Lunchtime Concert – Gemstones

Gemstones
Allison Mondel
“In this way, then, precious stones are made out of fire and water; they therefore contain energy and moisture within them and they have many powerful qualities and effects.
In her treatise on healing, Physica, Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179) outlines the origin and formation of precious stones. Born of the heat of the sun and pure in their essential nature, they manifest specific healing powers. At the heart of her work was a deep understanding that the natural world is a reflection of the sacred cosmos.In her poetry, rich with visual imagery and metaphor, Hildegard likens these gemstones—pure, colourful, resplendent—to sacred figures prominent in her personal theology. Join American performer and storyteller Allison Mondel as she explores the power and beauty of precious stones conjured within Hildegard’s poetry and music.
Lauded by The Washington Post for her “ethereal soprano” and “spare, otherworldly radiance,” Allison Mondel is a highly versatile performing artist and teacher. She is a notation and performance specialist of the chants of Hildegard von Bingen and regularly presents workshops and lectures on Hildegard’s music and other early music topics throughout the United States. Allison is the director of award-winning women’s trio Eya: Ensemble for Medieval Music, based in Washington, DC. She teaches voice within Washington National Cathedral’s prestigious chorister programme and Georgetown University.

Theatre 2, Irish World Academy.

Admission is free and all are welcome.