On this episode of The Seltzer Salon I’m joined by Canadian composer, musician, and dramaturge, Christopher Willes. He recently spearheaded the Resonance Gathering project which has evolved over its lifespan, but began as a large-scale ensemble performance of Pauline Oliveros’s To Valerie Solanas and Marilyn Monroe in Recognition of Their Desperation (1970). It grew to become more than that, culminating in a double LP and book release that includes the performance (which happened in the Council Chambers at Toronto City Hall), a sound poetry piece from Oliveros’s partner, IONE, and a book documenting the work. It’s a stunning document of an incredible piece of work. Willes goes into detail about the origins of the idea, how it came to be, and all the various setbacks they had to overcome to make it a reality. A fascinating conversation about one of 2023’s most memorable releases.
The Seltzer Salon is hosted by Brad Rose and produced by Foxy Digitalis. Episodes are not on a regular schedule, but are available via Foxy Digitalis or wherever your listen to podcasts.
Foxy Digitalis depends on our awesome readers to keep things rolling. Pledge your support today via our Patreon or subscribe to The Jewel Garden.
