Anthropologies Imaginaires/Imaginary Anthropologies

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French Canadian Gabriel Dharmoo’s musical practice defies easy pigeon-holing – and sometimes description – going beyond the limits of composition, performance, research, and vocal improvisation. His Imaginary Anthropologies is unpredictable, challenging, and amusing, floating in the fine space between satire and seriousness, between tradition and novelty, between cleverness and folly.

In this solo vocal performance, Dharmoo weaves his way in and out of characters, shape-shifting from one to another, drawing his audience into the fray. A video mockumentary runs concurrently, featuring “experts” who comment on the ancient vocal traditions he demonstrates, along with imaginary folklore – all brilliantly highlighting the amazing virtuosic and experimental possibilities of the human voice. It’s a truly memorable musical experience that invites the audience to forget what they know and be a part of something truly singular. The result is a humorous and disturbing exploration of post-colonialism, post-exoticism, cultural extinction, globalization, normalized racism, and cultural appropriation.

Performance co-sponsored by the Maison Francaise, Department of Music and The Center for Ethnomusicology at Columbia University, and organized by Assistant Professor of Music, Zosha Di Castri.