Presenting: Memory Box
Memory Box: Sounds, Sights, and Stories with Sarah Hennies
A Musical Exploration of LGBTQIA+ Identity and Community
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CINCINNATI, OH – On March 18, 2025, concertnova presents Memory Box, an innovative concert of contemporary classical chamber music curated by acclaimed composer Sarah Hennies, an openly transgender artist known for her bold exploration of sociopolitical and psychological themes. This powerful program explores themes of identity, memory, and community within the LGBTQIA+ experience, featuring some of Cincinnati’s finest musicians and artists. The performance takes place at the Contemporary Arts Center’s Black Box Theater at 7:30 PM.
At the heart of the evening is Hennies' own work, Memory Box: a multi-layered sonic experience weaving together the personal stories of each performer. Musicians from the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and the Queen City Freedom Band are collaborating with Hennies in pre-concert workshops sharing formative personal memories to be spoken aloud during the performance, and interlaced with instrumental music. Memory Box is a musical expression of individual and collective LGBTQIA+ identity, as well as Cincinnati’s shared cultural memory.
The Poiesis String Quartet, the graduate quartet-in-residence at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and concertnova's season 18 ensemble-in-residence, also takes center stage to perform a newly commissioned world premiere by non-binary composer OGA, a former student and current protegé of Hennies.
Hennies additionally presents her new arrangement of Rrose Sélavy by Spanish composer Juan Hidalgo, a piece inspired by artist Marcel Duchamp’s female alter-ego challenging ideas of identity and gender fluidity.
Local LGBTQIA+ artist Lizzy DuQuette is creating a site-specific art installation to transform the CAC’s Black Box Theater into an immersive space, enriching the audience’s experience and sparking larger conversations about representation and identity.
Leading up to the performance, concertnova is co-hosting a "Meet the Composers" event on March 16, 2025 from 7:00-9:00 PM, at Homemakers Bar, in partnership with Midwestern Lesbian and Cincy Gay Agenda. This pre-concert event will give the public an opportunity to meet Sarah Hennies, OGA, and members of the Poiesis String Quartet.
Says Brianna Matzke, Executive Director of concertnova, “Memory Box is a profound celebration of identity, community, and creative expression. This program represents concertnova’s commitment to using music as a tool to elevate diverse voices, spark meaningful conversations, and connect with our community in new and immersive ways.”
Memory Box is supported by an ArtsWave Pride Grant.
About concertnova:
concertnova is a Cincinnati-based chamber music ensemble dedicated to pushing the boundaries of classical music through innovative programming, collaborations, and community engagement. By blending art forms and amplifying diverse voices, concertnova creates immersive musical experiences that resonate with modern audiences.
WHO: concertnova, Sarah Hennies, Lizzy DuQuette, Poiesis Quartet, Queen City Freedom Band
WHAT: Memory Box
WHEN: March 18, 2025, at 7:30 PM
WHERE: Contemporary Arts Center, Black Box Theater, Cincinnati
TICKETS: Available at concertnova.com
Meet the Composers: March 16, 2025, at Homemakers Bar
ABOUT: click here for press kit | click here for info on concertnova
CONTACT: Brianna Matzke (info@concertnova.com) or Sara Danner Dukic (sara@maiarts.it)
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