LunART is beyond thrilled coming off of their season opener, “Voices Unbound.” Performed at Arts & Literature Laboratory, the LunART Chamber Collective performed pieces by four different women composers.
Now in their fourth year, LunART is starting to see a lot more involvement from members of the Madison community. There was a full house at the concert on September 30th, and their fan base has grown in both size and enthusiasm, which displays clear organizational growth.
“It was a wonderful concert. It is always amazing, I think, to see women finally stepping up to the microphone and taking on a leadership role. Iva does a wonderful job both with her musical skills and her personality; sharing the talent [of women artists], motivating and inspiring others to do the same,” Madison native Diane Ballweg, an active and passionate supporter of the local arts community as well as women in leadership, said.
One of the audience members was Christina Rusnak, President of the International Alliance for Women in Music (IAWM). This concert was performed in affiliation with IAWM, and their efforts to support women in music. LunART, a collaborative partner in IAWM’s Call for Scores, was invited to handpick submitted works for performance at “Voices Unbound.”
“LunART’s brilliant performance at the ‘Voices Unbound’ concert inspired and energized the audience,” Rusnak said.
After the concert, featured composers Patricia Lopes, Linda Dusman and Judith Zaimont were present for a Q&A session. During this time, audience members could interact and ask about their experiences composing and working with music.
“Madison has always been forward and coded to hear women,” Judith Zaimont told an audience member.
Another audience member asked the performers what it was like to perform music by women with all other women, and they shared the sentiments of how valuable it was for everyone.
“I felt comfortable and I felt proud. It was inspiring,” said violinist Isabella Lippi, violinist for LunART Chamber Collective, said.
Marie Pauls, violist for LunART Chamber Collective, agreed that it was a great experience for everyone involved. This is a special experience as many women performers do not get this opportunity.
“While I treasure the privilege to work with many wonderful musicians of all genders, there is an innate honesty, frankness and authenticity in a group of all women. Especially with mothers, there is an understanding of the combination of unique demands that fall on us as working musicians, professional women and parents,” Pauls said.
Pauls goes on to explain how there has always been this comparison between men and women, and this type of performance completely cuts out that factor.
“As women it is impossible to escape the general and underlying perception that we are less capable than men. Being with all women removes the direct comparison to men, freeing us from that potential judgment,” Pauls said.
Article by Ava Wojnowski
Ava Wojnowski is an intern with LunART. She is majoring in journalism and Spanish and is excited to bring her passion for writing to LunART. Outside of school, Wojnowski loves to spend time outside and also loves to listen to music. She played the viola from 4th to 12th grade, so music has always been a part of her life.
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