Meredith Monk Public Workshops

March 7 – 9, 2025

Dancing Voice/Singing Body
Kaufman Music Center presents a weekend of workshops introducing participants to the performance methods and artistic philosophy of the legendary Meredith Monk. A composer, singer, director/choreographer and creator of new opera, music-theater works, films and installations as well as a 2024-25 Kaufman Music Center Artist-in-Residence, Monk is recognized as one of the most unique and influential artists of our time. Led by acclaimed performers and members of Meredith Monk & Vocal Ensemble Ellen Fisher and Katie Geissinger, the workshops are open to all experiences and backgrounds. The full-weekend workshop will include an in-person coaching by Monk.

Participants may choose a 1.5 hour workshop on Friday, March 7, or immerse themselves in a full weekend of workshops culminating in a short performance in Kaufman Music Center’s Merkin Hall on March 9.

PERFORMANCE: Meredith Monk & Alarm Will Sound (May 30)


1.5 HOUR WORKSHOP:
Friday, March 7, 2024 
 7-8:30 pm

Register

This 1.5 hour workshop is an introduction to Monk's performance methods and artistic philosophy, incorporating movement and sound. Fisher will lead participants in physical explorations, using some of Meredith’s language of gestural shaping. Geissinger will lead vocal and movement exercises, developing flexibility and expressivity. Through the teaching of brief selections from Monk’s repertoire, participants will have the opportunity to use their voices and bodies as multifaceted instruments. Monk will not be present for this workshop.

FULL WEEKEND WORKSHOP:
Friday, March 7
– 2:30-5 pm
Saturday, March 8 
 10 am-12:30 pm / 2:30-5 pm
Sunday, March 9 
 10 am-12:30 pm / 2:30-5 pm

Register

This three-day workshop focuses on Monk’s performance methods and artistic philosophy of “dancing voice, singing body.” Each session will include Fisher leading participants in a physical warm-up, including Monk’s language of gestural shaping, with solo and group choreographic problem-solving using the terminology of rituals, rites and trance dance. Geissinger will lead extensive vocal warm-ups, exploring relaxation, breathing, flexibility, ease of production and expressivity. She will address the particular vocal demands of select Monk repertoire including canonning, hocketing, and exercises incorporating voice and movement. The group will develop improvisations using themes and vocal selections from Meredith’s work, in a supportive and non-judgmental environment, with the awareness that taking risks is the path to discovery. The workshop will culminate in a short performance from Monk’s repertoire at Kaufman Music Center’s Merkin Hall on March 9. This workshop will include an in-person coaching by Monk.



ELLEN FISHER

Workshop Leader


Bio


 



KATIE GEISSINGER

Workshop Leader


Bio





 

Get News from Us

Sign Up