The Merian Ensemble is a chamber music group composed of ASO musicians Elisabeth Remy Johnson, Christina Smith, Emily Brebach, Marci Gurnow, and Jessica Oudin. The ensemble is dedicated to "Listen: Works by Women," an initiative to perform and commission chamber music composed by women, in order to support and spotlight existing music and create demand for more. This event is made possible by the James T. and Ella Rather Kirk Fund, established by alumna and trustee Mary Wallace Kirk `11 in honor of her parents and meant to enrich the programs of art, history, literature, music and philosophy on campus.

The Merian Ensemble’s name honors the genius of Maria Sybilla Merian (1647-1717), a brilliant scientist and artist who created intricately beautiful drawings in order to examine and illuminate the tiniest details of metamorphosis. Her work, which preceded that of Linnaeus and Darwin, exhibits the same qualities of intellectual rigor and discovery, but enjoyed a fraction of the contemporary acclaim or celebrated legacy. Her story fuels the group’s passion for bringing obscured compositions to light, and their determination to celebrate the women composing today. 

THESE COVID SAFETY PROTOCOLS MUST BE OBSERVED: Off campus guests must provide proof of vaccination + booster upon arrival. Masks are mandatory indoors at all times. KN95 or N95 masks strongly recommended. Campus community members, please bring your ID with you for faster check-in.