Blóðhófnir

Composer Kristín þóra Haraldsdóttir brings poet Ger∂ur Kristný’s words to life in a stunning work of contemporary music for the #MeToo era. Featuring haunting vocal harmonies and period instruments, Bló∂hófnir (Bloodhoof) is a sonic realization of Ger∂ur Kristný’s award-winning poem by the same name. In it, she takes the classic Eddic poem Skírnismál (The “Lay of Skírnir”) and turns it on its head; by retelling the narrative from the perspective of a victimized giantess, rather than the god who kidnaps her, Ger∂ur Kristný redefines a “romantic” tale as one marked by sexual violence, and re-evaluates cultural assumptions in light of contemporary realities. Sung in Icelandic by an all-female cast, including alto Sara Couden in the lead role, with visuals by Tinna Kristjánsdóttir. Presented in partnership with the PEN World Voices Festival.

Saturday, May 11

8PM at the University Settlement – Speyer Hall, 184 Eldridge St., NYC

The event will be preceded at 7PM by a discussion with composer Kristín þóra Haraldsdóttir and poet Ger∂ur Kristný moderated by Carla Bellamy (City University of New York)

Kristín þóra Haraldsdóttir (Iceland) Bló∂hófnir (Bloodhoof) (2016-19) World Premiere of Revised Version

The Friends of MATA
Chloe Fedor, baroque violin
Dongmyung Ahn, baroque viola
Ana Kim, baroque ‘cello
Dara Bloom, baroque contrabass
Artis Wodehouse, harmonium
Jacqui Kerrod, lever harp

with
Sara Couden, contralto
Augusta Caso, mezzo-soprano
Tynan Davis, mezzo-soprano