Mnemosyne Arts Collective

Mnemosyne was the mother of the nine Muses who brought poetry, myth, music, and dance into the world. She is the keeper of stories and dreams, who helps us to remember who we are. 

 Named for the ancient Greek goddess of Memory, Mnemosyne is the choral core at the heart of a multimedia arts collaboration between the Department of Classical Studies at Wesleyan University and community artists in Middletown, Hartford, and the broader Connecticut area. Our concerts bring together choral and instrumental music, storytelling, dance, and poetry, and visual media to tell ancient stories in exciting new ways, and to reframe familiar music for new audiences.

Mnemosyne Choir 2024-2025 Season

  • Sun Nov 3 (Middletown, CT) 5pm  "Spirit Voices", with Ekklesia Contemporary Ballet
    Church of the Holy Trinity, 381 Main St., Middletown. FREE ADMISSION! (Eventbrite) 

    A multimedia program placing All Souls and Halloween in conversation with the Demeter and Persephone and Orphic Myths of the ancient Mediterranean. Musical program features Gjeilo's Dark Night of the Soul, Schütz's, Musikalische Exequien, and selections from Hovland's Requiem. 

    Interested in Greek mythology? Stick around for a post-concert Q&A/Talk Back about Greek mythology, the Underworld, and Early Christian traditions.
  • Sun Feb 23 (Wesleyan University) "Infant Gods"
    A creative program placing Candlemas - the presentation of the Christ child in the Temple - in conversation with myths of infant gods from around the world (Hermes, Krishna, Harpocrates). Musical program features Vivaldi's Gloria with full orchestra, as well as Sweet Honey and the Rock's, We Are. 
  • Fri May 23 (Emanuel Lutheran, Hartford, CT) "Magnificat"
    A program exploring the Annunciation to Mary in conversation with myths of gods giving birth (Zeus and Athena, Enki and Ninhursaga) and how ancient societies "managed" the Feminine.) Musical program features the Koshinski Concerto for Marimba and Choir, and the Bach Magnificat with full orchestra.

All programs  integrate original choreography by the Ekklesia Contemporary Ballet based in Middletown, CT. Most concerts include pre-concert activities for kids and adults, as well as Talk Backs or pre-concert chats with the directors for all interested in learning more about ancient myth or music-making.

 

Join Us!

We are always looking for new singers and storytellers!
If you'd like to be involved, please sign up at the Google Form HERE, and indicate which rehearsal dates you will be able to attend. Feel free to email kbirney@wesleyan.edu for more information.

Choir rehearsals begin on 9/28 and will be held Sundays 12-2pm at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Hartford, CT, with additional possibilities for rehearsals in Middletown. Transportation is available for Wesleyan students.