Presenters
Abstract
American mezzo-soprano and composer Cathy Berberian was one of the most influential artists of the Twentieth Century. Paradoxically, until recently she has also been one of the most overlooked. Primarily known as the wife of Italian composer Luciano Berio, contemporary scholarship into her life and work has confirmed what many thought all along, that she was a significant artist in her own right. A colleague and friend of John Cage and Louis Andriessen, Berberian’s imagination, adventurous artistic spirit, and extensive vocal abilities influenced a generation of postmodern artists.
The presentation and performance will introduce Berberian’s life and work, focusing on quirkier projects that pushed the field of vocal performance in new directions. Performance excerpts of pieces written by and for Berberian will offer insight into this artist’s incredibly virtuosic technique and wildly expressive performance style. Through performance, the presentation will demonstrate how Berberian’s work inspired new ways of thinking about the voice during her time. The presentation will also briefly consider how Berberian’s work continues to inspire new creativities in the field of vocal performance.