SONGS OF DARK RADIANCE: a music and dance performance

Jesse Olsen Bay; composer, musician and Virginia Matthews; choreographer, dancer have teamed up to present a performance of music and dance based on “Makings” a song cycle inspired by the unpublished writings of renowned author Tillie Olsen. A charismatic performer and distinguished composer, Jesse Olsen Bay weaves an intimate journey of his grandmother Tillie Olsen’s reflections through voice, piano, guitar and other musical instruments. Acclaimed choreographer Virginia Matthews has created her responses to both the musical compositions and the imagery of the songs through solo, duet and group dances. This is a unique glimpse into the world of an artist, musing on her artistic process, revisiting her memories and facing the end of her life. The spirit of Tillie Olsen has inspired these two artists in their own creative journeys to reveal the essence of the arc of a life in this live performance.