Petra Sittig Photography - Vienna, Austria
Petra Sittig Photography - Photoshoots for Artists and Professionals
Black and White Man Portraits True Crime & Investigative Journalism Podcast Cover (1).jpg

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."

 

Jon Mortimer: I saw the piano player in the middle of the band and I knew that's what I wanted to do

Jon Mortimer graduated from the Birmingham Conservatoire having studied composition, conducting and piano with the renowned concert pianist Frank Wibaut. He was always drawn to the diversity of music found in theatre, TV and film and directly after graduating in 1980, Jon served as Musical Director and Composer for the Birmingham Repertory Company. Productions included the play ‘The Triumph of Death’ in collaboration with the Royal Shakespeare Company for which he composed his first soundtrack. Throughout that decade he composed for modern ballet, theatre and television productions in the UK. As a pianist and keyboard player he played countless gigs, orchestral concerts and tours throughout Great Britain and abroad, and as a studio musician for radio, T.V. and commercial recordings.

In 1991 Jon moved to Hamburg and has since then conducted or played keyboards for many of the major Musicals in Germany including Cats, Phantom of the Opera, Fosse, Mamma Mia, Lion King and Sister Act.

Jon has arranged and orchestrated music for many concerts, events and Musical productions. Alone in 2023 he arranged the complete music for the Abbamania European tour, Sixties Girls which is running at the Capitol Theatre in Düsseldorf and orchestral arrangements for the Robert Schumann Orchestra and the Thüringen Philharmonie Gotha - Eisenach Christmas Concert. Other credits over the years include music for the The Hamburg Philharmonic Orchestra under Ingo Metzmacher, the Water Circus ‘Crescendo’ for Paris Euro Disney and the Musical ‘Teddy’, which was a commission from the Steiff Company.

Amongst his compositions is a Piano Concerto, 'Through A Passage Of Time' and the Musical ‘The Garden Behind the Moon’ which was staged with great success in Canada in 2004. 'Celtic Journey', for solo violin and orchestra was premiered in 2016 at the British Flair open air Proms Concert in Hamburg and repeated in 2019. He has also composed many production music tracks for media published and sold world wide by Music Revolution, Roba and Tree Of Arts Music Publishers.

https://www.jonmortimermusic.com/about.html




The artist's voicePetra SittigJon Mortimer, Composer, Conductor, German Musicals, Diversity of music in theatre, Birmingham Repertory Company Productions