Dear Arts Lovers,
As a U.S. citizen living in three different countries for the past 18 years, the power of artists to mobilize support and get out the vote feels more weighted than ever. To state whether an artist has "endorsed" (with or without credibility) a particular candidate is to elevate the role of artists, time and again, in raising awareness, influencing, igniting, or improving the image of someone in the public eye.
Why do we listen to artists? Because we have already connected to them. There is a level of social/emotional trust and connection to pop stars, designers, and artists. When I hear and see Beyoncé – when I make that connection to her, her song, her lyrics, her dance, and her mood – I feel an affirmation: "she gets me." Of course, the transition from emotional connection to the vote must still be guided by individual thought and reflection.
This is a call upon all artists and arts educators in our community to be bold, to raise awareness, to give a voice, and to ignite a global responsibility of positive choice. Beyond ourselves, future generations deserve our guidance and support as we hand over the reins to them.
Have a story you want us to tell? Let us feature you.
Christine Matovich
Founder, CommonTime
I recently attended Richard Strauss' Salome at Staatsoper Stuttgart. Suitable for ages 14+ (according to German sensibilities), the artistic direction was to be the Zeitgeist of the themes of moral decay, entitlement, incest, hate of the other/different, action, and regret. The director chose to explore these themes within a relatively timeless set; it was monochromatic and modern, almost reminiscent of The Matrix, to emphasize that the New Testament story is still relevant today. At times I bristled at the gore, the executions, the blood – reactions that live performances can cause without the physical separation of a television or phone screen. The arts have the power and privilege to trigger these emotional responses in a safe environment and allow us to come away from the experience with a new perspective.
CommonTime has been officially registered in Germany! This marks the third country out of which CommonTime formally operates, in addition to the United States and India. We are eagerly looking forward to the new opportunities that now await CommonTime in the EU, with a particular focus on in-person cultural exchanges for young people. After the spectacular success of the TWGHs Li Ka Shing College and Albert Einstein Gymnasium exchange over the summer, we can’t wait to facilitate similar events for more students across the world!
Are you interested in having a cultural exchange event for your school? Reach out to us at info@commontime.online!
Artists take the risk to make a statement, be it bold or subtle, to influence, ignite, or improve awareness. Sondra Harnes shows us that when your heart hears a calling, you respond in song.
Sondra is a lyric soprano, voice teacher, pianist, and children's choir conductor/artistic director for students ages 4–18. Her vision of children all over the world singing together for friendship and peace led to her founding of the World Children’s Choir in 1990. Since then, the World Children’s Choir has been appointed to the Artists Roster of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, USA, and has performed for US presidents and other world leaders. Sondra has used her platform to organize support for children around the world, especially in Ukraine and Palestine.
Sondra believes that everyone can learn to sing with beauty, artistry, and joy. Singing brings love, hope, inspiration, energy, & healing to individuals & communities throughout the world.
To learn more about Sondra’s ongoing projects with her Global Family Virtual Choir, visit their website.