Hysteria: A Song Cycle for Singer and Psychiatrist:

World première of a new work by Jocelyn Pook at Hoxton Hall on 14 July 7.30pm

Exploring anxiety, voice hearing and now hysteria, Jocelyn Pook presented the final part in her trilogy of works that probe mental health and wellbeing in its many manifestations, ‘Hysteria: A Song Cycle for Singer and Psychiatrist’, was commissioned by PS/Y and supported by the Wellcome Trust and Culture&. The work concluded the trilogy, which began with Hearing Voices in 2012 followed by the ‘Anxiety Fanfare and Variations for Voices and Ensemble’ commissioned for the 2014 Anxiety Arts Festival. The Hysteria song cycle recieved its world première at Hoxton Hall on 14 July. This groundbreaking new work is the final event in the PS/Y Hysteria programme, which over the past year has explored the impact of psychological trauma on the body in new commissions in visual art, dance and music.

The performers of ‘Hysteria: A Song Cycle for Singer and Psychiatrist’ are:

Melanie Pappenheim mezzo-soprano

Laura Moody cello/voice

Kate Shortt cello/voice

Jocelyn Pook viola/voice

Dragan Aleksić and Georgia Anderson Video work/visuals

Dr Stéphanie Courtade clinical advisor along with testimonies of others

‘Hysteria: A Song Cycle for Singer and Psychiatrist’ explores the impact of trauma and stress on the body through the testimonials of 10 people’s experiences of psychosomatic phenomena, alongside conversations with psychiatrist Dr Stéphanie Courtade who has been both clinical advisor and participant in the work. Scored for mezzo-soprano, viola, two cellos and recorded voices, with an accompanying video work by Dragan Aleksić and Georgia Anderson, the music explores health, illness and wellbeing and the relationship between mind and body in contemporary society. The performance was followed by a Q & A with the composer Jocelyn Pook, Dr Stéphanie Courtade, chaired by artistic director of Culture& and PS/Y Errol Francis.