<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>Segerstrom Center for the Arts Archives - Cultural Attaché</title> <atom:link href="https://culturalattache.co/tag/segerstrom-center-for-the-arts/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://culturalattache.co/tag/segerstrom-center-for-the-arts/</link> <description>The Guide to Arts and Culture events in and around Los Angeles</description> <lastBuildDate>Sat, 15 Feb 2025 00:31:57 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2</generator> <item> <title>Best Bets: February 17th – February 23rd</title> <link>https://culturalattache.co/2025/02/17/best-bets-february-17th-february-23rd/</link> <comments>https://culturalattache.co/2025/02/17/best-bets-february-17th-february-23rd/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Craig Byrd]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 17 Feb 2025 08:01:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Music]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Stage]]></category> <category><![CDATA[What's Hot]]></category> <category><![CDATA[3 Summers of Lincoln]]></category> <category><![CDATA[92nd Street Y]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Adoration]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Christopher Ashley]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Claybourne Elder]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Crystal Monee Hall]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Daniel J. Watts]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ekaterina Gubanova]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Feinstein's at The Nikko]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Gustav Mahler]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Gustavo Dudamel]]></category> <category><![CDATA[If The Stars Were Mine]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Joe DiPietro]]></category> <category><![CDATA[La Jolla Playhouse]]></category> <category><![CDATA[LA Opera]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Los Angeles Philharmonic]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mahler Grooves Festival]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mary Kouyoumdjian]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Max Roach at 100]]></category> <category><![CDATA[REDCAT]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Royce Vivrek]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sandbox Percussion]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sasha Cooke]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Segerstrom Center for the Arts]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Simon Keenlyside]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Tyshawn Sorey]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://culturalattache.co/?p=21230</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>With the holiday weekend in the United States, this week’s Best Bets truly begin on Tuesday the 18th. But why break tradition now? Here are my Best Bets: February 17th – February 23rd: 3 SUMMERS OF LINCOLN – La Jolla Playhouse – February 18th – March 30th Another world premiere musical from the La Jolla Playhouse. 3 Summers of […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2025/02/17/best-bets-february-17th-february-23rd/">Best Bets: February 17th – February 23rd</a> appeared first on <a href="https://culturalattache.co">Cultural Attaché</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>With the holiday weekend in the United States, this week’s Best Bets truly begin on Tuesday the 18<sup>th</sup>. But why break tradition now? Here are my Best Bets: February 17<sup>th</sup> – February 23<sup>rd</sup>:</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Quentin-Earl-Darrington-and-Ivan-Hernandez-in-rehearsal-for-223-Summers-of-Lincoln22-Photo-by-Rich-Soublet-II-Courtesy-La-Jolla-Playhouse-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21238" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Quentin-Earl-Darrington-and-Ivan-Hernandez-in-rehearsal-for-223-Summers-of-Lincoln22-Photo-by-Rich-Soublet-II-Courtesy-La-Jolla-Playhouse-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Quentin-Earl-Darrington-and-Ivan-Hernandez-in-rehearsal-for-223-Summers-of-Lincoln22-Photo-by-Rich-Soublet-II-Courtesy-La-Jolla-Playhouse-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Quentin-Earl-Darrington-and-Ivan-Hernandez-in-rehearsal-for-223-Summers-of-Lincoln22-Photo-by-Rich-Soublet-II-Courtesy-La-Jolla-Playhouse-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Quentin-Earl-Darrington-and-Ivan-Hernandez-in-rehearsal-for-223-Summers-of-Lincoln22-Photo-by-Rich-Soublet-II-Courtesy-La-Jolla-Playhouse-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Quentin-Earl-Darrington-and-Ivan-Hernandez-in-rehearsal-for-223-Summers-of-Lincoln22-Photo-by-Rich-Soublet-II-Courtesy-La-Jolla-Playhouse-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Quentin-Earl-Darrington-and-Ivan-Hernandez-in-rehearsal-for-223-Summers-of-Lincoln22-Photo-by-Rich-Soublet-II-Courtesy-La-Jolla-Playhouse-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Quentin-Earl-Darrington-and-Ivan-Hernandez-in-rehearsal-for-223-Summers-of-Lincoln22-Photo-by-Rich-Soublet-II-Courtesy-La-Jolla-Playhouse-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Quentin-Earl-Darrington-and-Ivan-Hernandez-in-rehearsal-for-223-Summers-of-Lincoln22-Photo-by-Rich-Soublet-II-Courtesy-La-Jolla-Playhouse.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Quentin Earl Darrington and Ivan Hernandez in rehearsal for “3 Summers of Lincoln.” (Photo by Rich Soublet II/Courtesy La Jolla Playhouse)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong><em>3 SUMMERS OF LINCOLN</em></strong> – La Jolla Playhouse – February 18<sup>th</sup> – March 30<sup>th</sup></p> <p>Another world premiere musical from the La Jolla Playhouse. <em>3 Summers of Lincoln</em> takes place during a time where our nation was deeply polarized. Though it could be set in the present, it takes place during the American Civil War.</p> <p>At the center of this musical are President Abraham Lincoln (Ivan Hernandez) and Frederick Douglass (Quentin Earl Darrington). The 3 summers of the title refer to the three meetings that the men had over the course of three years.</p> <p>The book is by Joe DiPietro (<em>Memphis</em>) and he co-wrote lyrics with Daniel J. Watts (who appeared as “Ike” in the musical <em>Tina</em>). The music is by Crystal Monee Hall (Crystal in the off-broadway production of <em>Hell’s Kitchen</em>). Christopher Ashley (<em>Come From Away</em>) directs.</p> <p>The cast includes Eric Anderson, Carmen Cusack, John-Andrew Morrison and Saycon Sengbloh.</p> <p>For tickets and more information, please go <a href="https://lajollaplayhouse.org/show/3-summers-of-lincoln/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HERE</a>.</p> <p><strong><em>ADORATION</em></strong> – LA Opera at REDCAT – Los Angeles, CA – February 19<sup>th</sup> – February 23<sup>rd</sup></p> <figure class="wp-block-embed alignleft is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <iframe title="Adoration - Feb. 19 to 23" width="696" height="392" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/33wY64jo77s?start=6&feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div></figure> <p>The world premiere of this opera by composer Mary Kouyoumdjian and librettist Royce Vavrek took place at New York’s Prototype Festival in January of 2024. It is based on Atom Egoyan’s 2008 film.</p> <p>Now the production comes to Los Angeles with James Demler, Roy Hage, Miriam Khalil, David Adam Moore, Omar Najmi and the always impressive Naomi Louisa O’Connell. Laine Rettmer directs.</p> <p>Last year I interviewed Kouyoumdjian about <em>Adoration</em>. I encourage you to check out what she had to say about her opera <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2024/01/12/mary-kouyoumdjian-and-her-first-opera/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HERE</a>. It is not an easy work due to intense themes. The interview will make that clear.</p> <p>For tickets and more information, please go <a href="https://laopera.org/performances/2025/adoration" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HERE</a>.</p> <p><strong><em>MAHLER GROOVES FESTIVAL</em></strong> – Los Angeles Philharmonic – Los Angeles, CA – February 19<sup>th</sup> – March 9<sup>th</sup></p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img decoding="async" width="169" height="300" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Gustav-Mahler-Courtesy-New-York-Public-Library-Archives-Digital-Collections-1-169x300.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21237" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Gustav-Mahler-Courtesy-New-York-Public-Library-Archives-Digital-Collections-1-169x300.jpg 169w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Gustav-Mahler-Courtesy-New-York-Public-Library-Archives-Digital-Collections-1-576x1024.jpg 576w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Gustav-Mahler-Courtesy-New-York-Public-Library-Archives-Digital-Collections-1-768x1365.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Gustav-Mahler-Courtesy-New-York-Public-Library-Archives-Digital-Collections-1-864x1536.jpg 864w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Gustav-Mahler-Courtesy-New-York-Public-Library-Archives-Digital-Collections-1-696x1237.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Gustav-Mahler-Courtesy-New-York-Public-Library-Archives-Digital-Collections-1-1068x1899.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Gustav-Mahler-Courtesy-New-York-Public-Library-Archives-Digital-Collections-1-236x420.jpg 236w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Gustav-Mahler-Courtesy-New-York-Public-Library-Archives-Digital-Collections-1.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 169px) 100vw, 169px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Gustav Mahler (Courtesy New York Public Library Archives Digital Collections)</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Los Angeles is the place to be for fans of Gustav Mahler. For three weeks, Gustavo Dudamel leads the orchestra in three different programs:</p> <p><em><a href="https://www.laphil.com/events/performances/3077/2025-02-20/gustavo-conducts-mahlers-journey" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gustavo Conducts Mahler’s Journey</a></em> (February 20<sup>th</sup> – 23<sup>rd</sup>) has Mahler’s <em>Blumine</em>, the adagio from the composer’s <em>Symphony No. 10 </em>and musical poems from <em>Des Knaben Wunderhorn</em> on the program. Mezzo-soprano Ekaterina Gubanova and baritone Simon Keenlyside<em> </em>are the soloists.</p> <p><em><a href="https://www.laphil.com/events/performances/3082/2025-02-27/dudamel-conducts-mahlers-seventh" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dudamel Conducts Mahler’s Seventh</a></em> is performed February 27<sup>th</sup> – March 1<sup>st</sup>.</p> <p><em><a href="https://www.laphil.com/events/performances/3086/2025-03-06/mahlers-fifth-with-dudamel" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mahler’s Fifth with Dudamel</a></em> (March 6<sup>th</sup> – March 9<sup>th</sup>) opens with Alma Mahler’s <em>Five Songs</em> performed with mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke. The second half of the program is Mahler’s <em>Symphony No. 5</em>.</p> <p>There are outside events including a <em><a href="https://www.laphil.com/events/performances/3569/2025-02-19/mahler-grooves-listening-party" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mahler Grooves Listening Party</a></em> on February 19<sup>th</sup> and a <em><a href="https://www.laphil.com/events/festivals-highlights/93" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mahlerthon</a></em> on March 2<sup>nd</sup>.</p> <p>For tickets and more information, click on the names of the events listed above.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Claybourne-Elder-Courtesy-Segerstrom-Center-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21234" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Claybourne-Elder-Courtesy-Segerstrom-Center-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Claybourne-Elder-Courtesy-Segerstrom-Center-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Claybourne-Elder-Courtesy-Segerstrom-Center-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Claybourne-Elder-Courtesy-Segerstrom-Center-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Claybourne-Elder-Courtesy-Segerstrom-Center-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Claybourne-Elder-Courtesy-Segerstrom-Center-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Claybourne-Elder-Courtesy-Segerstrom-Center-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Claybourne-Elder-Courtesy-Segerstrom-Center.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Claybourne Elder (Courtesy Segerstrom Center for the Arts)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong><em>CLAYBOURNE ELDER: IF THE STARS WERE MINE</em> </strong>– Segerstrom Center for the Arts – Costa Mesa, CA – February 20<sup>th</sup> – February 22<sup>nd</sup>; Feinstein’s at the Nikko – San Francisco, CA – February 28<sup>th</sup> and March 1st</p> <p>Broadway’s Claybourne Elder brings his part-cabaret, part-comedy show <em>If The Stars Were Mine</em> to California. In the show, Elder explores life, sex, career and parenting through a combination of songs and humor.</p> <p>Elder most recently appeared on Broadway in the 2021 revival of <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2021/11/29/my-friend-steve-sondheim/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stephen Sondheim</a>’s <em>Company</em>. He also appeared in the 2017 revival of Sondheim’s <em>Sunday in the Park with George</em>.</p> <p>But you won’t get just Sondheim songs (though how great would that be?). He promises some Whitney Houston and songs from the Great American Songbook.</p> <p>His accompanist and music director is Rodney Bush.</p> <p>Check back for my interview with Elder later this week.</p> <p>For tickets and more information at Segerstrom Center please go <a href="https://www.scfta.org/events/2025/claybourne-elder" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HERE</a>. For tickets at Feinstein’s at the Nikko on February 28<sup>th</sup> please go <a href="https://www.feinsteinssf.com/tm-event/claybourne-elder/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HERE</a>. For March 1<sup>st</sup>, please go <a href="https://www.feinsteinssf.com/tm-event/claybourne-elder-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HERE</a>.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Tyshawn-Sorey-and-Sandbox-Percussion-Courtesy-92nd-Street-Y-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21235" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Tyshawn-Sorey-and-Sandbox-Percussion-Courtesy-92nd-Street-Y-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Tyshawn-Sorey-and-Sandbox-Percussion-Courtesy-92nd-Street-Y-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Tyshawn-Sorey-and-Sandbox-Percussion-Courtesy-92nd-Street-Y-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Tyshawn-Sorey-and-Sandbox-Percussion-Courtesy-92nd-Street-Y-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Tyshawn-Sorey-and-Sandbox-Percussion-Courtesy-92nd-Street-Y-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Tyshawn-Sorey-and-Sandbox-Percussion-Courtesy-92nd-Street-Y-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Tyshawn-Sorey-and-Sandbox-Percussion-Courtesy-92nd-Street-Y-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Tyshawn-Sorey-and-Sandbox-Percussion-Courtesy-92nd-Street-Y.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Tyshawn Sorey and Sandbox Percussion (Courtesy 92nd Street Y)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong><em>MAX ROACH AT 100: TYSHAWN SOREY TRIO & SANDBOX PERCUSSION</em></strong> – 92<sup>nd</sup> Street Y – New York, NY – February 21<sup>st</sup> <em>Streaming Option Available</em></p> <p>Pulitzer Prize winner Tyshawn Sorey celebrates the centenary of drummer/composer Max Roach. Sorey is joined by pianist <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2019/02/15/aaron-diehl-plays-rhapsodies-in-deux/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aaron Diehl</a> and bassist Harish Raghavan.</p> <p>Also performing is Sandbox Percussion. A truly apt ensemble to commemorate Roach.</p> <p>The program will include Julius Eastman’s <em>Joy Boy</em>; George Lewis’ <em>Le témoignange des lumières (The Testimony of Lights)</em>, Omar Clay and Warren Smith’s <em>Morning/Midday</em> and Sorey’s <em>Cogitations</em>.</p> <p>If you’re in New York you can attend in person. If not, the concert will be available for streaming. For either ticket and more information, please go <a href="https://www.92ny.org/event/max-roach-at-100" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HERE</a>.</p> <p>That’s my Best Bets: February 17<sup>th</sup> – February 23<sup>rd</sup>.</p> <p>Enjoy your week and go see a show!