A Requiem for Water

Vidita Kanniks is a multi-faceted vocalist whose work primarily traverses chamber ensemble music & historical performance. With her dual background in Indian and Western classical music she aims to engage in unique, personal projects that challenge cultural and musical boundaries. Recent endeavors include her work on ‘East is East’, an artist residency and album release with Montreal-based ensemble Infusion Baroque, her collaboration with contemporary composer and drag artist Gabriel Dharmoo on his solo mixed-media show, ‘Bijuriya’, and her recording work with Earth World Collaborative’s ‘For the Humming World’.

Vidita has been recognized by audiences around the globe for her collaborative work with her father, Dr. Kanniks Kannikeswaran. She has studied both within the Hindustani and Carnatic musical traditions, particularly in the Dhrupad style of vocal technique and interpretation. Her unprecedented interdisciplinary work in this area paired with her sensitive musicianship and affinity for language has led her to gain attention through social media content and live performances across the United States and internationally. An avid choral singer, Vidita has performed with Grammy-nominated ensemble Seraphic Fire, Cincinnati Vocal Arts Ensemble, Cincinnati Bach Ensemble and Collegium Cincinnati. She holds Bachelor’s degrees in Vocal Performance and Music History from the University of Cincinnati-CCM (2018) and a Master’s degree in Early Music Performance from McGill University in Montreal (2020).

Jim Feist began his training in tabla in 1990. He has studied with Ustad Allah Rakha and Pandit Yogesh Samsi, and he has been teaching tabla courses at the College- Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati since 2011. He has been a guest lecturer at Marshall University, Rowan University, Washington University, Mount St. Joseph University, and Taylor University, to name a few.

Jim has played on dozens of albums and has performed all over the world. His music has been used in major motion pictures as well as television, and his work can be heard on the Travel Channel and National Geographic, among others.

Cory Christopher is Director of Conservation at the Cincinnati Nature Center. Cory earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in ecology from the University of Georgia and a PhD in plant ecology from the University of Cincinnati. After completing post-doctoral work at Washington University in St. Louis, he returned to Cincinnati to serve as Graduate and School Programs manager for the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. Before coming to the Cincinnati Nature Center, Cory worked for the University of Cincinnati as Director of UC Forward, facilitating collaborative community action projects. He also served as the university’s Director of Undergraduate Research. As Director of Conservation, Cory pulls from these academic and professional experiences to facilitate collaborative conservation efforts aimed at protecting native ecosystems across the Cincinnati/Tri-State region.

After earning a B.S. in Biology and Environmental Studies from the University of Cincinnati, Beth Himburg spent time working in community organizing, invasive species research, and outdoor recreation. She has spent her career leading teams as a people and project manager as well as a community coordinator. Passionate about native plants, diverse ecosystems, and building resilient and connected communities, she enjoys participating in events benefiting many of our local environmental organizations. When not at work Beth enjoys traveling, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, baking, playing music, and spending time outside with friends. She is currently a graduate student studying natural resource management through Harvard’s Division of Continuing Education.

Kristen Woods (she/her) has spent over ten years working for local nonprofit institutions, starting her career at the Cincinnati Museum Center and before WAVE, the Girl Scouts of Western Ohio. She is a University of Cincinnati graduate with a background in Art Education and has spent most of her career in museum education, program management, and volunteer administration. Kristen has proudly served as the President of the Cincinnati Association of Volunteer Administrators for the past two year and is also a lifetime member (and volunteer) of the Girl Scouts. Kristen is passionate about conservation, education, and volunteerism and hopes to inspire all generations to get involved in conservation initiatives locally, nationally, and internationally.