Portrait of Suzanne Ciani ‘68, Undated. Courtesy of Suzanne Ciani. 

Step into an original sonic experience in Suzanne Ciani: Sound Lounge. Sit down, slow down, and immerse yourself in the distinct soundscapes of three landmark albums by Wellesley alumna Suzanne Ciani ‘68.  A five-time Grammy award-nominated composer, electronic music pioneer, and neo-classical recording artist, Ciani has released over twenty solo albums. Her work has also been featured in films, games, and countless commercials.

Ciani released her first record, Seven Waves, in 1982. Its dreamy evocation of ocean waves through the soundwaves that Ciani created on the Buchla synthesizer would gain great popularity and critical acclaim first in Japan, next in the United States, and finally worldwide. In 1986, the title track of Ciani’s next album, The Velocity of Love, became a radio phenomenon and helped to launch the first New Age radio stations. Its romantic songs invite contemplation–and connection.  You will imagine still more stories of love and travel as you listen to her third album, Neverland, which was released in 1988.

Ciani was inducted into the first class of Keyboard Magazine's Hall of Fame alongside other synth luminaries, including Bob Moog, Don Buchla and Dave Smith. She received the Moog Innovation Award, the Independent Icon Award from the American Association of Independent Music, and most recently, the 2023 SEAMUS Award for electroacoustic music. Ciani provided the voice and designed sounds for Bally's groundbreaking Xenon pinball machine, created Coca-Cola’s iconic pop-and-pour sound, designed logos for Fortune 500 companies, and carved out a niche as one of the most creatively successful female composers in the world. A Life in Waves, a documentary about Ciani’s life and work, debuted at SXSW in 2017 and is available to watch on all digital platforms.

In addition to her Bachelor of Arts in Music from Wellesley College, Ciani holds a Master's in Music Composition from the University of California, Berkeley.

This solo exhibition highlights an exemplary alumna during Wellesley’s 150th anniversary, as we honor an extraordinary history, look forward to an exciting future, and celebrate the College’s enduring commitment to providing an excellent education to women who will make a difference in the world.

Organized by Dr. Amanda Gilvin, Interim Co-Director, Sonja Novak Koerner '51 Senior Curator of Collections, and Associate Director of Curatorial Affairs, this exhibition is generously supported by the Mellon Academic Programs Fund.