</p> <p>Main Photo<em>: Adoration</em> at the 2024 Prototype Festival (Photo by Maria Baranova/Courtesy LA Opera)</p> <p>The post <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2025/02/17/best-bets-february-17th-february-23rd/">Best Bets: February 17th – February 23rd</a> appeared first on <a href="https://culturalattache.co">Cultural Attaché</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://culturalattache.co/2025/02/17/best-bets-february-17th-february-23rd/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>BEST BETS: FEBRUARY 10th – FEBRUARY 16th</title> <link>https://culturalattache.co/2025/02/10/best-bets-february-10th-february-16th/</link> <comments>https://culturalattache.co/2025/02/10/best-bets-february-10th-february-16th/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Craig Byrd]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 10 Feb 2025 16:00:33 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Music]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Stage]]></category> <category><![CDATA[What's Hot]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Beethoven]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Bernadette Peters]]></category> <category><![CDATA[BroadStage]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Bryan Wagorn]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Center Theatre Group]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Chautauqua at 150: Wynton Marsalis' All Rise]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Fidelio]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Harris Theater for Music and Dance]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jessie Montgomery]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Kennedy Center]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Lea Salonga]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Lise Davidsen]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Metropolitan Opera]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Miami City Ballet]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Modlin Center for the Arts]]></category> <category><![CDATA[New York City Center]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Old Friends]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Pam Tanowitz]]></category> <category><![CDATA[PBS]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Philip Glass]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Segerstrom Center for the Arts]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Stephen Sondheim]]></category> <category><![CDATA[The Soraya]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Third Coast Percussion]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Twyla Tharp Dance Diamond Jubilee Featuring Third Coast Percussion]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Winter Mix]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://culturalattache.co/?p=21181</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Lea Salonga and Bernadette Peters head a cast of Stephen Sondheim's "Old Friends"</p> <p>The post <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2025/02/10/best-bets-february-10th-february-16th/">BEST BETS: FEBRUARY 10th – FEBRUARY 16th</a> appeared first on <a href="https://culturalattache.co">Cultural Attaché</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>This week’s Best Bets: February 10th – February 16th finds a world-class soprano making her final recital of the year, a tribute to a Broadway legend (with a few legends appearing), some groundbreaking dance and music that will make you all rise.</p> <p>Here are my Best Bets: February 10th – February 16th:</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Lise-Davidsen-photo-by-Frederik-Arff-Courtesy-MWA-Management-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21183" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Lise-Davidsen-photo-by-Frederik-Arff-Courtesy-MWA-Management-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Lise-Davidsen-photo-by-Frederik-Arff-Courtesy-MWA-Management-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Lise-Davidsen-photo-by-Frederik-Arff-Courtesy-MWA-Management-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Lise-Davidsen-photo-by-Frederik-Arff-Courtesy-MWA-Management-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Lise-Davidsen-photo-by-Frederik-Arff-Courtesy-MWA-Management-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Lise-Davidsen-photo-by-Frederik-Arff-Courtesy-MWA-Management-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Lise-Davidsen-photo-by-Frederik-Arff-Courtesy-MWA-Management-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Lise-Davidsen-photo-by-Frederik-Arff-Courtesy-MWA-Management.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lise Davidsen (Photo by Fredrik Arff/Courtesy MWA Management)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong><em>LISE DAVIDSEN RECITAL</em></strong> – BroadStage – Santa Monica, CA – February 11th</p> <p>There’s good news for <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2023/09/13/lise-davidsen-has-the-keys-to-the-metropolitan-opera/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lise Davidsen</a>: She’s expecting twins. The bad news for opera fans is she’s cancelling all engagements after she appears in Beethoven’s <em>Fidelio</em> at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. </p> <p>The good news for fans in Los Angeles is she has only one recital on her schedule and it takes place February 11<sup>th</sup> at the BroadStage in Santa Monica.</p> <p>I saw her there in 2023 and she was mind-blowing. This recital, which includes works by Grieg, Purcell, Verdi, Strauss, Schubert and Wagner (including the <em>Liebestod</em> from <em>Tristan und Isolde</em>) finds Davidsen accompanied by pianist Bryan Wagorn.</p> <p>For tickets (and there aren’t many left) and more information, please go <a href="https://broadstage.org/tickets-shows/calendar/lise-davidsen/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HERE</a>.</p> <p>The production of <em>Fidelio </em>runs March 4<sup>th</sup> – March 15<sup>th</sup>. You can get tickets and more information <a href="https://www.metopera.org/season/2024-25-season/fidelio/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HERE</a>. The last performance on March 15<sup>th</sup> will be screened in cinemas around the world in the Met’s <em>Live in HD</em> series. You can find your theater and get tickets <a href="https://www.metopera.org/season/in-cinemas/2024-25-season/fidelio/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HERE</a>.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/The-company-of-22Old-Friends22-Photo-by-Danny-Kaan-Courtesy-Center-Theatre-Group-1-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21185" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/The-company-of-22Old-Friends22-Photo-by-Danny-Kaan-Courtesy-Center-Theatre-Group-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/The-company-of-22Old-Friends22-Photo-by-Danny-Kaan-Courtesy-Center-Theatre-Group-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/The-company-of-22Old-Friends22-Photo-by-Danny-Kaan-Courtesy-Center-Theatre-Group-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/The-company-of-22Old-Friends22-Photo-by-Danny-Kaan-Courtesy-Center-Theatre-Group-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/The-company-of-22Old-Friends22-Photo-by-Danny-Kaan-Courtesy-Center-Theatre-Group-1-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/The-company-of-22Old-Friends22-Photo-by-Danny-Kaan-Courtesy-Center-Theatre-Group-1-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/The-company-of-22Old-Friends22-Photo-by-Danny-Kaan-Courtesy-Center-Theatre-Group-1-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/The-company-of-22Old-Friends22-Photo-by-Danny-Kaan-Courtesy-Center-Theatre-Group-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The company of “Old Friends” (Photo by Danny Kaan/Courtesy Center Theatre Group)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong><em>OLD FRIENDS</em></strong> – Ahmanson Theatre – Los Angeles, CA – Now – March 9th</p> <p>This tribute to Stephen Sondheim began its life as a one-night only concert in London in 2022, less than a year after his passing. An immediate sell-out, it was then remounted with some new cast members and ran for 16 weeks on the West End in 2023. Bernadette Peters, who appeared in the concert, returned to the show where she was joined by Leo Salonga.</p> <p><em>Old Friends</em> is on its way to Broadway, but Los Angeles gets to see the show first and Peters and Salonga are amongst the London cast that have returned. Amongst those in the show are Beth Leavel, Gavin Lee, Joanna Riding and Jeremy Secomb.</p> <p>Sondheim fans will NOT want to miss this.</p> <p>The New York run begins March 25<sup>th</sup> at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. Opening night is scheduled for April 8<sup>th</sup>.</p> <p>For tickets and more information for Los Angeles, please go <a href="https://www.centertheatregroup.org/shows-tickets/ahmanson/2024-25/stephen-sondheims-old-friends/#info" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HERE</a>. For tickets and more information for New York, please go <a href="https://www.manhattantheatreclub.com/shows/24-25-season/stephen-sondheims-old-friends/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HERE</a>.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/22All-Rise22-performance-photo-by-Katie-Graham-Photography-Courtesy-PBS-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21189" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/22All-Rise22-performance-photo-by-Katie-Graham-Photography-Courtesy-PBS-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/22All-Rise22-performance-photo-by-Katie-Graham-Photography-Courtesy-PBS-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/22All-Rise22-performance-photo-by-Katie-Graham-Photography-Courtesy-PBS-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/22All-Rise22-performance-photo-by-Katie-Graham-Photography-Courtesy-PBS-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/22All-Rise22-performance-photo-by-Katie-Graham-Photography-Courtesy-PBS-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/22All-Rise22-performance-photo-by-Katie-Graham-Photography-Courtesy-PBS-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/22All-Rise22-performance-photo-by-Katie-Graham-Photography-Courtesy-PBS-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/22All-Rise22-performance-photo-by-Katie-Graham-Photography-Courtesy-PBS.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">“All Rise” performance (Photo by Katie Graham Photography/Courtesy PBS)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong><em>CHAUTAUQUA AT 150: WYNTON MARSALIS’ ALL RISE</em></strong> – PBS – Check Local Listings</p> <p><em>All Rise</em>, a powerful jazz symphony by Wynton Marsalis, had its world premiere in December 1999. I saw this amazing work at the Hollywood Bowl in 2022. You now have the chance to see a documentary that features <em>All Rise</em> on PBS and the full work on PBS Passport. I encourage you to do so.</p> <p>Chautaqua Institution is in New York and has an annual summer season. </p> <p>This documentary celebrates their 150<sup>th</sup> year!</p> <p>The documentary is scheduled to begin airing on February 11<sup>th</sup>. Check your local listings.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Pam-Tanowitz-and-Hannah-fischer-rehearsing-22Coincident-Dances22-Photo-©Alexaner-Izilaev-Courtesy-MIami-City-Ballet-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21188" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Pam-Tanowitz-and-Hannah-fischer-rehearsing-22Coincident-Dances22-Photo-©Alexaner-Izilaev-Courtesy-MIami-City-Ballet-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Pam-Tanowitz-and-Hannah-fischer-rehearsing-22Coincident-Dances22-Photo-©Alexaner-Izilaev-Courtesy-MIami-City-Ballet-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Pam-Tanowitz-and-Hannah-fischer-rehearsing-22Coincident-Dances22-Photo-©Alexaner-Izilaev-Courtesy-MIami-City-Ballet-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Pam-Tanowitz-and-Hannah-fischer-rehearsing-22Coincident-Dances22-Photo-©Alexaner-Izilaev-Courtesy-MIami-City-Ballet-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Pam-Tanowitz-and-Hannah-fischer-rehearsing-22Coincident-Dances22-Photo-©Alexaner-Izilaev-Courtesy-MIami-City-Ballet-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Pam-Tanowitz-and-Hannah-fischer-rehearsing-22Coincident-Dances22-Photo-©Alexaner-Izilaev-Courtesy-MIami-City-Ballet-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Pam-Tanowitz-and-Hannah-fischer-rehearsing-22Coincident-Dances22-Photo-©Alexaner-Izilaev-Courtesy-MIami-City-Ballet-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Pam-Tanowitz-and-Hannah-fischer-rehearsing-22Coincident-Dances22-Photo-©Alexaner-Izilaev-Courtesy-MIami-City-Ballet.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Choreographer Pam Tanowitz and Hanna Fischer rehearsing “<em>Coincident Dances</em>.” (Photo @Alexander Iziliaev/Courtesy Miami City Ballet)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong><em>WINTER MIX</em></strong> – Miami City Ballet – Miami, FL – February 14<sup>th</sup> – March 9<sup>th</sup></p> <p>The world premiere of choreographer Pam Tanowitz’s <em>Coincident Dances</em> is the main attraction in Miami City Ballet’s <em>Winter Mix</em> program. She has collaborated with composer <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2021/04/21/composer-jessie-montgomery-classical-musics-sonic-and-seismic-shift/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jessie Montgomery</a> for this new work.</p> <p>Not much is known about what it is, but the combination of these two women is more than enough to make dance fans want to take notice.</p> <p>Also on the program is <em>Walpurgisnacht Ballet</em> by Balanchine with music by Gounod and also Balanchine’s <em>La Valse</em> with music by, who else, Ravel.</p> <p>There are three venues in which to see <em>Winter Mix</em>: Adrienne Arsht Center (February 14<sup>th</sup>-16<sup>th</sup>), Broward Center (February 22<sup>nd</sup> – 23<sup>rd</sup>) and Kravis Center (March 8<sup>th</sup> – 9<sup>th</sup>).</p> <p>For tickets and more information, please go <a href="https://www.miamicityballet.org/?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADhrJxFb_OiL6RdEyjFjQaaZQqUu3&gclid=CjwKCAiAh6y9BhBREiwApBLHC08l_OVf0Wc3EeBBxRx7mMH-_UcXmFV-QT_Htx83mIE_jP1RwYDwDhoCS1YQAvD_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HERE</a>.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Twyla-Tharp-photo-by-Greg-Gorman-Courtesy-Segerstrom-Center-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21187" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Twyla-Tharp-photo-by-Greg-Gorman-Courtesy-Segerstrom-Center-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Twyla-Tharp-photo-by-Greg-Gorman-Courtesy-Segerstrom-Center-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Twyla-Tharp-photo-by-Greg-Gorman-Courtesy-Segerstrom-Center-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Twyla-Tharp-photo-by-Greg-Gorman-Courtesy-Segerstrom-Center-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Twyla-Tharp-photo-by-Greg-Gorman-Courtesy-Segerstrom-Center-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Twyla-Tharp-photo-by-Greg-Gorman-Courtesy-Segerstrom-Center-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Twyla-Tharp-photo-by-Greg-Gorman-Courtesy-Segerstrom-Center-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Twyla-Tharp-photo-by-Greg-Gorman-Courtesy-Segerstrom-Center.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Twyla Tharp (Photo by Greg Gorman/Courtesy Segerstrom Center)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong><em>TWYLA THARP DANCE DIAMOND JUBILEE FEATURING THIRD COAST PERCUSSION</em></strong> – Multiple Venues February 15<sup>th</sup> – April 12<sup>th</sup>.</p> <p>Legendary choreographer Twyla Tharp celebrates her company’s 60<sup>th</sup> year with a tour that will feature the premiere of <em>SLACKTIDE </em>which features a new arrangement of <em>Amazonia</em> by <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2014/05/01/philip-glass-looks-backwards-and-forwards-on-his-50-year-career/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Philip Glass</a>. For most of the dates below, members of Third Coast Percussion will be accompanying the performances.</p> <p>The program also includes her <em>Diabelli</em>, which is set to the music of Beethoven’s <em>Diabelli Variations</em>. This tour marks the first time the work has been performed in the United States.</p> <p>Twyla Tharp Dance will be at the <a href="https://www.scfta.org/events/2025/twyla-tharp-60th-anniversary" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Segerstrom Center</a> in Costa Mesa February 15<sup>th</sup> – 16<sup>th</sup>; <a href="https://thesoraya.org/whats-on/en/twyla-tharp-60th-anniversary-diamond-jubilee/?