"The Witch of It": A Historical Analysis of Witchcraft, Folklore, and Feminism in the the Evolution of Opera 

Witchcraft has historically been a taboo topic of Western European religion and culture. Focusing mainly on the 19th century, the lecture recital will explain how the ideas of witchcraft, feminism, and gender merged through political, religious, and secular influences throughout Europe. This intersection translated into operatic repertoire of the time, where witches were often villainized and sung by a lower mezzo-soprano or contralto voice.

Through an analysis of the historical and political landscapes of Europe, along with modern feminism and gender studies, the recital will explore the portrayal of witches in operatic repertoire, the evolving perceptions of gender in Europe, the influence of Wagner's operatic music in gender perceptions, and the religious resistance to the rise of feminism in the 19th century. 

This lecture will incorporate performances of arias by some of Tundi’s mezzos and contraltos.

This event is free entry.