Sonus Feminæ #9: ARTEMISIA GENTILESCHI & BARBARA STROZZI

In early 17th-century Italy, women were subject to strict social constraints – yet some broke free from these shackles. The painter Artemisia Gentileschi and the singer and composer Barbara Strozzi stood for courage, talent and cultural significance despite all adversity. Artemisia survived violence and a scandalous trial that humiliated her, yet went on to forge an impressive artistic career. Barbara Strozzi, born out of wedlock and highly gifted musically, gained recognition in Venice’s exclusive Accademia degli Unisoni, yet was marked by social stigmatisation.

An art-historical introduction by Dr Katja Triebel opens the evening and sheds light on the life, work and influence of Artemisia Gentileschi. The concert brings together music, imagery and text: madrigals, cantatas, arias and duets by Strozzi, Francesca Caccini and Antonia Bembo are interwoven with recited court transcripts, witness statements and the work of video artist Martin Boverhof, whose projections of Gentileschi’s paintings provide a visual framework and context for the evening. Directed by Iñigo Giner Miranda, the production offers an immersive encounter with the stories and voices of these extraordinary women.

• Date and time: 14 November 2026, 6.15 pm + 15 November 2026, 5.15 pm
• Venue: Villa Elisabeth, Invalidenstraße 3, 10115 Berlin
• Tickets: €18 (€12 concessions) HERE

Organiser: Miako Klein in cooperation with Kultur Büro Elisabeth Funding: Hauptstadtkulturfonds, FONTE Foundation