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADgw5wuSASXJHaETxR8DIDW-xbydS&gclid=CjwKCAiAh6y9BhBREiwApBLHC6gsrJfh2qzoz_bJuddJ5WeKJARq-DkNxgu7lRVkW8f7ZfMf7H0AvRoCb_kQAvD_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Soraya</a> in Northridge, CA February 22<sup>nd</sup> – 23<sup>rd</sup> (with pianist Vladimir Rumyantsev); <a href="https://www.nycitycenter.org/pdps/2024-2025/twyla-tharp/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York City Center</a> in New York March 12<sup>th</sup> – 16<sup>th</sup>; the <a href="https://www.kennedy-center.org/whats-on/explore-by-genre/dance/2024-2025/twyla-tharp-dance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kennedy Center</a> in Washington, DC March 26<sup>th</sup> – 29<sup>th</sup>; the <a href="https://modlin.richmond.edu/events/page.html?eventid=22754&informationid=casData" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Modlin Center for the Arts</a> in Richmond, VA April 5<sup>th</sup> and the <a href="https://www.harristheaterchicago.org/performance/twyla-tharp-dance?utm_source=wordfly&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=04.25.242425HTPAcquisition&utm_content=version_A" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harris Theater for Music and Dance</a> April 10<sup>th</sup> – 12<sup>th</sup>.</p> <p>For tickets and more information, please click on the venue names above.</p> <p>That’s all for Best Bets: February 10th – February 16th. Enjoy your week and go see a show!</p> <p>Main Photo: Lea Salonga and Bernadette Peters in<em> Old Friends </em>(Photo by Danny Kaan/Courtesy Center Theatre Group)</p> <p>The post <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2025/02/10/best-bets-february-10th-february-16th/">BEST BETS: FEBRUARY 10th – FEBRUARY 16th</a> appeared first on <a href="https://culturalattache.co">Cultural Attaché</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://culturalattache.co/2025/02/10/best-bets-february-10th-february-16th/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Alonzo King: Silence Deep, River Wide</title> <link>https://culturalattache.co/2023/05/23/alonzo-king-silence-deep-river-wide/</link> <comments>https://culturalattache.co/2023/05/23/alonzo-king-silence-deep-river-wide/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Craig Byrd]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 23 May 2023 07:01:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Dance: At the Barre]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category> <category><![CDATA[What's Hot]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Alonzo King]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Alonzo King Lines Ballet]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Autobiography of a Yogi]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Deep River]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jason Moran]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Lisa Fischer]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Paramahansa Yogananda]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Segerstrom Center for the Arts]]></category> <category><![CDATA[The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://culturalattache.co/?p=18557</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>"The shocking realities of being in movement all my life is that it is stillness where transformation really begins."</p> <p>The post <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2023/05/23/alonzo-king-silence-deep-river-wide/">Alonzo King: Silence Deep, River Wide</a> appeared first on <a href="https://culturalattache.co">Cultural Attaché</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Alonzo-King-Photo-©Franck-Thibault-Courtesy-The-Wallis-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-18564" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Alonzo-King-Photo-©Franck-Thibault-Courtesy-The-Wallis-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Alonzo-King-Photo-©Franck-Thibault-Courtesy-The-Wallis-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Alonzo-King-Photo-©Franck-Thibault-Courtesy-The-Wallis-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Alonzo-King-Photo-©Franck-Thibault-Courtesy-The-Wallis-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Alonzo-King-Photo-©Franck-Thibault-Courtesy-The-Wallis-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Alonzo-King-Photo-©Franck-Thibault-Courtesy-The-Wallis-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Alonzo-King-Photo-©Franck-Thibault-Courtesy-The-Wallis-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Alonzo-King-Photo-©Franck-Thibault-Courtesy-The-Wallis.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Alonzo King (Photo ©Franck Thibault/Courtesy The Wallis)</figcaption></figure></div> <p>To celebrate the 40th anniversary of his eponymous LINES Ballet, Alonzo King dug deep within himself to come up with a ballet that echoes back throughout centuries and resonates today. That ballet, <em>Deep River</em>, is being performed <a href="https://www.scfta.org/events/2023/alonzo-king-lines" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">this Saturday</a> at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. They will also perform the ballet on June 9th and 10th at <a href="https://thewallis.org/show-details/alonzo-king-lines-ballet-deep-river" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Wallis</a> in Beverly Hills. </p> <p>For music, King turned to his regular collaborator for 14 years: <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2016/02/05/for-jazz-pianist-jason-moran-the-future-of-jazz-includes-fats-waller/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jason Moran</a>. He uses vocals and is joined by singer Lisa Fischer*. </p> <p>King also uses music by James Weldon Johnson, Maurice Ravel and Pharaoh Sanders to tell his story.</p> <p>Last week I spoke with King about the ballet, its themes and how being silent, even in dance, is a path forward. What follows are excerpts from our conversation that have been edited for length and clarity.</p> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <iframe loading="lazy" title="Alonzo King Lines Ballet - DEEP RIVER (teaser)" width="696" height="392" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dZwujpyVOQU?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div></figure> <p>When we think of a concept of a deep river or the Jordan River, we’re thinking of an idea of it being symbolic for spiritual rebirth. Did the creation of this work involve or signal a rebirth or a salvation for you or the company? Or did you have bigger ideas about who or what perhaps needed to think about rebirth?</p> <p><strong>I’m always going for the bigger ideas.<em> </em>I think that river is the bubbling brook or stillness.<em> </em>In all mythologies the river, whether you are crossing the Styx or whether you’re going from life to death; whether there’s been a transition or there’s a change; or even the idea of a baptism – which actually originated in India to bathe in the Ganges for cleansing – rivers are symbolic and connected to the blood tributaries that are in all of us. It’s about ascension or a transformation into transcendence, hopefully.</strong></p> <p>We live in troubled times. I think we require transcendence to get out of the quagmires that we find ourselves in. Do you want to inspire people to re-think how we’re doing things right now?</p> <p><strong>In this difficult and brutal world there has to be a way out or there has to be another focus. Darkness and light. Light and shadow. They work in tandem in this world of duality. But the conundrum from human beings from the beginning of time is how do you merge out of duality back into oneness? That is the goal. That’s the gauntlet. How do you go from misery and identification with this small little form called the body back into the hugeness of oneness? How do you go from the teeny microcosm back into the macrocosm? That is our job, whether we know it or not. That is what most of us are blind to. We are hypnotized by the physical world. But there are other levels of thought and there are other directions. That’s our same task.</strong></p> <p>Is it the task of an artist to answer the questions that you just asked?</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Alonzo-King-LINES-Ballet-Photo-by-RJ-Muna-Courtesy-The-Wallis-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-18565" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Alonzo-King-LINES-Ballet-Photo-by-RJ-Muna-Courtesy-The-Wallis-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Alonzo-King-LINES-Ballet-Photo-by-RJ-Muna-Courtesy-The-Wallis-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Alonzo-King-LINES-Ballet-Photo-by-RJ-Muna-Courtesy-The-Wallis-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Alonzo-King-LINES-Ballet-Photo-by-RJ-Muna-Courtesy-The-Wallis-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Alonzo-King-LINES-Ballet-Photo-by-RJ-Muna-Courtesy-The-Wallis-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Alonzo-King-LINES-Ballet-Photo-by-RJ-Muna-Courtesy-The-Wallis-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Alonzo-King-LINES-Ballet-Photo-by-RJ-Muna-Courtesy-The-Wallis-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Alonzo-King-LINES-Ballet-Photo-by-RJ-Muna-Courtesy-The-Wallis.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Alonzo King LINES Ballet (Photo by RJ Muna/Courtesy The Wallis)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong>I think that the artist has to point to the light. And say this is what we’re forgetting. You have within you latent powers that would otherwise not be awakened if there wasn’t </strong>[sic]<strong> these catastrophes. There is a way in every enigma and in every puzzle, whatever the puzzle is, there’s a way to figure it out.</strong> </p> <p><strong>The same thing is within us and how we’re trained is to go external, to look outwards.</strong> <strong>We have gold mines inside of us. We have physiological centers that yogis took down thousands of years ago. </strong></p> <p><strong>As we have come down the spinal column into what we call creation, there is a way to go back up that spinal column and get back to bliss. This is the constant message of everybody who had any interest or care about people. The escape is in consciousness. Where are you putting your mind? When you were reminding people that if there is negativity, there’s positivity. Which one do you want to focus on? Because they both work. They both are very effective. Which one do you want to dive into?</strong></p> <p>How important was it for you to use silence as part of getting this idea across in <em>Deep River</em>?<em> </em></p> <p><strong>The shocking realities of being in movement all my life is that it is stillness where transformation really begins. We have to be still. Isn’t it interesting that I’m involved in movement? Introspection takes you into silence. Meditation takes you into silence. Not begging the world to give me satisfaction. The doorway to the infinite is silence and stillness. Stillness denotes world peace. And without peace, we are wretched. It’s just how it is.</strong></p> <p>There is a video online of Lisa Fisher and <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2020/01/30/jason-moran-has-a-reason-to-believe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jason Moran</a> performing <em>Deep River</em>. What made them the right partners for this project?</p> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <iframe loading="lazy" title="Lisa Fischer & Jason Moran | Deep River" width="696" height="522" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xsa97uvHOoo?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div></figure> <p><strong>Their hearts and their minds. It’s who they are as people. They’re both brilliant. There’s that camaraderie of spirit and that nonverbal understanding of recognizing that we have gone to a place that’s familiar. It may be difficult to put into clumsy words, but we recognize that we’ve had that journey together. There’s a kindred spirit because you recognize that this person has an understanding that I’ve also tasted or has an understanding that I want to experience more.</strong></p> <p>I read an interview you did with the <span style="text-decoration: underline;">New York Times</span> four years ago and you describe the collaborations that you that you most enjoyed as being the ones that seemed, “trickier or potentially perilous.” You’ve been working with Jason for 14 years. At the outset of that first collaboration was there something that seemed tricky or potentially perilous about working with him? </p> <p><strong>I think that’s always there before you really work together. But when Jason </strong>[and I]<strong> had discussions, and when he sent me music, I just collapsed.<em> </em>When you find someone who fits and you get each other, it’s what you’ve been looking for your whole life. I could take up all of his time, but he won’t let me. </strong></p> <p><strong>These masters,<em> </em>they’re giving wisdom. They’re bringing light. When you find people who are saying, I want to put light on the subject, how do you not want to dance with and participate with that? Lay in that. Listen to that. Listening is when you’re not thinking a damn thing except becoming the sound that you’re hearing. That’s a lot of work. You want to listen to great music because music is consciousness.</strong></p> <p>It’s interesting that you brought up the idea that you don’t want to think while you’re listening to music, because don’t you tell your students “I don’t want to see you thinking, I want to see you dancing?”<em> </em></p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="169" height="300" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Alonzo-King-LINES-Ballet-Photo-by-RJ-Muna-Courtesy-The-Wallis-1-169x300.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-18566" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Alonzo-King-LINES-Ballet-Photo-by-RJ-Muna-Courtesy-The-Wallis-1-169x300.jpg 169w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Alonzo-King-LINES-Ballet-Photo-by-RJ-Muna-Courtesy-The-Wallis-1-576x1024.jpg 576w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Alonzo-King-LINES-Ballet-Photo-by-RJ-Muna-Courtesy-The-Wallis-1-768x1365.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Alonzo-King-LINES-Ballet-Photo-by-RJ-Muna-Courtesy-The-Wallis-1-864x1536.jpg 864w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Alonzo-King-LINES-Ballet-Photo-by-RJ-Muna-Courtesy-The-Wallis-1-696x1237.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Alonzo-King-LINES-Ballet-Photo-by-RJ-Muna-Courtesy-The-Wallis-1-1068x1899.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Alonzo-King-LINES-Ballet-Photo-by-RJ-Muna-Courtesy-The-Wallis-1-236x420.jpg 236w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Alonzo-King-LINES-Ballet-Photo-by-RJ-Muna-Courtesy-The-Wallis-1.jpg 1080w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 169px) 100vw, 169px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Alonzo King LINES Ballet (Photo by RJ Muna/Courtesy The Wallis)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong>Often in education there’s a battle between being and doing. And in doing this sense of “I” stays prominent. I’m making this decision. I’m observing this. I’m experiencing that. In being you’re more in the present and you’re listening. You step away a little bit so that you’re in the passenger seat when you want to be and then you can switch and get back into the driver’s seat. It’s more of a dialogue instead of a soliloquy. There is give and take.</strong></p> <p><strong>With music you don’t want to just follow the bouncing ball. You want to have something to say. You want to participate. Sometimes there’s this concomitant tension because you’re using your will and then to let go of your will and surrender. To see both of those things happening at the same time is a beautiful experience because you’re seeing Adam and Eve dancing together. You’re seeing a feeling in logic dancing together. You’re seeing science and nature dancing together.</strong></p> <p>We are edging ever so much closer to the tipping point as it relates to climate change.<em> </em>Given how connected your work is to nature, are you an optimist that the natural world can take care of itself?</p> <p><strong>We see nature not as a wonder, but something to be exploited. I think, to be really frank with you, it is the misunderstanding and the degradation of the term <em>mother</em>. We have no real respect for it, even though this was recently Mother’s Day. Mother Earth. Mother Nature. The idea of the progeny to the supplier. In our evolutionary progression, our first obsession is ourselves.</strong></p> <p><strong>We’re involved in taking instead of giving or sustaining. Or looking at other cultures then say they didn’t know anything. Because if they knew anything, they would have exploited the land. It’s a mindset that is actually new compared to the life of the planet and how most people have lived. We have to become unselfish and un-greedy. Yet some people think they were smart because they got the money. We’ll look at the result. Look at the planet. There’s no respect for it as an entity. And what are we doing now? We’re moving into outer space, trying to collect land. </strong></p> <p>Paramahansa Yogananda wrote in <em>Autobiography of a Yogi</em>, “I look forward optimistically to a healthy, happy world as soon as its children are taught the principles of simple and rational living. We must return to nature and nature’s God.” I know you already agree with that, but it strikes me that we are moving further and further away from that concept. How would you like your work to remind us of that simplicity and rationality and that they are important tenets of our existence?