In order to facilitate the conversation about feminist themes, the OU School of Music will partner with the women's and gender studies program to present a seminar over the implications of Joan of Arc and will partner with the OU Combined Choirs’ for a performance of “Voices of Light,” a thrilling score from composer Richard Einhorn.
The choir, led by professor Richard Zielinski, will perform the composition as Carl Theodor Dreyer’s 1928 film, “The Passion of Joan of Arc” unfolds behind them at 3 p.m. April 30.
"Joan of Arc" is the story of a woman persecuted by the church for claiming she could speak to saints and acting in traditionally masculine wartime roles. Einhorn’s riveting accompaniment adds an element of suspense to the classic silent movie while providing musical commentary on female oppression and empowerment.
“Historically, our world has been run by males, so we are trying to tie this image of Joan of Arc into current sexism issues,” said Jessica Payne, musical arts doctoral student.
Payne hopes the choral performance will spark discussion over women’s issues throughout history and into the present day.
Hunter Birkhead, music education master's student, said Einhorn’s score did not originally appear alongside the film but was written recently as an accompaniment. Einhorn composed the lyrics from 12th century accounts of women, much like Joan of Arc, who suffered persecution for claiming to speak to God and other spirits, Payne said.
The OU School of Music has partnered with the women's and gender studies program to put on a seminar that will feature many different OU professors who teach a variety of subjects, from medieval history to film studies to women's and gender studies. The panel will also include Cindy Rosenthal, former mayor of Norman, and Mary Margaret Holt, dean of the Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts.
Of all the diverse speakers, the choir students were most excited to hear from Richard Einhorn. The composer will be present at the panel in order to discuss his intentions behind writing “Voices of Light.”
‘I’m so excited to pick his brain,” said Emma Sharp, vocal performance senior.
Birkhead said it is very rare for a vocal performer to meet with a composer and discuss his or her work. The composer’s perspective will add a unique element to the panel, Sharp said.
The panel will take place from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. April 28 in Catlett Music Center, room 128.
From Friday’s panel and Sunday’s performance, Payne hopes female students will gain a sense of freedom and recognition.
“We want women to come away empowered to take on authoritative, historically masculine roles,” Payne said.
Sharp said she looks forward to mixing her passion of music with activism in order to broadcast this poignant message to her fellow students. It has been a privilege to talk about these issues and work on a show that aims to entertain and inform, she said.
“Its a cool opportunity to do music, which we love, while also making a change," Sharp said.
