Works of rarely-heard Austrian and German women composers unleashed in a stirring multimedia street concert
On May 5-6, at the corner of 14th and R Streets, NW KEPT UNDER GLASS: UNHEARD WOMEN'S VOICES, a multimedia pop-up performance of songs about love and longing for connection by under-recognized Austrian and German women composers took place.
The beauty of songs composed over 8 centuries expressed in styles from medieval chants to classical opera to romantic lieder to early 20th century works were celebrated. The four performances took place across two evenings at Whitman-Walker’s new cultural center, The Corner at Whitman-Walker.
Three performers, each in their own bay window, sung to their audience gathered on the sidewalk on the other side of the glass. Performances were 30 minutes long with a live projection show designed for each singer and song.
The program operated within Washington, DC’s health and safety regulations, and social distancing was monitored on the sidewalk.
Watch the full performance here!
Music for the program was by Austrian and German women composers: Hildegard von Bingen, Wilhelmine von Bayreuth, Anna Amalia, Marianna Martines, Corona Schröter, Maria Theresia von Paradis, Bettine von Armin, Louise Reichardt, Fanny Mendelssohn, Josephine Lang, Clara Schumann, Johanna Müller Hermann, Vilma von Webenau.
This program was presented by: Goethe-Institut Washington, Austrian Cultural Forum Washington, IN Series Opera Company, The Corner at Whitman-Walker and Spooky Action Theater. It was conceived and curated by Gillian Drake, Jared Mezzocci and Gordon Nimmo-Smith, with Timothy Nelson, Music Director, and Shanara Gabrielle, Director. This cooperation with neighborhood theatre partners and long-time project collaborators highlighted friendships with our colleagues throughout the 14th Street neighborhood and beyond.