</p> <p><strong>There are not words for that kind of sublime mastery. But in the same way that the Rosetta Stone opened up all this knowledge for us to understand that, Yogananda really is the Rosetta Stone for everybody in how to live life. And it’s one of the things that we’re missing. Art is being taken away from children unless you’re in wealthy environments. What is everywhere? Sports. People have no query about it. They understand the game. They played it from childhood. They learned all the rules, whether it’s soccer, football, basketball, you name it. </strong></p> <p><strong>This is not the case with the arts and there’s a mistrust about it. It’s horrible. People look at dance and they don’t even know that it’s a language. They don’t understand that ideas are being communicated. They don’t understand that all the things that you and I have been discussing right now are actually on the stage. They look at it only in terms of esthetics. I’m not putting them down, but I’m saying that we are poorly educated in the United States of America. It’s not a rounded full education that’s addressing heart and mind. We are filled with intelligences and, better said, we’re filled with knowing. But the knowing, in a lot of people, has a lot of doubt. </strong></p> <p>*Lisa Fischer will be performing live at the two performances at The Wallis.</p> <p>Main Photo: Alonzo King LINES Ballet (Photo by RJ Muna/Courtesy The Wallis)</p> <p>The post <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2023/05/23/alonzo-king-silence-deep-river-wide/">Alonzo King: Silence Deep, River Wide</a> appeared first on <a href="https://culturalattache.co">Cultural Attaché</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://culturalattache.co/2023/05/23/alonzo-king-silence-deep-river-wide/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Susan Jaffe Takes New Steps with ABT</title> <link>https://culturalattache.co/2023/03/29/susan-jaffe-takes-new-steps-with-abt/</link> <comments>https://culturalattache.co/2023/03/29/susan-jaffe-takes-new-steps-with-abt/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Craig Byrd]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 29 Mar 2023 21:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Dance: At the Barre]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category> <category><![CDATA[What's Hot]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Alexei Ratmansky]]></category> <category><![CDATA[American Ballet Theater]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ballet]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Christopher Wheeldon]]></category> <category><![CDATA[La Bayadère]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Laura Esquivel]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Le Corsaire]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Like Water for Chocolate]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Metropolitan Opera House]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Segerstrom Center for the Arts]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Susan Jaffe]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://culturalattache.co/?p=18086</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>"Good ballet, just like any good art, comes not from the technical execution of it, but the transformation of that technical execution into depth, authenticity, beauty, humanity."</p> <p>The post <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2023/03/29/susan-jaffe-takes-new-steps-with-abt/">Susan Jaffe Takes New Steps with ABT</a> appeared first on <a href="https://culturalattache.co">Cultural Attaché</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Susan-Jaffe-Photo-by-Jordan-Bellotti-Courtesy-ABT-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-18106" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Susan-Jaffe-Photo-by-Jordan-Bellotti-Courtesy-ABT-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Susan-Jaffe-Photo-by-Jordan-Bellotti-Courtesy-ABT-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Susan-Jaffe-Photo-by-Jordan-Bellotti-Courtesy-ABT-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Susan-Jaffe-Photo-by-Jordan-Bellotti-Courtesy-ABT-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Susan-Jaffe-Photo-by-Jordan-Bellotti-Courtesy-ABT-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Susan-Jaffe-Photo-by-Jordan-Bellotti-Courtesy-ABT-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Susan-Jaffe-Photo-by-Jordan-Bellotti-Courtesy-ABT-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Susan-Jaffe-Photo-by-Jordan-Bellotti-Courtesy-ABT.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Susan Jaffe (Photo by Jordan Bellotti/Courtesy ABT)</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Last May it was announced that Kevin McKenzie was stepping down as Artistic Director of the American Ballet Theater. Named to replace him was a woman who was stranger to ABT. She was, after all, a dancer with the company for many years and worked with them for a total of 32 years prior to this role. So when Susan Jaffe rejoined her former home, she inherited projects that were already well underway. This includes Christopher Wheeldon’s ballet based on Laura Esquivel’s novel <em>Like Water for Chocolate</em>.</p> <p>The ballet has its North American premiere <a href="https://www.scfta.org/events/2023/american-ballet-theatre-s-em-like-water-for-chocolate-em" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">beginning tonight</a> at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa, California. The <a href="https://www.abt.org/events/like-water-for-chocolate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York premiere</a> will take place at ABT’s summer home, the Metropolitan Opera House, from June 22nd to July 1st.</p> <p>Last week I spoke with Jaffe about <em>Like Water for Chocolate</em>, the challenge of adding new ballets to the repertoire and what her priorities are in her new role at ABT. What follows are excerpts from our conversation that have been edited for length and clarity. To see the full interview, please go to our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQfUdH08rahzGKm2Hcawq-g" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">YouTube channel</a>.</p> <p>Laura Esquivel, the author of <em>Like Water for Chocolate</em>, believes firmly that cooking is a wonderful way of telling a story. Obviously, ballet is a wonderful way of telling a story. Are there parallels between telling stories vis-á-vis cooking or vis-á-vis dance?</p> <p><strong>Yes, in a way, because it’s the passing down of traditions. It has spirituality connected to it and a lot of humanity and emotional value in both cooking and ballet.<em> </em></strong></p> <p><strong>Just to go into the ballet, the way that Chris has pulled out and magnified things within the story is astonishingly beautiful. You really get a sense of the cultural traditions in the story and in the physicalization of this story. Chris is a great storyteller. All of the acting and scenes are extremely clear in the storytelling and very exacting within the score and within the steps. He’s amplified some of the most amazing parts of the book and made this a visual celebration of parts of this story. </strong></p> <p><em>Water for Chocolate</em> gives you an opportunity to reach out to people who may think <em>Giselle</em> and <em>Swan Lake</em> are relics of another era. This is something that’s going to feel more contemporary. What are your priorities and the challenges you face in attracting new audiences, but still at the same time keeping your core supporters, donors andseason ticket holders satisfied that they’re going to get the ABT they know and love?</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Cassandra-Trenary-and-Daniel-Carmargo-in-22Like-Water-for-Chocolate22-Photo-by-Emma-Zordan-Courtesy-Segestrom-Center-1-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-18097" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Cassandra-Trenary-and-Daniel-Carmargo-in-22Like-Water-for-Chocolate22-Photo-by-Emma-Zordan-Courtesy-Segestrom-Center-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Cassandra-Trenary-and-Daniel-Carmargo-in-22Like-Water-for-Chocolate22-Photo-by-Emma-Zordan-Courtesy-Segestrom-Center-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Cassandra-Trenary-and-Daniel-Carmargo-in-22Like-Water-for-Chocolate22-Photo-by-Emma-Zordan-Courtesy-Segestrom-Center-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Cassandra-Trenary-and-Daniel-Carmargo-in-22Like-Water-for-Chocolate22-Photo-by-Emma-Zordan-Courtesy-Segestrom-Center-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Cassandra-Trenary-and-Daniel-Carmargo-in-22Like-Water-for-Chocolate22-Photo-by-Emma-Zordan-Courtesy-Segestrom-Center-1-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Cassandra-Trenary-and-Daniel-Carmargo-in-22Like-Water-for-Chocolate22-Photo-by-Emma-Zordan-Courtesy-Segestrom-Center-1-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Cassandra-Trenary-and-Daniel-Carmargo-in-22Like-Water-for-Chocolate22-Photo-by-Emma-Zordan-Courtesy-Segestrom-Center-1-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Cassandra-Trenary-and-Daniel-Carmargo-in-22Like-Water-for-Chocolate22-Photo-by-Emma-Zordan-Courtesy-Segestrom-Center-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Cassandra Trenary and Daniel Camargo in “<em>Like Water for Chocolate</em>” (Photo by Emma Zordan/Courtesy Segerstrom Center for the Arts)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong>People love the story ballets. That’s what ABT is famous for. Our <em>Giselles</em>, our <em>Swan Lakes</em>, those are very famous over years because they speak to our humanity, they speak to our light sides, our dark sides. One of the reasons why people come back to <em>Swan Lake</em> and <em>Giselle</em> is because they know them. They know the music and they want to see the artists take them through this journey.</strong><em> </em></p> <p><strong>In bringing new ballets to our public…They say in business if you’re not moving forward you’re moving backwards. It’s the same in any art form. We must progress forward with the newer choreographers of today, the </strong>[Christopher] <strong>Wheeldons, </strong>[Alexei]<strong> Ratmanskys, etc… Our technique has become so complex. Dancer’s technique, ballet technique, and a lot of it has melded with contemporary upper bodies in contemporary ballet. So we’re getting a very complex movement. I think a lot of people, especially people who know ballet very well, will look at these new works and say, “My goodness, that’s amazing!” </strong></p> <p>You spent a good portion of your career dancing with ABT and other people I know who have been with dance companies have always had their own ideas as dancers: what they wish the company could be, what they wish the company would do, the choices the company would make. Now that you’re in the position of being able to make those choices, how does your thought process today compare to the thoughts that you were having when you were a dancer?</p> <p><strong>Of course, it’s always easy from the outside to be saying I would do this and I would do that. When you get inside it, you realize it’s just not as easy as a simple decision. There are many, many factors that go into, for example, even programing. You’re working with production and you’re working with the head of touring and you’re working with your executive director and you’re working with an entire team. Then you also have to be realistic. How many new pieces can you do? What’s your budget limit? What are the limits that you can do? </strong></p> <p><strong>I guess one of the biggest things that I’m trying to do currently – and it’s a very different world now than it was when I was a dancer – is really increasing the diversity within the company, increasing diverse voices, choreographic voices. And women. More women choreographers. That doesn’t mean that I’m not hiring male white choreographers, obviously, but when we have new opportunities, I try as much as I can to to widen our voices. I think it’s been really great for the dance world to do those things. It’s an exciting time. </strong></p> <p>You mentioned in a May 2022 interview that you did with <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/theater-dance/2022/05/23/susan-jaffe-american-ballet-theatre/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sarah L. Kaufman</a> at the <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Washington Post</span> when your position was announced about your desire to revisit <em>Le Corsaire</em> and <em>La Bayadere</em>. But you’ll make changes, possibly adjusting the storylines and details, after undertaking research “so that we’re really hearing from audience members.” </p> <p>I don’t normally look at the comments people leave at the end of a story, but I was curious what people said. There were comments like “just what I don’t want politically correct ballet” or “I’m very leery of taking a social warrior approach to improving ballet.” How do you see the challenges you face as navigating that balancing act that accompanies revising and revisiting classic works? </p> <p><strong>Everything has to be done very thoughtfully and not </strong>[be]<strong> reactionary. With <em>La Bayadere</em>, which is the first one I want to work on, although that’s several years down the road, I’ve already started working with the designer and with Indian scholars and Hindu scholars. That’s just the beginning. I found out that there’s actually not that many adjustments that need to be made to <em>La Bayadere</em>. </strong></p> <p><strong>We’re not going to suddenly put <em>La Bayadere</em> in the eighties in Las Vegas, for example. We are going to do <em>La Bayadere</em> with some adjustments which currently seem to be very doable and will not really make a huge change to the ballet, but will be more culturally appropriate. </strong></p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Cassandra-Trenary-Daniel-Carmargo-in-22Like-Water-for-Chocolate22-Photo-by-Fabrizio-Ferri-Courtesy-Segestrom-Center-2-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-18099" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Cassandra-Trenary-Daniel-Carmargo-in-22Like-Water-for-Chocolate22-Photo-by-Fabrizio-Ferri-Courtesy-Segestrom-Center-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Cassandra-Trenary-Daniel-Carmargo-in-22Like-Water-for-Chocolate22-Photo-by-Fabrizio-Ferri-Courtesy-Segestrom-Center-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Cassandra-Trenary-Daniel-Carmargo-in-22Like-Water-for-Chocolate22-Photo-by-Fabrizio-Ferri-Courtesy-Segestrom-Center-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Cassandra-Trenary-Daniel-Carmargo-in-22Like-Water-for-Chocolate22-Photo-by-Fabrizio-Ferri-Courtesy-Segestrom-Center-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Cassandra-Trenary-Daniel-Carmargo-in-22Like-Water-for-Chocolate22-Photo-by-Fabrizio-Ferri-Courtesy-Segestrom-Center-2-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Cassandra-Trenary-Daniel-Carmargo-in-22Like-Water-for-Chocolate22-Photo-by-Fabrizio-Ferri-Courtesy-Segestrom-Center-2-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Cassandra-Trenary-Daniel-Carmargo-in-22Like-Water-for-Chocolate22-Photo-by-Fabrizio-Ferri-Courtesy-Segestrom-Center-2-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Cassandra-Trenary-Daniel-Carmargo-in-22Like-Water-for-Chocolate22-Photo-by-Fabrizio-Ferri-Courtesy-Segestrom-Center-2.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Cassandra Trenary and Daniel Camargo in “<em>Like Water for Chocolate</em>” (Photo by Fabrizio Ferri/Courtesy Segerstrom Center for the Arts)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong>As far as the people, it’s so easy to sit behind your screen on your computer and make comments like that. But I don’t really pay much attention to it because they’re not inside it. I feel very responsible for what we put out on stage and also responsible to the art form. I am a traditionalist and I want to preserve the traditions of ballet while not misappropriating, while not insulting, but also preserving. That is who I am. That’s who I always will be. I’m not going to turn the whole world upside down and suddenly everything’s going to be completely changed. But it will be adjusted.<em> </em></strong></p> <p>Do you find that the labels that we used to traditionally identify things are maybe falling a bit by the wayside? Is there a dissolving a little bit of what the term ballet means? </p> <p><strong>It depends upon what people think traditional ballet is. What I consider to be ballet is when it is balletically-based. So <em>Like Water for Chocolate</em> is balletically-based contemporary movement. We’re not talking about contemporary dance, but it has a contemporary feeling to it, but the legs are classical in their execution. For me, it’s the technique of ballet that that makes something what I would consider to be classical ballet. Maybe not classical, but ballet.