Vocatrix presents Hildegard's "Ordo Virtutum"

Los Angeles-based medieval ensemble, Vocatrix, will be performing on the Berkeley Early Music Festival on June 6th at 4:00 pm AND 6:00 pm.

Vocatrix summons the heavenly sounds of 12th-century nun and mystic Hildegard von Bingen in a rare fully staged production of her morality play, Ordo Virtutum. The all-female ensemble, based in Los Angeles, has crafted a new candlelight vision of the 900-year-old manuscript. They will be accompanied by a handful of LA's and Berkeley's best period instrumentalists in a production that is "graceful, haunting...unforgettable."

Hildegard von Bingen was a composer of outstanding originality and beauty, and nowhere is her magic more brilliantly displayed than in her allegorical proto-opera, Ordo Virtutum, the first work of its kind ever written.The work depicts the struggle of the human soul, Anima, torn between Vice and Virtue, and reverberates with themes that are surprisingly timeless: feminine strength and sisterhood, the power of nature, and humanity's place in the universe.

Vocatrix's intent is to present this classic medieval morality play in a production that is at once accessible to modern audiences and still faithful to the musical priorities of the piece. The costumes were inspired by Hildegard's descriptions in her visions. The most unique aspect of Vocatrix's production is that the show is performed from memory, a feat that is very rarely attempted. The group of virtuose strives to interpret historical culture and find resonance in the new world. The ensemble prides itself on friendship and teamwork, pursuing themes of inspiration and sisterhood.

Stage Direction by Patricia McKee
Artistic Production by Katina Mitchell
Edition by Ned Tipton
Translation by Justin Haynes
Jewelry and Costumes by Eric Ruyak of Hespera Designs

The Virtues:
Suzanne Anderson
Sarah Beaty
Anna Cave
Lauren Davis
Angie Engelbart
Hilary Fraser-Thomson
Karina Kallas
Katina Mitchell
Kara Morgan
Lindsay Patterson
Phoebe Rosquist
Argenta Walther

The Soul:
Andrea Zomorodian

The Devil:
Jim Taylor

Instrumentalists:
Cheryl Ann Fulton, medieval harp
Michelle Levy, vielle
Arthur Omura, hurdy gurdy
Alexa Pilon, vielle