Joyce DiDonato - In War & Peace: Harmony Through Music

“In War & Peace: Harmony Through Music” is Joyce DiDonato's semi-theatricalized concert experience, pushing the boundaries of a standard concert through lighting, video projections, choreography, movement and gesture. Joined by her longtime musical partners il Pomo d’Oro and conductor Maxim Emelyanychev, Joyce presents a programme divided into two sections: ‘War’ and ‘Peace’.

In Joyce’s own words:

“For centuries, creators of great art have been depicting atrocity and pandemonium alongside tranquility and harmony for centuries, boldly showing us both our brutal nature and our elevated humanity. Art unifies, transcends borders, connects the disconnected, eliminates status, soothes turmoil, threatens power and the status-quo, and gloriously exalts the spirit. Art is a valiant path to peace.

With the help of Handel and Purcell, among other masters, I respectfully invite you look at the interwoven worlds of external conflict and serenity, internal war and peace, and to contemplate where you wish to reside within yourself.”

Joyce invites every audience member to answer the question “In the midst of chaos, how do you find peace?”

Ralf Pleger: Stage Director
Henning Blum: Lighting Designer
Yousef Iskandar: Video Designer
Manuel Palazzo: Dancer
Vivienne Westwood: Joyce DiDonato's gowns

The production was designed with Askonas Holt to be set-up in every venue within one day. Joyce’s striking costumes were designed for the project by the late Vivienne Westwood.