Heralds: A Symphony of Women's Voices Auguring Change

The ISU Symphony Orchestra and Artistic announces Symphony of Diversity 2023: Heralds: A Symphony of Women’s Voices Auguring Change. The 2023 concert boldly tackles the societal issue of violence against women through a free public symposium, hosted by the Ames Public Library on Friday, April 28 at 4pm, and a free orchestral performance on Saturday, April 29 at 7:30pm at Simon Estes Music Hall, Iowa State University.

The public symposium, to begin with a short musical performance, will bring together three influential women: world-famous violinist Lara St. John, whose successful campaign to hold the Curtis Institute accountable for her assault when she was a student there made international headlines; Rebecca Stienstra, a senior policy analyst from the Canadian Ministry of Women and Gender Equity; and Assistant Chief Carrie Jacobs of the Iowa State University Police Department. The moderated panel discussion at the Ames Public Library auditorium will focus on the prevention of violence against women and holding institutions accountable.

Warning: This session may include discussions of sexual, physical and emotional violence against women that some might find upsetting. If you or someone you know is experiencing any form of violence, please call 800.203.3488 (ACCESS Sexual Assault Crisis Line), or 855.983.4641 (Domestic Abuse Crisis Line)

In a first for the ISU Symphony Orchestra, the concert on the evening of Saturday, April 29 will feature music exclusively by women composers, including Stella Sung, Stephanie Ann Boyd, Milica Paranosic, Shulamit Ran, Joan Tower, and a world première by Christine Donkin. The ISU Symphony will be joined by an intergenerational treble choir composed of women from ISU and the Ames High School choral program, as well as Lara St. John, soprano Amanda Kosi, and cellist Julie Sturm as the literal and figurative voices of women take center stage.

NOTE: This event will not offer card scanning for extra credit.