Petra Sittig Photography - Photoshoots for Artists and Professionals
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The artist's voice -Podcast

The Artist's voice is a platform for artists to talk about and showcase their form of art. Inviting all artists to express their love for what they do and use this platform to give an insight into their world. All dancers, choreographers, teachers, musicians, singers, composers, creators of art; this is the place to show and tell.

The Artist’s voice

Inspired during the initial COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020, my project was sparked by witnessing the struggles of my children, ballet dancers at the Vienna State Opera, unable to practice their craft due to isolation. Initially a small photography endeavor, capturing artists at their windows, it swiftly transformed into a symbol of solidarity for the arts community.

The repercussions of this pandemic will echo throughout the artistic and cultural sectors for years to come. Thus, I felt compelled to shed light on the plight of creative individuals and organizations, advocating for their recognition and support. Through this project, I aimed to amplify artists' voices, offering a platform for their stories and perspectives. If they can't grace the stage, they should still be seen and heard.

Vienna, a bastion of culture, served as a fitting backdrop for my efforts, with its rich artistic heritage and diverse community. I've photographed over 500 artists, including musicians, dancers, and opera stars, alongside ambassadors from various nations, all standing in solidarity with Vienna's artistic community.

The arts, often overlooked, are integral to society's fabric, shaping our collective identity and enriching our lives. They transcend language and borders, offering solace and inspiration in times of turmoil. By spotlighting Vienna's cultural legacy, I hope to instill a greater appreciation for the arts worldwide. Moreover, I've witnessed firsthand the resilience of artists in the face of adversity. Despite canceled performances and financial hardships, their unwavering passion for their craft fuels a newfound creativity. Their optimism is palpable, radiating hope through every photograph.

Through this project, I aim to educate future generations on the importance of the arts, advocating for its integration into education systems worldwide. By nurturing creativity and fostering appreciation for the arts, we can build a more empathetic and harmonious society.Ultimately, my goal is to spark dialogue and action, ensuring that the arts and artists are valued and supported in our modern world. Through interviews with artists globally, I seek to understand their experiences and explore solutions for securing the future of the arts.

In essence, this project is a testament to the resilience and vitality of the human spirit, as embodied by artists around the world. Their stories remind us of the transformative power of art and the boundless possibilities it offers for a brighter future."

 

Erik Della Penna - Music and lyrics connect with us emotionally and intellectually.

Erik Della Penna is a multifaceted composer, lyricist, and guitarist whose talents have graced over 60 albums spanning rock, pop, and Americana genres. With a prolific career, Erik has created and recorded seven albums of original songs with his “metropolitan folk duo,” Kill Henry Sugar, alongside drummer and producer Dean Sharenow. This collaboration has highlighted Erik’s unique ability to blend storytelling with diverse musical influences, creating a sound that is distinctly their own.

In addition to his work with Kill Henry Sugar, Erik has made significant contributions to musical theatre. He wrote two children's musicals: Toby and the Big Top, produced by Walden Media, and Kitty Hawk, which is regularly performed at the Adrienne Arsht Center. His versatility extends to film scoring as well; Erik composed the score for the Netflix documentary Tree Man and has contributed songs to numerous other documentaries and television shows, showcasing his ability to adapt his musical style to a variety of contexts and themes.

Erik is also known for his work with Hazmat Modine, where his sharp songwriting skills and mastery of the guitar and banjo come to the forefront. In recent years, he has been on a creative solo journey, releasing two LPs in as many years, further establishing his reputation as a versatile and innovative artist.

In a recent venture, Erik teamed up with fellow musician David Yazbek to co-create an original musical, Dead Outlaw, which premiered on March 10th, 2024, at the Minetta Lane Theater in the West Village. This musical comedy tells the fascinating true story of Elmer McCurdy, an outlaw from the late 1800s whose mummified remains had an unexpected second life that continued into the 1970s. The songs in Dead Outlaw reflect Erik and David's deep exploration of themes such as mortality, celebrity, and the peculiarities of American culture, combining wit and poignancy in a memorable theatrical experience.

Through all these varied projects, Erik Della Penna has demonstrated a remarkable ability to traverse musical genres and storytelling forms, making him a distinctive voice in contemporary music and theatre.

https://www.erikdellapenna.com/bio