Heartsong lectures and concert

'Heartsong of Charging Elk' inspires lectures and concertThe symposium will explore the themes of displacement, intercultural collision and accommodation in Welch’s last novel about Lakota warriors transported to France in the late 19th century by “Buffalo Bill’s Wild West” show as players of themselves. The event also will celebrate the work of the late, 20th century writer and Blackfeet/Gros Ventre.

The lecture series will include talks by: noted Plains Indian anthropologist, linguist and editor of “Black Elk Speaks,” Raymond J. DeMallie; historian of the American West and author of “Buffalo Bill’s America,” Louis S. Warren; Native American studies professor and author of the forthcoming “’Killed Beyond Recognition:’ The Writings of James Welch,” Kathryn W. Shanley (Assiniboine-Sioux); and a conversation about the novel with Lois Welch, professor emerita of English, research collaborator and life partner of the late author.

The week will conclude with an original musical performance of “The Heartsong of Charging Elk” for four voices and a 10-piece chamber ensemble by internationally acclaimed Seattle composer and musician Wayne Horvitz, composer/songwriter Robin Holcomb and Pulitzer finalist, writer/director Rinde Eckert.Comment:  For more on James Welch, see Welch's Book to Become Movie.