IWP Cusco Conference - Andean Culture Through the Eyes of an Ethnomusicologist - Holly Wissler

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• published: 30 May 2014
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IWP Cusco Conference - 28th April 2014 Andean Culture through the Eyes of an Ethnomusicologist Dr. Holly Wissler, in conjunction with invited guests from the remote highland Quechua community of Q’eros, will talk about and demonstrate the deep meaning behind ritual music in the Andes. Through the lens of Q’eros’ music we learn about Andean belief system, ecological environment, and spiritual connection to the earth and mountain gods. Originally from Iowa, Holly Wissler has worked as an adventure travel guide in the Andes of Peru since 1982 and the Himalayas of Nepal since 1987. Holly is invited as guest speaker for various university study abroad programs and Lindblad/National Geographic Expeditions. She is the Director of the Study Abroad music/cultural program in Peru for the “Center for World Music,” NGO with headquarters in San Diego. Holly speaks fluent Spanish and Quechua. Holly holds two master’s degrees, Flute Performance and Music History from the University of Idaho, and a PhD in Ethnomusicology on the musical rituals of the Quechua community of Q’eros. For her PhD research Holly was awarded a Fulbright-Hays doctoral dissertation research abroad fellowship. Holly has published numerous articles on the Q’eros (in both Spanish and English), and is adept at creating meaningful cultural exchanges between the indigenous Q’eros and visitors to Peru. She is the producer of the video documentary Qoyllur Rit’i: A Woman’s Journey (1998), about Qoyllur Rit’i, the largest pilgrimage festival in the Peruvian Andes and her inside role as mayordoma (sponsor) of a dance group. She also produced the documentary Kusisqa Waqashayku (“From Grief and Joy We Sing”) about the Q’eros musical rituals. This documentary, with viewing options in Quechua, Spanish and English, shows a year cycle of musical rituals in Q’eros, and briefly discusses modernization and change. Both DVDs are available at: www.qerosmusic.com. www.internationalwealthplanners.com