</strong></p> <p>You’re a strong proponent of meditation. I want to ask you about something that T.S. Eliot wrote. “I said to my soul, be still and wait without hope for hope would be hope for the wrong thing. Wait without love for love would be love for the wrong thing. There is yet faith, but the faith and the love are all in the waiting. Wait without a thought for you are not ready for thought. So the darkness shall be the light and the stillness, the dancing.”</p> <p>Where do you find dancing in the stillness and how important will it be for you to find that as you navigate your way through your time as Artistic Director of ABT? </p> <p><strong>The stillness and the dancing. Well, you’re tying that to dancing ballet. I was thinking that it was dancing of the soul.</strong></p> <p>They both work for the question. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Cassandra-Trenary-and-Daniel-Carmargo-in-22Like-Water-for-Chocolate22-Photo-by-Fabrizio-Ferri-Courtesy-Segestrom-Center-1-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-18101" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Cassandra-Trenary-and-Daniel-Carmargo-in-22Like-Water-for-Chocolate22-Photo-by-Fabrizio-Ferri-Courtesy-Segestrom-Center-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Cassandra-Trenary-and-Daniel-Carmargo-in-22Like-Water-for-Chocolate22-Photo-by-Fabrizio-Ferri-Courtesy-Segestrom-Center-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Cassandra-Trenary-and-Daniel-Carmargo-in-22Like-Water-for-Chocolate22-Photo-by-Fabrizio-Ferri-Courtesy-Segestrom-Center-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Cassandra-Trenary-and-Daniel-Carmargo-in-22Like-Water-for-Chocolate22-Photo-by-Fabrizio-Ferri-Courtesy-Segestrom-Center-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Cassandra-Trenary-and-Daniel-Carmargo-in-22Like-Water-for-Chocolate22-Photo-by-Fabrizio-Ferri-Courtesy-Segestrom-Center-1-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Cassandra-Trenary-and-Daniel-Carmargo-in-22Like-Water-for-Chocolate22-Photo-by-Fabrizio-Ferri-Courtesy-Segestrom-Center-1-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Cassandra-Trenary-and-Daniel-Carmargo-in-22Like-Water-for-Chocolate22-Photo-by-Fabrizio-Ferri-Courtesy-Segestrom-Center-1-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Cassandra-Trenary-and-Daniel-Carmargo-in-22Like-Water-for-Chocolate22-Photo-by-Fabrizio-Ferri-Courtesy-Segestrom-Center-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Cassandra Trenary and Daniel Carmago in <em>Like Water for Chocolate</em> (Photo by Fabrizio Ferri/Courtesy Segerstrom Center for the Arts)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong>They both work for the question. Good ballet, just like any good art, comes not from the technical execution of it, but the transformation of that technical execution into depth, authenticity, beauty, humanity. That’s what makes ballet or any art form really difficult. But you can’t access your authenticity if you don’t know who you are. For me, an artist’s responsibility is to not only know who they are from the depths of silence, but then be looking out.</strong></p> <p><strong>When you’re meditating you really get to experience compassion towards humanity and for all our failures. We are a bunch of failures, failing up, sometimes failing down, but usually failing up even if it doesn’t look like that. </strong></p> <p><strong>When you’re sitting in an audience and you feel, sense and experience those artists that are in the flow; being danced by a much higher energy. But from deep within is the real part. That’s a dancer’s journey. You can’t do anything on the surface because you will not move your audience and you will not move yourself. From the depths is where it’s the origin of the emotional force of dancing.</strong> </p> <p>And is it from those same depths that you have to rely to guide your way as artistic director?</p> <p><strong>100%. Because I’m in charge of all these people. I take that very seriously and I want everybody to grow. You still have to be honest. You still have to make sure that that everybody is growing, but also understanding where they need to grow. I think it’s a delicate art. Leading people is not for the faint of heart. It is a huge responsibility. And not only leading people, but also leading us into our new artistic vision and endeavors for our audience. So I take that very seriously and hopefully now I’m not taking myself too seriously because that would be tragedy. But yes, I do believe that deep thought and responsibility goes into these kinds of jobs.</strong></p> <p><em>To watch the full interview with Susan Jaffe, please go <a href="https://youtu.be/AO2Na6M9y7c" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</em></p> <p>Main Photo: Cassandra Trenary and Daniel Carmago in <em>Like Water for Chocolate</em> (Photo by Fabrizio Ferri/Courtesy Segerstrom Center for the Arts)</p> <p>The post <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2023/03/29/susan-jaffe-takes-new-steps-with-abt/">Susan Jaffe Takes New Steps with ABT</a> appeared first on <a href="https://culturalattache.co">Cultural Attaché</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://culturalattache.co/2023/03/29/susan-jaffe-takes-new-steps-with-abt/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>On the Stage Where Sam Simahk Lives</title> <link>https://culturalattache.co/2022/01/11/on-the-stage-where-sam-simahk-lives/</link> <comments>https://culturalattache.co/2022/01/11/on-the-stage-where-sam-simahk-lives/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Craig Byrd]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 11 Jan 2022 22:30:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Performers: Close-Up]]></category> <category><![CDATA[What's Hot]]></category> <category><![CDATA[George Bernard Shaw]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Guys and Dolls]]></category> <category><![CDATA[My Fair Lady]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Oklahoma!]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Pygmalion]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sam Simahk]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Segerstrom Center for the Arts]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sweeney Todd]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://culturalattache.co/?p=15702</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>"Yes, you can be an actor and you don't have to play a guy that works at a Chinese laundry. You can be a prince, you can be a cowboy, you can be a rich boy from Upper Class England."</p> <p>The post <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2022/01/11/on-the-stage-where-sam-simahk-lives/">On the Stage Where Sam Simahk Lives</a> appeared first on <a href="https://culturalattache.co">Cultural Attaché</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Sam-Simahk-Photo-by-Billy-Bustamante-Courtesy-SamSimahk.com_-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-15710" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Sam-Simahk-Photo-by-Billy-Bustamante-Courtesy-SamSimahk.com_-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Sam-Simahk-Photo-by-Billy-Bustamante-Courtesy-SamSimahk.com_-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Sam-Simahk-Photo-by-Billy-Bustamante-Courtesy-SamSimahk.com_-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Sam-Simahk-Photo-by-Billy-Bustamante-Courtesy-SamSimahk.com_-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Sam-Simahk-Photo-by-Billy-Bustamante-Courtesy-SamSimahk.com_-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Sam-Simahk-Photo-by-Billy-Bustamante-Courtesy-SamSimahk.com_-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Sam-Simahk-Photo-by-Billy-Bustamante-Courtesy-SamSimahk.com_-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Sam-Simahk-Photo-by-Billy-Bustamante-Courtesy-SamSimahk.com_.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>Sam Simahk (Photo by Billy Bustamante/Courtesy Samsimahk.com)</figcaption></figure></div> <p>There’s an old saying that there are no small roles, only small actors. But sometimes the right combination of actor and role, regardless of size, can have ripple effects that extend beyond the stage itself and into the real world. Enter Sam Simahk. </p> <p>He’s currently playing the role of Freddy Eynsford-Hill in the touring production of <em>My Fair Lady</em>. The show, which is currently playing at the <a href="https://www.scfta.org/events/2022/my-fair-lady" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Segerstrom Center for the Arts</a> in Costa Mesa, continues across the United States through August.</p> <p>Hill is a character who is immediately smitten with Eliza Doolittle in the musical. Though he’s upper-class and Eliza is a cockney flower girl being groomed by Professor Henry Higgins to present as well above her status, Hill can’t help but want to spend every possible moment on the street where she lives. </p> <p>As with all the actors who have played this role in the 2018 Broadway revival, Simahk represents a departure from traditional casting of the role. He told me just before the holidays his mother is “a New Englander with lineage on the Mayflower. And my dad is an immigrant from Thailand.” </p> <p>The last thing he thought he’d do is play roles traditionally portrayed by white actors.</p> <p>“I came out of college thinking I’m going to be cast in <em>The King and I</em> and <em>Miss Saigon</em>. And here are the other ethnicities that I can pretend to be on stage: I can probably play Latino. I can maybe play Italian. Maybe Middle Eastern – this is the frame of mind that I had coming into the industry and now things are flipped on their head. People are actively trying to cast nontraditionally and trying to to cast with diversity in mind. Granted, we’re making baby steps.”</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Sam-Simahk-in-22Oklahoma22-Photo-by-Melissa-Taylor-Courtesy-Theatre-Under-the-Stars-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-15708" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Sam-Simahk-in-22Oklahoma22-Photo-by-Melissa-Taylor-Courtesy-Theatre-Under-the-Stars-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Sam-Simahk-in-22Oklahoma22-Photo-by-Melissa-Taylor-Courtesy-Theatre-Under-the-Stars-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Sam-Simahk-in-22Oklahoma22-Photo-by-Melissa-Taylor-Courtesy-Theatre-Under-the-Stars-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Sam-Simahk-in-22Oklahoma22-Photo-by-Melissa-Taylor-Courtesy-Theatre-Under-the-Stars-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Sam-Simahk-in-22Oklahoma22-Photo-by-Melissa-Taylor-Courtesy-Theatre-Under-the-Stars-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Sam-Simahk-in-22Oklahoma22-Photo-by-Melissa-Taylor-Courtesy-Theatre-Under-the-Stars-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Sam-Simahk-in-22Oklahoma22-Photo-by-Melissa-Taylor-Courtesy-Theatre-Under-the-Stars-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Sam-Simahk-in-22Oklahoma22-Photo-by-Melissa-Taylor-Courtesy-Theatre-Under-the-Stars.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>Sam Simahk in “Oklahoma!” (Photo by Melissa Taylor/Courtesy Theatre Under the Stars”)</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Simahk’s timing couldn’t have been better. He’s been cast as Curly in <em>Oklahoma!</em>, Sky Masterson in <em>Guys and Dolls</em> and Anthony Hope in <em>Sweeney Todd</em>. </p> <p>“Even if I’m from the backwoods of Massachusetts personality-wise, I’m more like Curly than the King of Siam. I have more of a cultural understanding of what it’s like to be Curly. I have cattle ropers in the family, for instance. So even though I understand that experience, casting directors 10-15 years ago, were not thinking that I had that experience because of the way that I looked. And audiences don’t expect me to have that experience, you know? But things are changing and I’m just so glad to be able to tackle that.”</p> <p>He’s also tackling what might best be described as his character’s inherent creepiness, at least as judged by contemporary standards.</p> <p>“In the post MeToo era I think it’s very tricky to have a guy waiting outside of a girl’s house for months. In the ’50s that was romantic. In today’s society it is creepy and weird. So how do you approach it? I think if you approach that purely through romantic means, if it comes from a genuine naivete and a sweetness, it softens the stalker-ism a little bit.”</p> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <iframe loading="lazy" title=""On the Street Where You Live" | My Fair Lady National Tour" width="696" height="392" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Z66ASB8mjRk?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div></figure> <p>Simahk believes it is best to approach a work like this from multiple perspectives.</p> <p>“When it comes to the classics I think you have to look at it through three different lenses. The first is the literal. I think when most people see a show, they’re thinking they see it in a literal sense. We’re in 1913 London and there was a cockney flower girl who meets a professor of linguistics. This is the story that comes out and that’s literal. I think you have to view it through the lens from which it was written – 1956 New York. What’s going on at that point? Women have the right to vote, but they’re still not allowed in the workplace. And so that that comes out of that period. Then the third lens to look at it through is the lens through which it’s produced currently. I think it’s important to bring back these works that have a good amount of misogyny baked into them because of the culture that they came from. We view the way that we’ve changed as a society and the ways that we haven’t changed as a society. We need to think about how often are we Henry Higgins? And how often are we Eliza? And when can we be more like Pickering or Freddy?”</p> <p>An additional way Simahk looks at it is how younger audiences might view him in this role and what that might mean to them.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Sam-Simahk-and-company-in-22Guys-and-Dolls22-Sounds22-Photo-by-Samuel-W.-Flint-Courtesy-Virginia-Stage-Company-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-15711" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Sam-Simahk-and-company-in-22Guys-and-Dolls22-Sounds22-Photo-by-Samuel-W.-Flint-Courtesy-Virginia-Stage-Company-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Sam-Simahk-and-company-in-22Guys-and-Dolls22-Sounds22-Photo-by-Samuel-W.-Flint-Courtesy-Virginia-Stage-Company-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Sam-Simahk-and-company-in-22Guys-and-Dolls22-Sounds22-Photo-by-Samuel-W.-Flint-Courtesy-Virginia-Stage-Company-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Sam-Simahk-and-company-in-22Guys-and-Dolls22-Sounds22-Photo-by-Samuel-W.-Flint-Courtesy-Virginia-Stage-Company-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Sam-Simahk-and-company-in-22Guys-and-Dolls22-Sounds22-Photo-by-Samuel-W.-Flint-Courtesy-Virginia-Stage-Company-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Sam-Simahk-and-company-in-22Guys-and-Dolls22-Sounds22-Photo-by-Samuel-W.-Flint-Courtesy-Virginia-Stage-Company-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Sam-Simahk-and-company-in-22Guys-and-Dolls22-Sounds22-Photo-by-Samuel-W.-Flint-Courtesy-Virginia-Stage-Company-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Sam-Simahk-and-company-in-22Guys-and-Dolls22-Sounds22-Photo-by-Samuel-W.-Flint-Courtesy-Virginia-Stage-Company.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>Sam Simahk and company in “Guys and Dolls” (Photo by Samuel W. Flint/Courtesy Virginia Stage Company)</figcaption></figure></div> <p>“Some nights I look out and there’s an Asian family sitting in the front row with little kids and it just makes me really proud to be up there. This is good representation to show a kid – a kid who loved doing theater. Yes, you can be an actor and you don’t have to play a guy that works at a Chinese laundry. You can be a prince, you can be a cowboy, you can be a rich boy from Upper Class England. You don’t have to adhere to these stereotypes that have been set up for us for 100 years and more. </p> <p>“That’s great for the kids, but I also think it’s necessary for the adults and for the country to see us on stage. To see black, brown, yellow, red, see people of all colors on stage and remind people that we are a part of the fabric of this country as well.”</p> <p>George Bernard Shaw, whose play <em>Pygmalion</em> inspired <em>My Fair Lady</em>, said, “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” It’s a concept with which Simahk whole-heartedly agrees as he pursues not just a career, but a better industry.</p> <p>“We all have flaws and I think we all try to be better. I think we all need to work at that. We all need to fight the demons and we all have demons of some sort. We all need to fight those demons because the world changes and the world adapts. And if we don’t adapt with it, then we die. I think that if every individual worked harder at adapting to a changing world then society would work along with those individuals. I don’t think that I’m perfect. I think I’m an incredibly flawed human being, but I try and fight those flaws as much as I can. I try and recognize them and give them space. Then I push past them – I hope to push past them. That’s all any of us can hope for.”