Artistic Ensemble to present two productions at Dallas Contemporary centered on the theme of ecological justice
Bianca Bondi, Exhibition views: Vanilla Oxide, 2022. CAP Saint Fons, Lyon, France.
Mixed media, scent created by Yann Vasnier (Givaudan), Courtesy of the artist and mor charpentier. Photographer: David Desaleux.
29 August 2023 (Dallas, TX) – Verdigris Ensemble and Dallas Contemporary are pleased to announce their partnership for the 2023 Verdigris Ensemble fall season, which will include two productions presented at Dallas Contemporary dedicated to themes of ecological justice and the environment: ‘The Endangered,’ from October 27-29, and ‘Beautification,’ from December 1-3.
Verdigris Ensemble is a theatrical choral ensemble that commissions works and incorporates various genres to tell compelling stories, aiming to transform our world through the alchemy of stories and the power of the human voice, with a strong reliance on technological innovations. The ensemble, under Artistic Director Sam Brukhman, sites concerts in cultural locations throughout the city of Dallas, working to connect different artistic disciplines and modes of presentation through collaborative productions that amplify the creative diversity of the region.
Dallas Contemporary is a non-collecting, kunsthalle museum with the privilege of presenting the vanguard of contemporary artistic practice through exhibitions, public programs, and performances. The museum believes that the display of art objects, discourse, and community activity work together to advance our understanding of the art of this moment. By virtue of its flexible nature, like Verdigris Ensemble, Dallas Contemporary is uniquely positioned to map Dallas as a locus of innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration in the arts.
This fall season, Verdigris Ensemble’s two productions at Dallas Contemporary focus on the perils facing the environment and the justice movements working to protect it. The second production, ‘Beautification,’ is inspired by Dallas Contemporary’s fall exhibition with Paris-based South African artist Bianca Bondi, A Preservation Method, curated by Associate Curator Emily Edwards.
“The Dallas Contemporary is visionary when it comes to recognizing and curating the hyper-relevant works of our time,” says Verdigris Artistic Director Sam Brukhman. “We’re here to add color, story, and immersion to the innovative work that they’ve already put together.”
“Dallas Contemporary is honored to be part of this partnership with Verdigris Ensemble,” says Deputy Director Lucia Simek. “The ensemble’s imaginative work in creating meaningful cross-disciplinary projects here in Dallas is a model after our own heart here at DC, and we are thrilled to work together and share space, as well as see Bianca Bondi’s exhibition be expanded upon through the medium of voice.”
Tickets for both concerts are now on sale. For more information, visit www.verdigrismusic.org.
About the Concerts
‘The Endangered’ | Friday, October 27 to Sunday, October 29, 2023 | 7:30 pm
The Endangered highlights cultural efforts to preserve the planet and showcases stunning images of plants and animals, along with music and poetry created by local artists. Composer Sarah Kirkland Snider’s ‘Mass For The Endangered,’ which celebrates and mourns the natural world, centers the series. The Mass urges people to be more aware of environmental issues and take action, and draws on musical styles that encourage contemplation of non-human life. The Mass is accompanied by six commissioned compositions featuring the work of five Dallas poets and five regional poets, which are intertwined with each movement.
‘Beautification’ | Friday, December 1 to Sunday, December 3, 2023 | 7:30 pm
Verdigris Ensemble unites with the Dallas Contemporary for this co-commission, bringing a memorable collaboration inspired by the museum’s site-specific fall exhibition with visual artist Bianca Bondi. Taking cues from Ladybird Johnson’s Highway Beautification Act, which aimed to protect native plants from billboards along stretches of Texas highway, Bondi presents a monumental artificial landscape representing the struggle between the natural and commercial world. Using the exhibition as inspiration, Verdigris Ensemble is commissioning a group of women composers to weave together a narrative about Lady Bird Johnson’s efforts, comparing her actions to the resilient native flowers of Texas. The production will feature innovative lighting and projections to mimic the experience of highway driving alongside archive audio of Ladybird’s speeches.
About Verdigris Ensemble | Verdigris Ensemble is a choral ensemble with the vision to transform our world through the alchemy of stories and the power of the human voice, and the mission to create a new music movement by commissioning works and incorporating various genres to tell compelling stories, to invest in diverse vocal musicians through music education and community infrastructure development, and to redefine vocal music through creative programming and technological innovation.
About Dallas Contemporary | Dallas Contemporary is a non-collecting art museum presenting new and challenging ideas from regional, national and international artists. Located in an industrial building in the Design District, Dallas Contemporary documents new directions in art through rotating exhibitions, publications, public programs, and learning programs for visitors of all ages. As a contemporary arts institution that grapples with timely and complex issues, Dallas Contemporary firmly believes in the power of artists’ ideas and voices to chronicle and transform society. Always different. Always free.
