About Girlnoise

Girlnoise is an all-women mixed chamber ensemble dedicated to uplifting women’s voices in contemporary classical and improvisatory music. Girlnoise aims to normalize women’s potential to manifest their highest artistic visions without the permission or presence of men. The ensemble sets this example by performing composed and improvised music that emphasizes their individual musical voices. Girlnoise strives to provide updated and versatile concert experiences through unique and modular instrumentation, diverse venue selection, and excellent musicianship.

The concept for Girlnoise formed in 2015 when Amanda Ross and Kate von Bernthal bonded over a shared frustration about being the only women in their respective chamber music ensembles. They set out to cultivate a group of like-minded women with the common goal of collaboration based on trust and shared experience. This resulted serendipitously in Girlnoise’s unique sound and dynamic that characterize the ensemble today.

Girlnoise has collaborated with University of Michigan alumni and students to bring several new works to life. Highlights include commissions and world premieres of music by Annika Socolofsky, Nadine Dyskant-Miller, Tanner Porter, and Clay Gonzalez. The ensemble also regularly performs composed works and structured improvisations written by its own members. Additionally, Girlnoise has performed and led several Sonic Meditations by Pauline Oliveros. Notable past concerts and series include Hope Peace Joy Love (2020), Girlnoise in the Greenhouse (2019-2020), Girlnoise with Annika Socolofsky (2019), ArtsX: Undefined (2018), and Meditation on Water (2017).

Upcoming features in 2021 will include premieres of new works by composers Grey Grant, Annick Odom, and Clay Gonzalez, as well as a new work co-composed by Girlnoise ensemble members.

The Members