Mnemosyne Arts Collective

Mnemosyne was the mother of the nine Muses who brought poetry, myth, music, and dance into the world. She is the keeper of stories and dreams, who helps us to remember who we are. 

Named for the ancient Greek goddess of Memory, Mnemosyne (neh-moh-SOON-eh) is the choral core at the heart of a multimedia arts collaboration between the Department of Classical Studies at Wesleyan University and community artists in Middletown, Hartford, and the broader Connecticut area. Our concerts bring together choral and instrumental music, storytelling, dance, and poetry, and visual media to tell ancient stories in exciting new ways, and to reframe familiar music for new audiences.

Often integrating original choreography and performances from Wesleyan faculty and student artists or the Ekklesia Contemporary Ballet based in Middletown, CT, Mnemosyne concerts often include pre-concert activities for kids and adults, as well as Talk Backs for all interested in learning more about ancient mythology or music-making.

Check out our upcoming concerts below!

Mnemosyne 2025-2026 Season

  • Fri Dec 5 (Wesleyan University)
    "Imaginative Conceptions:     Myth, mpreg, and the Magnificat"
    "Tell me the story of how I was born":This concert goes on a musical and mythic journey through ancient tales of creative conceptions and unusual births of gods and demons from Greek, Norse, Japanese and biblical traditions. Featuring the Bach Magnificat with full orchestra, and works by Palestrina, Whitacre, and more.
  • April (Wesleyan University) "Water Music"
    Exploring the creative and destructive power of water (and its absence), "Water Music" features selections from Malhaar's Requiem for Water, for South Indian and tabla soloists with Western Choir, and dance performances with community artist.


Mnemosyne 2024-2025 Season

  • Sun Nov 3 (Middletown, CT) 5pm  "Spirit Voices", with Ekklesia Contemporary Ballet
    Church of the Holy Trinity, 381 Main St., Middletown. FREE ADMISSION! (Eventbrite) 

    A multimedia program placing All Souls and Halloween in conversation with the Demeter and Persephone and Orphic Myths of the ancient Mediterranean. Musical program features Gjeilo's Dark Night of the Soul, Schütz's, Musikalische Exequien, and selections from Hovland's Requiem. 

    Interested in Greek mythology? Stick around for a post-concert Q&A/Talk Back about Greek mythology, the Underworld, and Early Christian traditions.
  • Sat Feb 22 (Wesleyan University) "Child Gods" FREE ADMISSION! (Eventbrite)
    A creative program placing Candlemas - the presentation of the Christ child in the Temple - in conversation with myths of child gods from around the world (Hermes, Krishna, Hanuman, and Christ). Musical program features Vivaldi's Gloria with orchestra, alongside works by Jacobs, Runestad, and Sweet Honey and the Rock. Also featuring dance and musical performances by Ekklesia Contemporary Ballet, and Wesleyan's South Indian Classical Artists.

 

Join Us!

We are always looking for new singers and storytellers!
If you'd like to be involved, please sign up at the Google Form Here, and indicate which rehearsal dates you will be able to attend. Feel free to email kbirney@wesleyan.edu for more information.

Choir rehearsals are held either on Wesleyan campus or at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Hartford, CT. Transportation is available for Wesleyan students.