10 Fascinating Facts You Might Not Know About Meredith Monk

Who is Meredith Monk? She is a fascinating artist with a distinguished career of accomplishments in numerous arts, including music, dance, film, and more. Recognized as one of the most unique and influential artists of our time, Meredith Monk is a pioneer in vocal skills/arts now called "extended vocal technique" and "interdisciplinary performance." Here are 10 fascinating facts you might not know about Meredith Monk:

• She wrote "Panda Chant II" for The Games—a "science-fiction musical spectacle about the perpetual re-enactment of social, pulitical and cultural hierarchies by human beings."
• She was the subject of a famous Robert Mapplethorpe photograph.
• In 2014, she celebrated 50 years of artistic contributions, which the New York Times noted in "A Singular World That Won't Fade Away."
• She once received a MacArthur Foundation "Genius" grant.
• She was one card in the set of 72 Supersisters trading cards.
• Her "Walking Song" was featured in the Coen Brothers' The Big Lebowski.
• She wrote and directed two award-winning films: Ellis Island (1981) and Book of Days (1988).
• Her Wikipedia entry is a treasure trove of all things Monk.
• In 2015, Meredith Monk was awarded the National Medal of Arts by U.S. President Barack Obama. This is the highest honor in the United States specifically given for achievement in the arts.
• Did we mention "Panda Chant II"? Here's another version. Watch and listen!

Meredith Monk taught Voice as Practice in April of 2018 at 1440 Multiversity.