Juan Luis Montoro Santos (b. 1991) is a Spanish composer and sound artist based in The Hague and Málaga. He is currently exploring the intersection between traditional instruments (both solo and ensemble), performance techniques, and the fusion of technology with physicality. His work frequently involves extended instruments, which integrate embodied sensors for live processing control, as well as the analysis of electronic processes used as material for structuring his compositional ideas, reflecting on the analog vs digital world.
In recent years, Juan Luis has created a series of works focused on the concept of extended instruments. Some notable works include "Liquid Data" (featuring face tracking and electronics), "Miles Away" (utilizing an extended percussion table with solar panels, proximity sensors, and quad amplification), "Quantified Performer" (employing an extended cello with a heartbeat sensor, galvanic sensor, tape machine feedback loop, and video mapping), and "Hyperfrequencies" (for Quiet Music Ensembles using extended instruments based on proximity sensors).
Currently, he is involved in producing the electronics for Guillermo Martín Viana's project SORI (a jazz quintet with live electronics), as well as contributing to the live electronics of CLAMMY's projects (Belenish and Óscar Escudero) with Juan Floristán.
Juan Luis Montoro earned his bachelor's degree from the Conservatory of Málaga (CSMM) and pursued master lessons in Zaragoza under Tristan Murail, Stefano Gervasoni, Sánchez-Verdú, and Mauricio Sotelo. During his time at the Conservatory of Málaga, he collaborated on several audio-visual shows at the Teatro Cervantes, including "Bronenósets Potiomkin" (2014), "Das Cabinet des Dr. Caligari" (2013), "Organología" (2013), and "100 años de Futurismo" (2014).
In 2015, he relocated to The Netherlands, where he completed a post-graduate degree in Sonology at the Royal Conservatoire of The Hague. A year later, he commenced his Master's in Composition with Yannis Kyriakides, Peter Adriaansz, and Cornelis de Bondt. Before concluding his master studies, he received instruction from Hans Abrahamsen, Rozalie Hirs, Helmut Lachemann, Alexander Schubert, Kees Tazelaar, and Jan van de Putte.
During his time in The Hague, he was a member of the Richard Barrett electroacoustic ensemble of improvisation for two years. He has also worked with live electronics at concerts and has developed patches for performances by other composers and ensembles such as Peter Ablinger, Yannis Kyriakides, Diana Pérez Custodio, TIME (This Is Music and Theatre Education), and KABK (Royal Academy of Art). In 2021, he furthered his studies with Sergio Luque (SuperCollider) and Alberto Bernal (Max MSP) at Katarina Gurska.
He has collaborated with ensembles such as Neue Ensemble, Ensemble Klang, Quiet Music Ensemble (Ireland), Trio Zukan, Neopercusión, CLAMMY, and Vertixe Sonora, as well as participating in events including the Holland Festival (Amsterdam), Gaudeamus (Utrecht), Mixtur (Barcelona), Ciclo de Música Electroacústica (Málaga), Orgelpark (Utopa Organ, Amsterdam), Dag in de Branding and Spring Festival (The Hague), Festival de Música en Segura (Jaén), and Fundación Juan March and Conde Duque (Madrid).
