When Machines Rock: A Celebration of Robert Moog and Electronic Music at Cornell

Beginning March 5, Cornell University celebrates synth designer Bob Moog in an event featuring Gary Numan, Suzanne Ciani, Michelle Moog-Koussa, and Herb Deutsch.

Cornell University has announced When Machines Rock: A Celebration of Robert Moog and Electronic Music. The three-day event commemorating Moog’s life and legacy will be the first public showing of his original archival collection since it was acquired from the Bob Moog Foundation in 2013.

According to Cornell, where Bob earned his Master’s Degree in Physics in 1965, the event will feature instrument prototypes, design schematics, photos, correspondence, and recordings. It will also provide opportunities for visitors to play a theremin and a Minimoog synthesizer. Moog Music, which served as the conduit for acquiring the archives, is participating in the event.

Panels and Performances

When Machines Rock will include numerous panels and performances taking place at locations on and off campus. All panels are free and open to the public. The first, featuring Michelle Moog-Koussa, Albert Glinsky, and David Borden and moderated by Trevor Pinch, is on Thursday, March 5. A concert at the Cornell Electroacoustic Music Center follows.

The next afternoon, musician, author, and synth historian Brian Kehew presents Moog Stories. An onstage interview with rock musician Gary Numan and a performance by the band Adult are next on the schedule.

Saturday, March 7, begins with a synth-building workshop and a panel discussion featuring Moog collaborators Herb Deutsch, Steve Dunnington, and Mike Adams. An interview and workshop with songwriter and beat-maker Suzi Analogue follows. The event continues with a lecture and concert by pioneering synthesist Suzanne Ciani, and it wraps up with a concert by Suzi Analogue.

Electrifying Music

When Machines Rock kicks off the exhibition Electrifying Music: The Life and Legacy of Robert Moog, which will remain open to the public until October 16, 2020. Visit Cornell University on the web to learn more about Electrifying Music.