</p> <p>For details and tickets for the <em>My Fair Lady</em> national tour, please go <a href="https://www.myfairladyontour.com/#tour-container" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p> <p>Photo: Sam Simahk in <em>My Fair Lady</em> (Photo by Joan Marcus/Courtesy Segerstrom Center for the Arts)</p> <p>The post <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2022/01/11/on-the-stage-where-sam-simahk-lives/">On the Stage Where Sam Simahk Lives</a> appeared first on <a href="https://culturalattache.co">Cultural Attaché</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://culturalattache.co/2022/01/11/on-the-stage-where-sam-simahk-lives/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Veronica Swift – Storyteller</title> <link>https://culturalattache.co/2021/11/16/veronica-swift-storyteller/</link> <comments>https://culturalattache.co/2021/11/16/veronica-swift-storyteller/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Craig Byrd]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 16 Nov 2021 22:30:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jazz in 5/4 Time]]></category> <category><![CDATA[What's Hot]]></category> <category><![CDATA[1776]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Cécile McLorin Salvant]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Cyrille Aimeé]]></category> <category><![CDATA[interview]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Newman Center]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Samueli Theater]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Segerstrom Center for the Arts]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sing]]></category> <category><![CDATA[The Dresden Dolls]]></category> <category><![CDATA[This Bitter Earth]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Veronica Swift]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://culturalattache.co/?p=15540</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>"Whether you're a musician or a writer everything comes down to story and narrative. And that's why I like to call myself a storyteller more than a singer or a musician."</p> <p>The post <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2021/11/16/veronica-swift-storyteller/">Veronica Swift – Storyteller</a> appeared first on <a href="https://culturalattache.co">Cultural Attaché</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Veronica-Siwft-Photo-by-Matt-Baker-Courtesy-Unlimited-Myles-1-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-15544" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Veronica-Siwft-Photo-by-Matt-Baker-Courtesy-Unlimited-Myles-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Veronica-Siwft-Photo-by-Matt-Baker-Courtesy-Unlimited-Myles-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Veronica-Siwft-Photo-by-Matt-Baker-Courtesy-Unlimited-Myles-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Veronica-Siwft-Photo-by-Matt-Baker-Courtesy-Unlimited-Myles-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Veronica-Siwft-Photo-by-Matt-Baker-Courtesy-Unlimited-Myles-1-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Veronica-Siwft-Photo-by-Matt-Baker-Courtesy-Unlimited-Myles-1-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Veronica-Siwft-Photo-by-Matt-Baker-Courtesy-Unlimited-Myles-1-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Veronica-Siwft-Photo-by-Matt-Baker-Courtesy-Unlimited-Myles-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></figure></div> <p>At the ripe old age of 25, vocalist Veronica Swift was praised by <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/26/arts/music/new-years-eve-concerts-comedy.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Giovanni Russonello</a> in the <span style="text-decoration: underline;">New York Times</span> for “her startling command and improbably mature delivery.” That was the year that her album <em>Confessions</em> was released. Her next album, <em>This Bitter Earth</em>, was completed in late 2019, but with the onslaught of the pandemic she decided it wasn’t the best time to release new work.</p> <p>Earlier this year the album was finally released. Swift is now touring to support it with performances this week at the <a href="https://newmancenterpresents.com/event/veronica-swift/?event_date=2021-11-19" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Newman Center</a> in Denver on Friday, two sets at the Samueli Theater at the <a href="https://www.scfta.org/events/2021/veronica-swift" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Segerstrom Center for the Arts</a> in Costa Mesa on Saturday and a fourth performance at the <a href="https://www.mondaviarts.org/event/2021-22/veronica-swift" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts </a>in Davis, California.</p> <p>I discovered Swift when I first read about her shows at Segerstrom. That lead me to listen to three of her albums and I think she’s one of the finest young singers out there. One thing I admire is that she doesn’t fall into any one category. Her choice of material comes from the Great American Songbook, Broadway and bands you may never have heard of. What she does with all this material is to make each and every song completely her own.</p> <p>Last week I spoke by phone with Swift about the record, her influences and the kind of songs that make her want to just sing. What follows are excerpts from that conversation that have been edited for length and clarity.</p> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <iframe loading="lazy" title="Chris Botti featuring Veronica Swift "Embraceable You"" width="696" height="392" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1EWhxEAsE1s?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div></figure> <p>In 2019, you told San Francisco Jazz that for your previous album “each song on the album could be an entry from a diary.” When <em>This Bitter Earth</em> was recorded what does this audio diary reveal about who you were in that time and place? </p> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EVrj4r34p4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">This Bitter Earth</a></em>, instead of it just being a continuation, it’s really a social commentary record. Not a political record, but it’s just a reaction to all the things that we’re experiencing in this ever-changing world. Things were coming up in the news that were just so upsetting. Rather than just taking an escapism approach, I wanted do a record that was just an artistic reaction and observation to all that. </strong></p> <p>Given the album’s delay due to COVID, how has your relationship to these songs and the way you perform them evolved?</p> <p><strong>All of these songs are completely different now, if not not in the way we play it, but the way I approach singing them. I had no idea what we were in for. But some of the material that the record had on it, it’s kind of some weird spiritual unveiling that happened. That’s why we held off to release it because it didn’t feel right to release any music and try to forward my career at a time when everyone was suffering so much. But after that, we kind of had a little glimpse into the future hope. That’s when I released the record, and it really reflects the songs well. It’s uncanny.</strong></p> <p>We’re not out of the woods on so many of the issues that inspired <em>This Bitter Earth</em>. Is it tough for you to remain optimistic?</p> <p><strong>I always call myself like a pessimistic optimist, but I think that’s being a product of my generation. My generation – just look at the pop music. I mean, it’s just all very dark. It’s just been going down a dark tunnel. The music is getting so evil and like giving up; all the songs are just about detaching from any kind of reality. And I want my music to inspire something else. I don’t want to have part of that.</strong></p> <p>How important is getting younger listeners to listen to what you and other artists do as you move on to greater success with your career? </p> <p><strong>It’s always important to listen to what’s out there. I get a lot of young singers and musicians that are always asking me, ‘What should I listen to?’ I just think there’s no answer to that. You just listen to who you like and then you figure out who they listen to, then figure out who is kind of doing that in your present contemporary time. Our job, if you’re a musician or deejay, you’re in that industry, is to listen to every possible thing out there, whether it had already been recorded years and years ago, or if it’s current.</strong></p> <p><strong>My buddies, Cyrille </strong>(Aimeé) <strong>Cécile</strong> (McLorin Salvant), <strong>we all talk about how it’s amazing how different we all are, and we have completely different stories and tales to tell and a purpose. Between us there’s like so much history in there, but also like completely current. We definitely belong in this time period doing what we do. </strong></p> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <iframe loading="lazy" title="Veronica Swift, Ingrid Jensen: "Sing" | International Jazz Day" width="696" height="392" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FV80WFz2zds?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div></figure> <p>The album ends with <em>Sing</em>, a song written and recorded by The Dresden Dolls 15 years ago. It’s a great recording and the song feels like it could have been written six months ago.</p> <p><strong>And it could have been written forty years years ago. I mean, that’s the beautiful thing about great music. The best music to me is timeless and ageless, especially with musicians that are inspired by music of different times. And that’s what I loved about that band. They were, you know, kind of like a mix between like hardcore punk mixed with like some 1930s old like Berlin cabaret and theater and this and that and jazz. There’s everything. But if you can make that a sound that is completely uniquely yours and write music also with this – this is like everything to me. A song that can transcend time. Like many of the great standards can. Many, not all. Many.</strong></p> <p>You spent four years performing as <em>Frank ‘n’ Furter</em> in <em>The Rocky Horror Show</em> in college. You’ve also stated a desire to play John Adams in a production of the musical <em>1776</em>. How much does theater influence your performance style?</p> <p><strong>I can only hope to perform my fullest self for the audience. I don’t want to hold anything back. And for me, performance art and theater doesn’t have to mean you sacrifice a musical and artistic integrity of your musicianship or the lyric content. For me both enhance each other. It’s my dream to have props on stage and have the musicians be the characters – whatever the show we’re doing. Musical theater is always a huge part of my background. Whether you’re a musician or a writer everything comes down to story and narrative. And that’s why I like to call myself a storyteller more than a singer or a musician.</strong></p> <p>All photos by Matt Baker (Courtesy UnlimitedMyles)</p> <p>The post <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2021/11/16/veronica-swift-storyteller/">Veronica Swift – Storyteller</a> appeared first on <a href="https://culturalattache.co">Cultural Attaché</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://culturalattache.co/2021/11/16/veronica-swift-storyteller/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Alonzo King LINES Ballet Dances Their Way through California</title> <link>https://culturalattache.co/2021/09/08/alonzo-king-lines-ballet-dances-their-way-through-california/</link> <comments>https://culturalattache.co/2021/09/08/alonzo-king-lines-ballet-dances-their-way-through-california/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Craig Byrd]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 08 Sep 2021 18:30:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Classical: Metronome]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dance: At the Barre]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category> <category><![CDATA[What's Hot]]></category> <category><![CDATA[2220 Arts & Archives]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Alonzo King]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Alonzo King Lines Ballet]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Azoth]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Charles Lloyd]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Esa-Pekka Salonen]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Esperanza Spalding]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Hagar's Song]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jason Moran]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Just Jazz]]></category> <category><![CDATA[LeRoy Downs]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Re-Opening Night Gala]]></category> <category><![CDATA[San Francisco Symphony]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Segerstrom Center for the Arts]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://culturalattache.co/?p=15184</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>San Francisco Symphony<br /> <br /> October 1st - October 2nd</p> <p>The post <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2021/09/08/alonzo-king-lines-ballet-dances-their-way-through-california/">Alonzo King LINES Ballet Dances Their Way through California</a> appeared first on <a href="https://culturalattache.co">Cultural Attaché</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>For those in California there are multiple opportunities to see San Francisco-based company Alonzo King LINES Ballet in the new few weeks. The first event, and easily the most exciting, takes place this Saturday at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa.</p> <p>What makes it so interesting? Imagine combining the amazing jazz music of legendary saxophonist <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2018/06/07/jazz-legend-charles-lloyd-still-hasnt-found-hes-listening/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Charles Lloyd</a> with the piano stylings of the endlessly creative <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2020/01/30/jason-moran-has-a-reason-to-believe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jason Moran</a>. Okay, maybe that’s not unique on its own. After all, they did release <em>Hagar’s Song</em> in 2013.</p> <p>Now combine their brilliance with Alonzo King LINES Ballet and you have the main attraction on Saturday’s program, <em>Azoth</em>. Lloyd and Moran composed the music, performed and recorded it for this work by King which had its world premiere in 2019.</p> <p>The title is defined by Merriam-Webster Dictionary as “mercury regarded by alchemists as the first principle of metals.” King takes the concept of transforming metals into creating spiritual gold by transforming hearts and minds.</p> <p>Also on the bill at Segerstrom are works from their repertoire that feature music by Gabriel Fauré, Zakir Hussain and Edgar Meyer. This is a precursor to their 40th anniversary celebrations which begin next year.</p> <p>I’m personally an enormous fan of both Lloyd and Moran’s work that seeing dancers move to it will certainly be the highlight of my weekend.</p> <p>By the way, if you are a fan of Jason Moran and live in the Southern California area, he has an intimate show on Monday, September 13th at 2220 Arts & Archives (formerly the Bootleg Theater). The show is presented by Just Jazz Presents and <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2021/04/29/system-of-a-leroy-downs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeRoy Downs</a>. For tickets please go <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/just-jazz-presents-jason-moran-season-premiere-2220-arts-archives-tickets-166423644601?aff=ebdsoporgprofile&mc_cid=5ea993bec0&mc_eid=b799f272ba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p> <p>On October 1st, Alonzo King LINES Ballet will perform at the San Francisco Symphony’s <em><a href="https://www.sfsymphony.org/Buy-Tickets/2021-22/reopeningnight" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Re-Opening Night Gala</a></em>. They will be performing Alberto Ginastera’s <em>Estancia</em> <em>Suite</em>. Also on the program are works by John Adams, Silvestre Revueltas and songs performed by Esperanza Spalding that were written by Wayne Shorter. Esa-Pekka Salonen leads the orchestra. This concert will also be performed on <a href="https://www.sfsymphony.org/Buy-Tickets/2021-22/SPALDING-LINES-BALLET" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">October 2nd</a>.</p> <p>For tickets at Segerstrom Hall please go here. For tickets to <em>Re-Opening Night Gala</em> at San Francisco Symphony, please go <a href="https://www.sfsymphony.org/seatme/single?id=19703" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. For tickets to San Francisco Symphony’s October 2nd performance, please go <a href="https://www.sfsymphony.org/seatme/single?id=19894" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p> <p>To attend any of these events, including Moran’s solo piano show, you must show proof of vaccination. </p> <p><em>Update: This post has been updated to more accurately reflect the COVID vaccination requirements at all three venues.