A ROOM OF ONE'S OWN

The iconic words of Virginia Woolf serve as a springboard for A Room of One’s Own, a dramatized recital that that delves into the world of women writers, composers and the women portrayed in song. Inspired by Woolf’s friendship and correspondence with pioneering composer and member of the women’s suffrage movement, Dame Ethel Smyth, A Room of One’s Own offers audiences an intimate glimpse into the private rooms of four women as they grapple with various aspects of love, friendship, creativity, loss and memory.

The 60-minute performance marries the music of six underrepresented women composers, words by Virginia Woolf and a series of fictional letters and diary entries that weave together a compelling narrative and serve as living translations of the song texts. The project was conceived by its performers, Erica Back (mezzo-soprano) and Aura Go (piano), who share a passion for storytelling through music and expanding the scope of the traditional recital medium.

Erica Back, mezzo-soprano

Aura Go, piano

Debi Wong, director

Sirje Ruohtula, lighting

Music by Cecile Chaminade, Nadia Boulanger, Pauline Viardot, Rebecca Clarke, Ethel Smyth and Sheila Silver.

FIrst performed at the Helsinki Music Centre on International Women's Day, 2017.