Documentary Delves into Andean Song and Culture
Wednesday, April 9 2008
April 9, 2008 A photo is available at www.today.uidaho.edu/PhotoList.aspx NOTE: “Quechua” is pronounced “KETCH-wa” and “Q’eros” is pronounced “CARE-ohs” MOSCOW, Idaho – Living among the Quechua-speaking people of the Peruvian Andes, ethnomusicologist and filmmaker Holly Wissler discovered how ritual music is used for the deep expression of grief. She also learned about how the Andean residents are passionate about preserving their culture and adapting to modern society. Wissler, a University of Idaho alumna, will screen her new documentary film “From Grief and Joy We Sing” at the Lionel Hampton School of Music Recital Hall, 1010 Blake Ave. in Moscow, on Monday, April 28, at 7:30 p.m. Wissler’s film documents the songs of the Q’eros people of the southern Peruvian Andes, a group that has maintained and honored its traditions of music and spirituality while many other Andean communities have lost theirs. Originally from Iowa, Wissler has been an adventure guide in the Andes and the Himalayas since the early 1980s. After earning undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Idaho in flute performance and music history, she returned to the remote Quechua community of Q’eros to conduct doctoral research in ethnomusicology while at Florida State University, research partially funded by a Fulbright-Hays Research Grant. “From Grief and Joy We Sing” is her second documentary film. According to Wissler, the film concept originally came from the Q’eros themselves, as they recognized the need for preserving their culture. Wissler will introduce the film and then lead an audience discussion after the screening. There is no admission charge, but donations will be accepted to aid the Q’eros community. For more information, call (208) 885-6231. # # # About the University of Idaho Founded in 1889, the University of Idaho is the state’s flagship higher-education institution and its principal graduate education and research university, bringing insight and innovation to the state, the nation and the world. University researchers attract nearly $100 million in research grants and contracts each year; the University of Idaho is the only institution in the state to earn the prestigious Carnegie Foundation ranking for high research activity. The university’s student population includes first-generation college students and ethnically diverse scholars. Offering more than 150 degree options in 10 colleges, the university combines the strengths of a large university with the intimacy of small learning communities. For information, visit www.uidaho.edu. Contact: Robin Ohlgren, Lionel Hampton School of Music, (208) 301-1011, rohlgren@uidaho.edu RO-4/9/08-LHSOM
About the University of Idaho
The University of Idaho helps students to succeed and become leaders. Its land-grant mission furthers innovative scholarly and creative research to grow Idaho's economy and serve a statewide community. From its main campus in Moscow, Idaho, to 70 research and academic locations statewide, U-Idaho emphasizes real-world application as part of its student experience. U-Idaho combines the strength of a large university with the intimacy of small learning communities. It is home to the Vandals. For information, visit www.uidaho.edu.