This film is followed by a prerecorded Q&A.

A thorough and concise account of women in electronic music, from Clara Rockmore’s experiments with the theremin in the early 20th century, to the BBC Radiophonic Workshop of Delia Derbyshire (famous for the Doctor Who theme) and synthesizer masterminds Laurie Spiegel and Suzanne Ciani in the 1970s. The film investigates the vanguards of electronic music who were making weird sounds, composing film scores and coaxing dreamy drones from unusual sources. They developed innovative methods and machinery, including giant tape loops, early synthesizers and computer software.

For these women who felt marginalized and patronized in the traditional music hierarchy, electronic music offered a space where they were free to innovate and able to make a mark. Though they have been hugely influential in their fields, the work of people like Daphne Oram and Pauline Oliveros is largely unknown outside niche circles. Whether you are already an electronic music aficionado or totally new to the genre, Sisters with Transistors is an absorbing, fascinating and satisfying study. -TA

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