Petra Sittig Photography - Vienna, Austria
Petra Sittig Photography - Photoshoots for Artists and Professionals
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The artist's voice -Podcast

The Artist's voice is a platform for artists to talk about and showcase their form of art. Inviting all artists to express their love for what they do and use this platform to give an insight into their world. All dancers, choreographers, teachers, musicians, singers, composers, creators of art; this is the place to show and tell.

The Artist’s voice

Inspired during the initial COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020, my project was sparked by witnessing the struggles of my children, ballet dancers at the Vienna State Opera, unable to practice their craft due to isolation. Initially a small photography endeavor, capturing artists at their windows, it swiftly transformed into a symbol of solidarity for the arts community.

The repercussions of this pandemic will echo throughout the artistic and cultural sectors for years to come. Thus, I felt compelled to shed light on the plight of creative individuals and organizations, advocating for their recognition and support. Through this project, I aimed to amplify artists' voices, offering a platform for their stories and perspectives. If they can't grace the stage, they should still be seen and heard.

Vienna, a bastion of culture, served as a fitting backdrop for my efforts, with its rich artistic heritage and diverse community. I've photographed over 500 artists, including musicians, dancers, and opera stars, alongside ambassadors from various nations, all standing in solidarity with Vienna's artistic community.

The arts, often overlooked, are integral to society's fabric, shaping our collective identity and enriching our lives. They transcend language and borders, offering solace and inspiration in times of turmoil. By spotlighting Vienna's cultural legacy, I hope to instill a greater appreciation for the arts worldwide. Moreover, I've witnessed firsthand the resilience of artists in the face of adversity. Despite canceled performances and financial hardships, their unwavering passion for their craft fuels a newfound creativity. Their optimism is palpable, radiating hope through every photograph.

Through this project, I aim to educate future generations on the importance of the arts, advocating for its integration into education systems worldwide. By nurturing creativity and fostering appreciation for the arts, we can build a more empathetic and harmonious society.Ultimately, my goal is to spark dialogue and action, ensuring that the arts and artists are valued and supported in our modern world. Through interviews with artists globally, I seek to understand their experiences and explore solutions for securing the future of the arts.

In essence, this project is a testament to the resilience and vitality of the human spirit, as embodied by artists around the world. Their stories remind us of the transformative power of art and the boundless possibilities it offers for a brighter future."

 

Finding Harmony Across Centuries: Owain Park on The Gesualdo Six

In this episode of The Artist’s Voice, I had the pleasure of speaking with Owain Park, composer, conductor, and artistic director of the award-winning British vocal ensemble The Gesualdo Six.

The group was founded in 2014 in Cambridge for a performance of Gesualdo’s Tenebrae Responsories and has since become one of the most exciting vocal ensembles of our time. Made up of some of the UK’s finest consort singers, The Gesualdo Six has earned international praise for its imaginative programmes and impeccable balance. Since those early student days, the ensemble has gone on to perform at major festivals across the UK, Europe, North America and Australia, making its Wigmore Hall debut in 2021 and appearing as part of the prestigious Deutschlandradio Debut Series. Along the way they have collaborated with the Brodsky Quartet, London Mozart Players, Luxmuralis, William Barton and Matilda Lloyd, constantly pushing the boundaries of what choral performance can be.

In our conversation, Owain reflects on how the group first came together while studying, united by a love of Renaissance polyphony, and how that passion continues to shape their journey. He speaks about the enduring power of Renaissance music and how social media has opened unexpected doors, bringing in younger audiences who may not have otherwise discovered this repertoire. We explore the profound impact of performing in historic churches, where the acoustics and architecture lend a sense of timelessness to the music, creating moments that feel both intimate and transcendent. Owain also shares how The Gesualdo Six has embraced immersive performance, combining their sound with visual elements and subtle staging to bring an almost theatrical dimension to their concerts. At the same time, they are deeply engaged with the music of today, commissioning and performing works from contemporary composers, ensuring that choral music remains a living, evolving art form.

This interview is not only the story of how six young singers came together to form an internationally celebrated ensemble, but also a reflection on the future of vocal music—how tradition and innovation meet, how old and new speak to each other, and how music continues to connect us across time.


https://www.owainpark.co.uk/posts/the-gesualdo-six/

The artist's voicePetra SittigThe Gesualdo Six, Owain Park, Choral music, Acoustic architecture