Upcoming Shows of Burning River Baroque’s “Destructive Desires”

Burning River Baroque’s “Destructive Desires” Inspires Thought-Provoking Dialogue About Issues Related to #MeToo

CLEVELAND — Burning River Baroque opens their 2018-2019 season with “Destructive Desires,” an edgy program that challenges audience members to engage with issues that have been brought to the forefront of cultural awareness by the #MeToo movement. It also touches on the profound reach of the movement and the resulting conversations about consent and the misuse of power provide society with the opportunity to explore new channels of communication and redefine boundaries in all types of relationships.

The program pairs stories and themes from Biblical passages and Greek mythology with music by 17th and 18th-century composers.

“We intend to demonstrate various forms of power imbalance and lack of consent in stories old enough to be in our collective unconscious,” Paula Maust said.

Praised by the Boston Musical Intelligencer as “a group that left an indelible imprint on my psyche,” and recognized numerous times by Cleveland Classical for their innovative and drama-infused performances, co-directors Paula Maust and Malina Rauschenfels create programs that demonstrate the significant connections between the past and contemporary issues.

Audiences appreciate the group’s engaging verbal and musical communication as well as their ability to present complicated issues in a way that inspires critical thought and dialogue without telling people what to think.

“We see change as starting with the acknowledgement of the problematic nature of these timeless stories and aim to initiate meaningful conversations around these topics with our program ‘Destructive Desires’,” Rauschenfels said.

You can experience “Destructive Desires” October 19-21 at venues in Cleveland Heights and Lakewood.
Friday night will be an intimate house concert in Cleveland Heights, OH. Email rsvp@burning-river-baroque.org to reserve your spot.

Saturday will take place within the lovely acoustics of St. Alban Episcopal Church in Cleveland Heights, OH (2555 Euclid Heights Blvd).

For Sunday’s performance at Lakewood Congregational Church (1375 W Clifton Blvd), all proceeds will benefit YWCA Greater Cleveland whose mission is to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, help families, and strengthen communities.

“We were particularly drawn to the YWCA’s Norma Herr Women’s Center and the long-standing work they have done to support women who have experienced trauma and abuse, “ Rauschenfels said.
Founded in 2012, Burning River Baroque’s ensemble name connotes the fiery passion they bring to their performances, connects them to Cleveland’s history, and exemplifies their desire to promote social change through music. When the Cuyahoga River burned in 1969, it was the catalyst for broad environmental policy reform.

Music has long offered a space for outsiders to find a voice, and classical composers and musicians have often been at the forefront of political and social change. The group has performed extensively throughout Northeast Ohio, the greater Midwest, Boston, New York, and Berkeley.

For more information about the ensemble visit burning-river-baroque.org.

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