</em></p> <p>Photo: James Gowan of Alonzo King LINES Ballet (Photo by RJ Muna/Courtesy Alonzo King Lines Ballet)</p> <p>The post <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2021/09/08/alonzo-king-lines-ballet-dances-their-way-through-california/">Alonzo King LINES Ballet Dances Their Way through California</a> appeared first on <a href="https://culturalattache.co">Cultural Attaché</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://culturalattache.co/2021/09/08/alonzo-king-lines-ballet-dances-their-way-through-california/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Best Bets: April 23rd – April 26th</title> <link>https://culturalattache.co/2021/04/23/best-bets-april-23rd-april-26th/</link> <comments>https://culturalattache.co/2021/04/23/best-bets-april-23rd-april-26th/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Craig Byrd]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 23 Apr 2021 12:50:47 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Music]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Stage]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Streaming]]></category> <category><![CDATA[7 for Eight]]></category> <category><![CDATA[A Letter to Harvey Milk]]></category> <category><![CDATA[A Noise Within]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Adam Guettel]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Aleshea Harris]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Amari Cheatom]]></category> <category><![CDATA[American Ballet Theatre]]></category> <category><![CDATA[An Iliad]]></category> <category><![CDATA[André De Shields]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Anima Animus]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Anita Rachvelishvili]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Argus Quartet]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Asheville Chamber Music Series]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Brother Brother]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Carmen]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Carnegie Hall]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Charlayne Woodard]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Christopher Rountree]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Close Quarters]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Daphne Rubin-Vega]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Deborah Strang]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Denis O'Hare]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dialogues des Carmélites]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Die Zauberflöte]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Engelbert Humperdinck]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Erwin Schrott]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Fidelio]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Five Boroughs Music Festival]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Francis Poulenc]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Fridays at Five]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Geoff Elliot]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Georges Bizet]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Gingold Theatrical Group]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Goodman Theatre]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Great Performances]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Hansel and Gretel]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jazz at Lincoln Center]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jessie Montgomery]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jimmy Smits]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Juan Diego Flórez]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jules Massenet]]></category> <category><![CDATA[La Bohème]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Lincoln Center Theater]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Lisa Peterson]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ludwig van Beethoven]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mandy Gonzalez]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Manhattan Theatre Club]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Manon]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Marco Ramirez]]></category> <category><![CDATA[MasterVoices]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Measure for Measure]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Metropolitan Opera]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Myths and Hymns]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Neat]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Neave Trio]]></category> <category><![CDATA[New Normal Rep]]></category> <category><![CDATA[New York Theatre Workshop]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Nina Machaidze]]></category> <category><![CDATA[noise/Silence]]></category> <category><![CDATA[PBS]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Philip Glass]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Piotr Beczala]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Rachel Chavkin]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Romeo and Juliet]]></category> <category><![CDATA[San Francisco Ballet]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Satyagraha]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Segerstrom Center for the Arts]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Seth Concert Series]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Seth Rudetsky]]></category> <category><![CDATA[SFJazz]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Shakespeare Sonnet Slam]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Snowblind]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sonic Shift]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sun Ra Arkestra]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ted Sperling]]></category> <category><![CDATA[The Noguchi Museum]]></category> <category><![CDATA[The Royale]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Two Sisters and a Piano]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Uniting in Movement]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Voices of Hope]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Whispers International]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wiener Staatsoper]]></category> <category><![CDATA[William Shakespeare]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://culturalattache.co/?p=13758</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>A lucky 21 great options to enjoy culture this weekend (and celebrate The Bard's birthday)</p> <p>The post <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2021/04/23/best-bets-april-23rd-april-26th/">Best Bets: April 23rd – April 26th</a> appeared first on <a href="https://culturalattache.co">Cultural Attaché</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>Friday is Shakespeare’s birthday. In celebration of his 457th birthday (doesn’t everyone celebrate that one?), there are a few options for fans of his work amongst my Best Bets: April 23rd – April 26th.</p> <p>Indirectly celebrating this natal day are multiple options that fall under the category of a line from <em>Hamlet</em>, “The play’s the thing.” Beyond the Shakespeare options are five other plays.</p> <p>If you want funky jazz, contemporary classical music, operas from Europe or modern dance, I’ve got that for you as well. They’re all so good, I can’t make one of them the top pick. </p> <p>In <em>As You Like It</em>, these famous words are said, “All the world’s a stage and all the men and women merely players.” So in this spirit of this weekend’s Academy Awards, the nominees for great players in Best Bets: April 23rd – April 26th are:</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Charlayne-Woodard-Courtesy-Bret-Adams-Ltd.-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-14144" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Charlayne-Woodard-Courtesy-Bret-Adams-Ltd.-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Charlayne-Woodard-Courtesy-Bret-Adams-Ltd.-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Charlayne-Woodard-Courtesy-Bret-Adams-Ltd.-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Charlayne-Woodard-Courtesy-Bret-Adams-Ltd.-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Charlayne-Woodard-Courtesy-Bret-Adams-Ltd.-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Charlayne-Woodard-Courtesy-Bret-Adams-Ltd.-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Charlayne-Woodard-Courtesy-Bret-Adams-Ltd.-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Charlayne-Woodard-Courtesy-Bret-Adams-Ltd..jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>Charlayne Woodard (Courtesy Bret Adams Ltd.)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong>THEATER</strong>: <em><a href="https://www.manhattantheatreclub.com/events/mtc-curtain-call-series/?utm_source=wordfly&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=FY21MKTEngagementEmail4.19F%26F&utm_content=version_A" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neat</a></em> – Manhattan Theatre Club – Now – April 25th </p> <p>Charlayne Woodard’s one-person show <em>Neat</em> opened at New York City Center in a Manhattan Theatre Club production in 1997.</p> <p><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/1997/01/11/theater/beloved-and-frustrating-a-brain-damaged-aunt.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lawrence Van Gelder</a>, writing for the <span style="text-decoration: underline;">New York Times</span>, said of Woodard’s play, “Ms. Woodard sings, she dances, but most of all she tells good stories, bringing them to life in ways that are poignant.”</p> <p>Woodard revisits the work in this prevention as part of MTC’s <em>Curtain Call</em> series. The great thing is you can see this wonderful play and performance for free. All you have to do is register. But act quickly, the run ends on Sunday, April 25th.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Mathilde-Froustey-in-22Snowblind22-Photo-©Erik-Tomasson-Courtesy-SF-Ballet-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-14135" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Mathilde-Froustey-in-22Snowblind22-Photo-©Erik-Tomasson-Courtesy-SF-Ballet-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Mathilde-Froustey-in-22Snowblind22-Photo-©Erik-Tomasson-Courtesy-SF-Ballet-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Mathilde-Froustey-in-22Snowblind22-Photo-©Erik-Tomasson-Courtesy-SF-Ballet-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Mathilde-Froustey-in-22Snowblind22-Photo-©Erik-Tomasson-Courtesy-SF-Ballet-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Mathilde-Froustey-in-22Snowblind22-Photo-©Erik-Tomasson-Courtesy-SF-Ballet-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Mathilde-Froustey-in-22Snowblind22-Photo-©Erik-Tomasson-Courtesy-SF-Ballet-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Mathilde-Froustey-in-22Snowblind22-Photo-©Erik-Tomasson-Courtesy-SF-Ballet-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Mathilde-Froustey-in-22Snowblind22-Photo-©Erik-Tomasson-Courtesy-SF-Ballet.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>Mathilde Froustey in Marston’s Snowblind (Photo © Erik Tomasson/Courtesy SF Ballet)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong>DANCE</strong>: <em><a href="https://www.sfballet.org/productions/digital-program-05/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Digital Program 5 </a></em>– San Francisco Ballet – Now – May 12th</p> <p>Three archival performances make up this program from San Francisco Ballet. They include <em>7 for Eight</em> from 2016 and <em>Anima Animus</em> and <em>Snowblind</em> from 2018.</p> <figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <iframe loading="lazy" title="SF Ballet's Unbound On Screen Presents "Snowblind"" width="696" height="392" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Z0aFbYvwr0I?feature=oembed&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div></figure> <p>Helgi Tomasson is the creator of <em>7 for Eight</em> which is set to the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. David Dawson is the choreographer of <em>Anima Animus</em> which is set to music by Ezio Bosso. Cathy Marston is the choreographer of <em>Snowblind</em> which uses music by Amy Beach, Philip Feeney, Arthur Foote, and Arvo Pärt.</p> <p>Tickets are $29 and allow for 72 hours of access to the program.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/A-moment-from-22Two-Sisters-and-a-Piano22-Courtesy-New-Normal-Rep-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-14154" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/A-moment-from-22Two-Sisters-and-a-Piano22-Courtesy-New-Normal-Rep-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/A-moment-from-22Two-Sisters-and-a-Piano22-Courtesy-New-Normal-Rep-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/A-moment-from-22Two-Sisters-and-a-Piano22-Courtesy-New-Normal-Rep-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/A-moment-from-22Two-Sisters-and-a-Piano22-Courtesy-New-Normal-Rep-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/A-moment-from-22Two-Sisters-and-a-Piano22-Courtesy-New-Normal-Rep-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/A-moment-from-22Two-Sisters-and-a-Piano22-Courtesy-New-Normal-Rep-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/A-moment-from-22Two-Sisters-and-a-Piano22-Courtesy-New-Normal-Rep-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/A-moment-from-22Two-Sisters-and-a-Piano22-Courtesy-New-Normal-Rep.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>Gary Perez, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Florencia Lozano and Jimmy Smits in “Two Sisters and a Piano” (Photo courtesy New Normal Rep)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong>PLAY READING</strong>: <em><a href="https://www.newnormalrep.org/next-up" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Two Sisters and a Piano</a></em> – New Normal Rep – Now – May 23rd <em>ART IN AN EMAIL</em></p> <p>Playwright Nilo Cruz is best-known for his Pulitzer Prize winning play <em>Anna in the Tropics</em> from 2002. Three years prior to that success he premiered <em>Two Sisters and a Piano</em>. </p> <p>The play tells the story of two sisters under house arrest in Cuba in 1991. One sister is an author and the lieutenant keeping track of their case has fallen in love with her. The other is a pianist who finds her piano tuner falling head over heels for his client.</p> <p>Cruz has directed a new reading of <em>Two Sisters and a Piano </em>with Jimmy Smits (<em>Anna in the Tropics</em>); Florencia Lozano (<em>Rinse, Repeat</em>), Gary Perez and Daphne Rubin-Vega (both of whom appeared in <em>Two Sisters and a Piano</em> at The Public Theater.)</p> <p>In <a href="https://variety.com/2021/legit/reviews/two-sister-and-a-piano-review-jimmy-smits-daphne-rubin-vega-1234956890/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A.D. Amorosi</a>‘s review of this reading for <em>Variety</em>, he says, “Cruz’s playful poetic language, even at its most harshly politicized, and his easy direction allow his actors a delicious freedom. Even when its characters are not free, enclosed in one cramped apartment with nothing but mangoes, rice and the occasional rum shot (and despite the virtual limitations of a laptop’s viewing screen), <em>Two Sisters and a Piano</em> is as open as a Havana landscape, with all of its flavors, scents and sensory overloads at full tilt.”</p> <p>Tickets are $25 with $10 tickets available for students. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Khris-Davis-in-22The-Royale22-Photo-by-T.-Charles-Erickson-Courtesy-Lincoln-Center-Theater-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-14142" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Khris-Davis-in-22The-Royale22-Photo-by-T.-Charles-Erickson-Courtesy-Lincoln-Center-Theater-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Khris-Davis-in-22The-Royale22-Photo-by-T.-Charles-Erickson-Courtesy-Lincoln-Center-Theater-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Khris-Davis-in-22The-Royale22-Photo-by-T.-Charles-Erickson-Courtesy-Lincoln-Center-Theater-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Khris-Davis-in-22The-Royale22-Photo-by-T.-Charles-Erickson-Courtesy-Lincoln-Center-Theater-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Khris-Davis-in-22The-Royale22-Photo-by-T.-Charles-Erickson-Courtesy-Lincoln-Center-Theater-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Khris-Davis-in-22The-Royale22-Photo-by-T.-Charles-Erickson-Courtesy-Lincoln-Center-Theater-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Khris-Davis-in-22The-Royale22-Photo-by-T.-Charles-Erickson-Courtesy-Lincoln-Center-Theater-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Khris-Davis-in-22The-Royale22-Photo-by-T.-Charles-Erickson-Courtesy-Lincoln-Center-Theater.