When we examine archeological data from the seventh to fourth centuries BCE and texts by ancient writers, it is clear that women from various sectors of Ancient Greek society were involved with music either as amateurs or professionals. Women’s position in Ancient Greece varied depending on ethnicity or whether or not they were free or slaves. Though women generally lived relatively closed lives, the historical information available shows that playing music was a part of their lives, from cult ceremonies to wedding processions. For example, hetaerae who played musical instruments and sang for specifically male symposia had a professional relationship with music. Documents reveal details about the lives of women lyric performers, the most famous being Sappho. These women expressed both personal and social thoughts and feelings in their works.
The talk Women and Music in the Classical Age will take place on October 9 at Zuhal Müzik at Kanyon, with Dr. Işık Şahin, Esra Kayıkçı as guest speakers and Hülya Tunçağ as the moderator.
Moderator: Hülya Tunçağ
Speakers: Dr. Işık Şahin, Musician & Archeologist (MA) Esra Kayıkçı