We're delighted to present Stefania de Kenessey in conversation about her new cantata, The Names of Women (2024). The work introduces six historical figures whose lives and legacies are among the "missing matter" of the female past that has been erased, silenced, and misappropriated from history.
 

The New Historia is igniting a revolution in what we know about women throughout history, giving voice to the silenced and making the invisible visible. Led by Gina Luria Walker, intellectual historian and Professor of Women's Studies at The New School, and The New Historia's Chair, Lisa Metcalfe, the aim of these new monthly salons is to share knowledge about these incredible women outside of a traditional academic setting. For too long, the experiences of important women have been marginalized or erased, part of a system of organizing information mostly by, for, and about men. How do we understand the persistence of global misogyny, lift up the lives of our foremothers, and begin the important work of historical recovery to continue to move feminist discourse and action forward? Join us to find out.

About the Speakers: 

Stefania de Kenessey’s music has been heard throughout New York City, from Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center to Joe’s Pub and LaMama; internationally, it has been performed in more than 35 countries, from Australia to Venezuela. Her output ranges from choral, vocal and operatic pieces to chamber and orchestral work, as well as scores for documentary films, theater and dance companies. She has written concertos for such virtuosos as trumpeter Chris Gekker and flutist Elizabeth Mann; she has had premieres with St. Luke’s Chamber Ensemble, Singapore Symphony, Manhattan Chamber Orchestra and the Absolute Ensemble, conducted by Kristjan Järvi.

Gina Luria Walker is an intellectual historian who investigates alternatives to traditional accounts of the past. She is the Executive Director of The New Historia, whose mission is to present authoritative, multidisciplinary scholarship on women’s contributions to society, to broadcast these stories on a pioneering, interactive platform and at public events, and to reveal an alternative history that values the roles women have always played in human endeavors. Dr. Walker is a pioneer in the global project of feminist historical recovery of earlier women.

Lisa Metcalfe is a respected fashion and retail veteran with over 38 years of experience, having worked with companies from pre-revenue to $1B+ annually, with 2 to 20,000+ employees, and across men’s and women’s lines  Having had a rewarding 16-year corporate career, she left to create her own consulting business focusing on business operations and strategy for both corporate and independent brands for the past 22 years.She has taught and lectured at Parsons School of Design, FIT, Parsons Emilux program, NYU Stern graduate, and undergraduate programs.  Currently she is a mentor for the CFDA, as well as a founding member of the Board of Directors for Bethann Hardison Foundation. Beyond the business world, she has built community within the altruistic non-profit space, serving on the Fashion Advisory Board for Unshattered (a women-focused recovery program) and recently founding The Friends of Clinton (a  community based non-profit driving interest in the Town of Clinton). Lisa Metcalfe joins The New Historia team, as the Chair of the Foundation, bringing exceptional business acumen, leadership, and a commanding presence.