The next couple of years hold exciting potential for the growth and deployment of surround sound in media of all kinds. From car audio systems to joggers with earbuds and from youtube to concert halls. The history of surround audio took an early turn with the advent of digital processing which coincides with experiments in digital sound synthesis. This presentation will touch on milestones over the last 50 years and prognosticate a bit about what’s to come.

Chris Chafe is a composer, improvisor, and cellist, developing much of his music alongside computer-based research. He is Director of Stanford University’s Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics (CCRMA). At IRCAM (Paris) and The Banff Centre (Alberta), he pursued methods for digital synthesis, music performance and real-time internet collaboration. CCRMA’s SoundWIRE project involves live concertizing with musicians the world over. An active performer either on the net or physically present, his music reaches audiences in dozens of countries and sometimes at novel venues.