[MR] National Gallery Daytime Concert

[GREG FABIC]

Greetings,

 I know most folks will not be able to attend, but for
what it's worth.......

Women of the National Gallery Vocal Arts Ensemble
March 5 at 12:10PM
West Building Ground Floor, Lecture Hall

Music by Hildegard von Bingen and other women
composers
Presented in honor of Women's History Month

For those unfamiliar with Hildegard of Bingen
(1098-1179), here is a link to Fordham University's
history page on her: 
http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/med/hildegarde.html

In brief:
"Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179) was a remarkable
woman, a "first" in many fields. At a time when few
women wrote, Hildegard, known as "Sybil of the Rhine",
produced major works of theology and visionary
writings. When few women were accorded respect, she
was consulted by and advised bishops, popes, and
kings. She used the curative powers of natural objects
for healing, and wrote treatises about natural history
and medicinal uses of plants, animals, trees and
stones. She is the first composer whose biography is
known. She founded a vibrant convent, where her
musical plays were performed. Although not yet
canonized, Hildegard has been beatified, and is
frequently referred to as St. Hildegard. Revival of
interest in this extraordinary woman of the middle
ages was initiated by musicologists and historians of
science and religion. Less fortunately, Hildegard's
visions and music had been hijacked by the New Age
movement, whose music bears some resemblance to
Hildegard's ethereal airs. Her story is important to
all students of medieval history and culture and an
inspirational account of an irresisible spirit and
vibrant intellect overcoming social, physical,
cultural, gender barriers to achieve timeless
transcendence."

Yours In Service,
Livia of Ravenswode