The linking of two opposing ideas in the title of soprano Jane Sheldon’s flowermuscle sums up the spirit of this performance.

The delicacy and ephemeral nature of a flower is combined with the power and endurance of muscle in this collection of seven short songs presented in a solo recital by Sheldon.

It is also an analogy for her voice which, with its agility and pure tones, is the epitome of fragile strength. Seemingly a contradiction in terms, listen to Sheldon sing and you’ll know what I mean.

In flowermuscle, Sheldon brings the music she has composed to the sensuous and profound words of the Austrian poet Rainer Maria Rilke. Her collaborators in this live performance are audio artist Bob Scott, lighting designer Fausto Brusamolino and choreographic consultant Danielle Micich. Her costumes are by designer Kevina-Jo Smith. 

Sheldon sings in German. Text and English translations are provided ahead online and in a program on entry so that we may join her journey; relish the coalescence of words and music in the subtly lit performance space; or ditch the words and simply watch, hear and be immersed in this visceral experience.