Performance artist Meredith Monk visits virtually

Jacqueline Cordova-Arrington, assistant professor of flute, has organized the School of Music and Dance’s 2021 Trotter Visiting Professor residency. Groundbreaking performance artist Meredith Monk will participate in a virtual residency February 20–26, 2021. Arrington’s goal was to devise an experience that would help students learn how to take creative risk in the arts. Originally developed in 2019, Arrington knew the topic was important, but she couldn’t imagine how significant this experience would be in 2021. Performers around the world are now asking themselves: What is the true purpose of the arts? How do my artistic and cultural values fit in a performance? Is a performance career viable in an age of pandemic, racial reckoning, and political unrest? 

Meredith Monk is a composer, singer, director/choreographer, and creator of new opera, music-theater works, films, and installations. Recognized as one of the most unique and influential artists of our time, she is a pioneer in what is now called “extended vocal technique” and “interdisciplinary performance.” Monk creates works that thrive at the intersection of music and movement, image and object, light and sound, discovering and weaving together new modes of perception.

According to Arrington, “Meredith Monk’s contributions in the field of composition and interdisciplinary collaboration have paved the way for artists of various disciplines to explore identity and creative risk freely and successfully. The three major threads of Meredith’s success—creativity, perseverance, and risk—woven together, have produced a vitality that is directly aligned with the spirit of the School of Music and Dance, and is especially relevant to musicians reimagining their careers in light of our current historical landscape. I could not imagine anyone else guiding our students and community through such artistically challenging times. Meredith’s past and present creative work confirms that the creation of art is possible and necessary.” 

Monk’s residency is cosponsored by the OHC’s Endowment for Public Outreach in the Arts, Sciences, and Humanities. Events will include a streamed concert, an interactive movement workshop titled “Dancing Voice Singing Bodies,” a live discussion with University of Oregon performance faculty, a conversation with SOMD faculty member Brian McWhorter about her most recent composition written during the pandemic Indra’s Net, and more. The event schedule, including times and updates, is forthcoming and will be available on the School of Music and Dance’s website music.uoregon.edu.