In a world saturated with noise, Chicago-based artist Lia Kohl finds inspiration in the mundane sounds of city life. Rather than seeing car alarms or ice cream trucks as nuisances, she integrates these urban auditory elements into her innovative performances. Combining cello, synthesizers, field recordings, and visual art, Kohl crafts immersive sonic landscapes that explore the profound possibilities of everyday sounds. Her work has taken her to prestigious venues such as the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Chicago Symphony Center, as well as international artistic exchanges across four continents.
Lia Kohl grew up in New York City and San Francisco before moving to Bloomington, Indiana, to study classical cello and music theory at the University of Indiana. After living in New York and Berlin, she relocated to Chicago in 2013 to study under John Sharp, principal cellist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. It was here that her creative journey expanded beyond traditional boundaries, inspired by Chicago’s vibrant musical community. She began collaborating with improvisational musicians and exploring new genres, eventually developing her own unique style.
Kohl’s fascination with sound extends beyond performance; she incorporates photography and video installations into her work. In March 2019, she collaborated with fellow cellist Katinka Kleijn on “Water on the Bridge,” an installation featuring images of cellos floating in a pool at Eckhart Park. Another project, “Augmented Geology,” explores the relationship between the cello and its physical form through images of instruments being filled with concrete or stacked like geological formations.
On May 15, Kohl will present “Music for Union Station,” a live performance designed to transform the historic building’s acoustics into an immersive experience. Ten musicians will move throughout the space, creating a dynamic interaction between performers and audience members—including unintentional listeners waiting for trains. This event reflects Kohl’s ability to turn ordinary environments into extraordinary auditory experiences.
In addition to this upcoming performance, Kohl is honoring saxophonist Mars Williams with a new composition titled “Toy Story.” Premiering on May 25 at Rosehill Cemetery, the piece celebrates Williams’ legacy using a collection of toy instruments he donated to the Experimental Sound Studio. Collaborating with Kleijn and Macie Stewart, Kohl aims to pay tribute to Williams’ playful spirit while showcasing the potential of unconventional instruments.
Audiences can look forward to a series of events celebrating Mars Williams’ contributions to music. These include the premiere of “Music for Mars” on May 24 at Constellation and another tribute on May 25 at The Hungry Brain. Through these projects, Lia Kohl continues to push the boundaries of sound art, transforming overlooked noises into captivating performances that resonate deeply with both intentional audiences and accidental participants.
