Voices of Light, The Passion of Joan of Arc
October 5 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
$10 – $25
SJSU School of Music and the Silicon Valley Arts Coalition presents Voices of Light, a musical work for chorus and orchestra that accompanies Carl Dreyer’s classic 1928 silent film, The Passion of Joan of Arc. Voices of Light is a meditation on the life and personality of Joan of Arc. It is scored for soloists, chorus, orchestra, and the sound of the church bell from Joan’s birthplace in Domremy, France. The libretto is a montage of medieval writings, assembled primarily from female mystics including Joan of Arc herself. The performance features a complete screening of The Passion of Joan of Arc.
Joan of Arc remains highly relevant in the 21st century as a powerful symbol of female empowerment, religious conviction, and resistance against oppression. Joan’s unwavering faith and courage in the face of adversity resonate with modern activists challenging unjust systems and institutions. Her cross-dressing and defiance of gender norms have made her an icon for LGBTQ+ rights and gender nonconformity. Additionally, Joan’s clairvoyance and intuition offer a counterpoint to today’s emphasis on rationalism and data-driven decision-making, reminding us of the value of spiritual insight and conviction
