29 November 2008 | Doors at 7:30pm; show at 8pm
St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church (Burrard Street at Nelson)
$35 regular/ $28 student/senior
Tickets available at Scratch Records (726 Richards Street), Zulu Records (1972 West 4th Ave.) and through ticketstonight.ca (604.684.2787; surcharges apply) and at the door.
General admission seating.

“A voice of the dispossessed that dances across octaves and cuts like a knife.” – Petra Davis, Plan B

Uncompromising, relentless and inimitable are just a few of the words that may be used to describe avant-garde songstress Diamanda Galás.  Crafting musical manifestos that pull no punches, Galás unapologetically brings the horrors of social injustice to the forefront of her work; giving voice to victims, and condemning those who contribute to oppression through either force or apathy.

With her multi-octave vocal range, Galás has tackled issues ranging from AIDS and genocide, to violence against women and other forms of systemic violence. Equally adept at transforming jazz, blues and folk standards with her intense interpretations, Galás infuses each one with chilling new meaning.

This November, Galás will return to Vancouver to perform a program of songs from her new album, Guilty Guilty Guilty, as well as a selection of songs drawn from previous works that present her unique and powerful commentary on the impact and politics of AIDS.

A compilation of tragic and homicidal love songs, Guilty Guilty Guilty delves into the grief and outrage of those whose love has been shattered. Sophisticated vocal weaponry combines with a driving, sometimes jaw-dropping, percussive piano style to conjure up raw emotions ranging from fleeting happiness to the terror brought upon by the death of love.

“Her artistry is inimitably bold, impossibly masterful.  No one else will go where she goes vocally.  Or maybe it’s simply that no one else can.” – Megan Milks, popmatters.com

www.diamandagalas.com

The Centre, Cineworks, Pacific Cinematheque, Vancouver New Music and VIVO present
Diamanda Galás, Attila Richard Lukacs, Paul Wong and others in conversation
Sunday 30 November, 1pm
Pacific Cinematheque (1131 Howe Street), reception to follow; free

Art often becomes a creative conduit for raising awareness about important social and political issues. In a free panel discussion musician Diamanda Galás, painter Atilla Richard Lukacs and media artist Paul Wong will reflect on the tremendous role that art can play in exploring and drawing attention to AIDS.  The conversation will focus on creative responses to the AIDS epidemic, exploring the potential of affecting change through focused, subtle and/or optimistic cultural interventions.  Following the discussion, audience members are invited to stay for a reception and free screening of Annette Mangaard’s documentary General Idea: Art, AIDS and the fin de siècle.

The concert and panel are resented as part of Art & Activism - World AIDS Day.