Carly Gilbert and Karin Peterson premiere soothing scares, a new work for two performers and fixed media.

soothing scares is inspired by my experience watching streamers play video games based on popular slasher horror films. While many might see this activity as one made for thrills, I found the streamers playing slasher games to be very calming, making it a go-to activity both for relaxing before going to bed for the night, as well as finding peace and tranquility during stressful periods of life.

In soothing scares, the performers represent the “survivors,” while the fixed media represents the “slasher.” The performers are given a choose-your-own-adventure style of score to work through as they try and go unnoticed by the slasher.

In addition to soothing scares, this event will feature several other new works for oboe and electronics by Penn State composers.