and reciting recordings of the composer's partner Merce Cunningham leading dance rehearsals to integrate into the release. Passamonte not only expanded the scope of her own work over the course of her career, but expanded the breadth of others' artistry with her own passion and creativity.
See the post from Warp Records below.
Her record label Warp Records shared the news on Twitter today, writing:
We are devastated to learn about the death of our dear Mira Calix (Born Chantal Passamonte).
Mira was not only a hugely talented artist and composer, she was also a beautiful, caring human who touched the lives of everyone who had the honour of working with her.
Mira has been a huge part of Warp's family and history, as one of the first female artists signed to the label and releasing six albums — from One on One in 2000 to
We are so proud of her immense creative output; her artwork, videos and music were a true reflection of what an innovative, pioneering and wonderful soul she was.
She pushed the boundaries between electronic music, classical music and art in a truly unique way. She will be terribly missed by everyone at the label, staff and artists alike.
Labelmate Onehotrix Point Never replied in a tweet, saying that Passamonte was "so talented and honestly one of the funniest people I ever met."
No cause of death has been given at this time.
Her aforementioned debut album as Mira Calix, One on One, was followed by Skimskitta in 2003 — after Passamonte had worked for Warp as a publicist in the 1990s.
While her origins were more straightforward electronica, she went on to integrate classical instrumentation into her composition and multi-disciplinary artwork into her projects, most recently with last year's
Beyond her solo work, she also formed an ensemble called Alexander's Annexe with pianist Sarah Nicolls and sound designer David Sheppard. They released their debut album Push Door to Exit in 2006, also on Warp.
In addition to her musical endeavours, Passamonte worked on filmography projects and art installations. Likewise, she viewed sound as sculptural material, and had audio, visual and multi-channel artwork commissioned by a number of reputable arts organizations, including the Barbican, the Lincoln Center, Latitude Festival, Shakespeare's Globe and the London Olympics.
Her 2020 project with pianist Siwan Rhys created a digital-instrument that re-voices the music of John Cage in response to the percussiveness of his sounds — even transcribing and reciting recordings of the composer's partner Merce Cunningham leading dance rehearsals to integrate into the release. Passamonte not only expanded the scope of her own work over the course of her career, but expanded the breadth of others' artistry with her own passion and creativity.
See the post from Warp Records below.