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>Khris Davis in “The Royale” (Photo ©T. Charles Erickson/Courtesy Lincoln Center Theater) </figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong>PLAY</strong>: <em><a href="https://www.lct.org/shows/private-reels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Royale</a></em> – Private Reels: From the LCT Archives on Broadway on Demand – Now – May 16th </p> <p>Real life boxer Jack Jackson (the first African-American world heavyweight champion) serves as the inspiration for the story of Jay “The Sport” Jackson in Marco Ramirez’s 2016 play <em>The Royale</em>. (He was also the inspiration for <em>The Great White Hope</em>).</p> <p>The story is told in six rounds.</p> <p>Rachel Chavkin, Tony Award-winner for <em>Hadestown</em>, directed this production. Starring are McKinley Belcher III (the 2020 revival of <em>A Soldier’s Play</em>), Khris Davis (<em>Sweat</em>), Montego Glover (Tony nominee for <em>Memphis</em>), John Lavelle (<em>Catch-22</em>) and Clarke Peters (<em>Five Guys Named Moe</em>). </p> <p>As <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/08/theater/review-the-royale-harks-back-to-the-fighter-jack-johnson.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ben Brantley</a> said in his rave <span style="text-decoration: underline;">New York Times</span> review, “…the great subject of <em>The Royale</em>, which has been given such original and graceful theatrical form, is the selfish single-mindedness required of champions, and the repercussions such a focus has when it’s exercised by a black man in a white man’s world.” </p> <p>There is no charge to watch <em>The Royale</em>, but you will have to register with Broadway on Demand. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Deborah-Strang-and-Karen-Hall-in-22An-Iliad22-Photo-by-Eric-Pargac-Courtesy-A-Noise-Within-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-14145" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Deborah-Strang-and-Karen-Hall-in-22An-Iliad22-Photo-by-Eric-Pargac-Courtesy-A-Noise-Within-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Deborah-Strang-and-Karen-Hall-in-22An-Iliad22-Photo-by-Eric-Pargac-Courtesy-A-Noise-Within-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Deborah-Strang-and-Karen-Hall-in-22An-Iliad22-Photo-by-Eric-Pargac-Courtesy-A-Noise-Within-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Deborah-Strang-and-Karen-Hall-in-22An-Iliad22-Photo-by-Eric-Pargac-Courtesy-A-Noise-Within-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Deborah-Strang-and-Karen-Hall-in-22An-Iliad22-Photo-by-Eric-Pargac-Courtesy-A-Noise-Within-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Deborah-Strang-and-Karen-Hall-in-22An-Iliad22-Photo-by-Eric-Pargac-Courtesy-A-Noise-Within-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Deborah-Strang-and-Karen-Hall-in-22An-Iliad22-Photo-by-Eric-Pargac-Courtesy-A-Noise-Within-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Deborah-Strang-and-Karen-Hall-in-22An-Iliad22-Photo-by-Eric-Pargac-Courtesy-A-Noise-Within.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>Deborah Strang and Karen Hall in “An Iliad” (Photo by Eric Pargac/Courtesy A Noise Within)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong>THEATER</strong>: <em><a href="https://www.anoisewithin.org/play/an-iliad/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">An Iliad</a></em> – A Noise Within – Now – May 16th </p> <p>Easily one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences I’ve had seeing a play was when I attended Denis O’Hare and Lisa Peterson’s <em>An Iliad</em> at the Broad Stage in Santa Monica. It’s a powerful work that is inspired by Homer’s <em>Iliad</em>.</p> <p>This play, specifically called <em>An Iliad</em> because it isn’t <em>the Iliad</em>, calls for just one actor and a cellist and that actor has to be completely on top of his/her game.</p> <p>A Noise Within is offering streaming performances of <em>An Iliad</em> with co-founder Geoff Elliott and actress Deborah Strang alternating performances. Joining them as both composer and cellist is Karen Hall. Julia Rodriguez-Elliott directs. </p> <p>The link in the title will take you to the website so you can see which actor is performing in each performance. Tickets, which are $25 for an individual and $40 for a family, must be reserved a minimum of two hours before each performance.</p> <p>To see what Denis O’Hare had to say about the show, check out my 2014 interview with him <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2014/01/15/how-shock-and-awe-turned-actor-denis-ohare-into-a-playwright/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Nina-Machaidze-in-22Manon22-Photo-courtesy-Wiener-Stattsoper-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-14141" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Nina-Machaidze-in-22Manon22-Photo-courtesy-Wiener-Stattsoper-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Nina-Machaidze-in-22Manon22-Photo-courtesy-Wiener-Stattsoper-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Nina-Machaidze-in-22Manon22-Photo-courtesy-Wiener-Stattsoper-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Nina-Machaidze-in-22Manon22-Photo-courtesy-Wiener-Stattsoper-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Nina-Machaidze-in-22Manon22-Photo-courtesy-Wiener-Stattsoper-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Nina-Machaidze-in-22Manon22-Photo-courtesy-Wiener-Stattsoper-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Nina-Machaidze-in-22Manon22-Photo-courtesy-Wiener-Stattsoper-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Nina-Machaidze-in-22Manon22-Photo-courtesy-Wiener-Stattsoper.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>Nina Machaidze in “Manon” (Photo courtesy Wiener Staatsoper)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong>OPERA</strong>: <a href="https://play.wiener-staatsoper.at/calendar" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jules Massenet’s <em>Manon</em></a> – Wiener Staatsoper – April 22nd – 1:00 PM EDT/10:00 AM</p> <p>Conducted by Frédéric Chaslin; starring Nina Machaidze, Juan Diego Flórez and Adrian Eröd. This Andrei Serban production is from 2019.</p> <p>Massenet’s opera was composed in 1883 and had its world premiere in January of 1884 in Paris. The libretto is by Henri Meilhac and Philippe Gille. </p> <p>They based the opera on the 1731 Abbé Prévost novel, <em>L’histoire du chevalier des Grieux et de Manon Lescaut</em>.</p> <p>A young woman from a small town has an intense desire to lavish herself with all the riches and pleasures life has to offer her. But life doesn’t always work out the way we want. Sounds like a story that could be written today.</p> <figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <iframe loading="lazy" title="Manon - Nino Machaidze Juan Diego Florez / Frédéric Chaslin - Wiener Staatsoper 2019" width="696" height="392" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Zd1B36j-CrI?feature=oembed&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div></figure> <p>This is the first of Vienna State Opera’s productions I’ve included in our listings. Very much like the Metropolitan Opera, they offer a different production each day. There is no charge to watch the productions, but you do need to register on their website. Each production will be available for 24 hours.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Adam-Heller-company-of-22A-Letter-to-Harvey-Milk22-Photo-by-Russ-Rowland-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-14134" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Adam-Heller-company-of-22A-Letter-to-Harvey-Milk22-Photo-by-Russ-Rowland-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Adam-Heller-company-of-22A-Letter-to-Harvey-Milk22-Photo-by-Russ-Rowland-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Adam-Heller-company-of-22A-Letter-to-Harvey-Milk22-Photo-by-Russ-Rowland-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Adam-Heller-company-of-22A-Letter-to-Harvey-Milk22-Photo-by-Russ-Rowland-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Adam-Heller-company-of-22A-Letter-to-Harvey-Milk22-Photo-by-Russ-Rowland-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Adam-Heller-company-of-22A-Letter-to-Harvey-Milk22-Photo-by-Russ-Rowland-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Adam-Heller-company-of-22A-Letter-to-Harvey-Milk22-Photo-by-Russ-Rowland-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Adam-Heller-company-of-22A-Letter-to-Harvey-Milk22-Photo-by-Russ-Rowland.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>Adam Heller & company in “A Letter to Harvey Milk” (Photo by Russ Rowland)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong>MUSICAL</strong>: <em><a href="https://www.stellartickets.com/o/letter-productions-llc/events/a-letter-to-harvey-milk-the-musical/occurrences/ba514e4d-4b56-4a79-a6e1-256015a4224e" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A Letter to Harvey Milk</a></em> – Now – April 25th </p> <p>The creators of this musical, Jerry James, Laura I. Kramer, Ellen M. Schwartz and Cheryl Stern were inspired by a short story of the same name by Lesléa Newman. <em>A Letter to Harvey Milk</em> opened off-Broadway in 2018 at the Acorn Theatre in New York. </p> <p>The setting is San Francisco in the mid 1980s. Harry, a kosher butcher who has retired and is also a widower, is given an assignment to write a letter to someone who is dead. He chooses California politician Harvey Milk – the first openly gay politician elected in California who was later assassinated by Dan White in 1978. But why?</p> <p>Members of the original cast has reunited for this streaming production. They include Adam Heller, Julia Knitel, Cheryl Stern who are joined by Michael Bartoli, Jeremy Greenbaum, Aury Krebs and Ravi Roth. Evan Pappas directs.</p> <p>Tickets range from $10 – $50 with proceeds going to The Actors Fund and HIAS. All tickets purchased will allow viewing of the musical through Sunday, April 25th at 11:59 PM EDT/8:59 PDT.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Drawing-of-Shakespeare-Artwork-by-Kyd-Courtesy-Gingold-Theatrical-Group-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-14146" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Drawing-of-Shakespeare-Artwork-by-Kyd-Courtesy-Gingold-Theatrical-Group-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Drawing-of-Shakespeare-Artwork-by-Kyd-Courtesy-Gingold-Theatrical-Group-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Drawing-of-Shakespeare-Artwork-by-Kyd-Courtesy-Gingold-Theatrical-Group-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Drawing-of-Shakespeare-Artwork-by-Kyd-Courtesy-Gingold-Theatrical-Group-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Drawing-of-Shakespeare-Artwork-by-Kyd-Courtesy-Gingold-Theatrical-Group-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Drawing-of-Shakespeare-Artwork-by-Kyd-Courtesy-Gingold-Theatrical-Group-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Drawing-of-Shakespeare-Artwork-by-Kyd-Courtesy-Gingold-Theatrical-Group-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Drawing-of-Shakespeare-Artwork-by-Kyd-Courtesy-Gingold-Theatrical-Group.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>Drawing of Shakespeare by Kyd (Courtesy Gingold Theatrical Group)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong>SHAKESPEARE</strong>: <em><a href="https://gingoldgroup.org/season/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shakespeare Sonnet Slam</a></em> – Gingold Theatrical Group – April 23rd – 6:00 PM EDT/3:00 PM PDT</p> <p>Happy Birthday William Shakespeare. You don’t look a day over 450. The Gingold Theatrical Group is celebrating by holding a virtual open mic where Shakespeare’s sonnets or other material based on or inspired by the Sonnets will be performed. Everyone is invited to participate and you have three minutes to give it your all.</p> <p>Joining in this celebration are Stephen Brown-Fried, Robert Cuccioli, Tyne Daly, George Dvorsky, Melissa Errico, Alison Fraser, Tom Hewitt, Daniel Jenkins, John-Andrew Morrison, Patrick Page, Maryann Plunkett, <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2017/10/03/tonya-pinkins-time-alone-stage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tonya Pinkins</a>, Laila Robins, Jay O. Sanders, <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2019/04/04/renee-taylors-life-without-joseph-bologna/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Renee Taylor</a>, Jon Patrick Walker and more.</p> <p>You’ll have to come up with your own take on the Sonnets, but this is a free party! You can find the <em>Shakespeare Sonnet Slam</em> on Gingold Theatrical Group’s <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GingoldTheatricalGroup/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Facebook page</a>.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Jessie-Montgomery-Photo-by-Jiyang-Chen-Courtesy-MKI-Artists-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-14147" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Jessie-Montgomery-Photo-by-Jiyang-Chen-Courtesy-MKI-Artists-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Jessie-Montgomery-Photo-by-Jiyang-Chen-Courtesy-MKI-Artists-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Jessie-Montgomery-Photo-by-Jiyang-Chen-Courtesy-MKI-Artists-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Jessie-Montgomery-Photo-by-Jiyang-Chen-Courtesy-MKI-Artists-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Jessie-Montgomery-Photo-by-Jiyang-Chen-Courtesy-MKI-Artists-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Jessie-Montgomery-Photo-by-Jiyang-Chen-Courtesy-MKI-Artists-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Jessie-Montgomery-Photo-by-Jiyang-Chen-Courtesy-MKI-Artists-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Jessie-Montgomery-Photo-by-Jiyang-Chen-Courtesy-MKI-Artists.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>Composer Jessie Montgomery (Photo by Jiyang Chen/Courtesy MKI Artists)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong>CONTEMPORARY CLASSICAL MUSIC</strong>: <em><a href="https://www.laco.org/events/sonic-shift/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sonic Shift</a></em> – Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra – Premieres April 23rd at 9:30 PM EDT/6:30 PM PDT </p> <p>Composer Jessie Montgomery has curated this new episode of LA Chamber Orchestra’s <em>Close Quarters </em>series. On the program are works by composers Marcos Balter, Anna Meredith and Alyssa Weinberg. Each work explores the progression from acoustic music to electronic and electro-acoustic music with an emphasis on the wind section.</p> <p>Will Kim provides the visuals that accompany the performance which is lead by <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2018/11/06/christopher-rountrees-obsession-coltranes-ascension/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christopher Rountree</a> of Wild Up! Nadia Sirota is the music producer.</p> <p>This is the first of two <em>Close Quarters</em> episodes curated by Montgomery. I recently interviewed her about working with LACO. You can read that interview <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2021/04/21/composer-jessie-montgomery-classical-musics-sonic-and-seismic-shift/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p> <p>There’s no charge to watch this performance. Donations are encouraged. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Neave-Trio-Photo-by-Mark-Roemisch-Courtesy-Jensen-Artists-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-14140" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Neave-Trio-Photo-by-Mark-Roemisch-Courtesy-Jensen-Artists-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Neave-Trio-Photo-by-Mark-Roemisch-Courtesy-Jensen-Artists-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Neave-Trio-Photo-by-Mark-Roemisch-Courtesy-Jensen-Artists-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Neave-Trio-Photo-by-Mark-Roemisch-Courtesy-Jensen-Artists-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Neave-Trio-Photo-by-Mark-Roemisch-Courtesy-Jensen-Artists-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Neave-Trio-Photo-by-Mark-Roemisch-Courtesy-Jensen-Artists-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Neave-Trio-Photo-by-Mark-Roemisch-Courtesy-Jensen-Artists-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Neave-Trio-Photo-by-Mark-Roemisch-Courtesy-Jensen-Artists.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>Neave Trio (Photo by Mark Roemisch/Courtesy Jensen Artists)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong>CHAMBER MUSIC</strong>: <em><a href="https://www.ashevillechambermusic.org/neave" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neave Trio</a></em> – Asheville Chamber Music Series – April 23rd – April 25th – Art in an EMAIL</p> <p>Pianist Eri Nakamura, cellist Mikhail Veselov and violinist Anna Williams are the members in Neave Trio. Following on the heels of their 2019 album <em>Her Voice</em>, which featured female composers, their concert this weekend as part of the Asheville Chamber Music Series will also showcase female composers.</p> <p>On the program is the <em>Trio No. 1, Op. 33</em> by Louise Farrench; Rebecca Clarke’s <em>Piano Trio</em> and Cécile Chaminade’s <em>Piano Trio No. 1, Op. 11</em>.</p> <p>Perhaps none of these composers is familiar to you. They aren’t to me. But Neave Trio’s passion for this lesser-known music makes this concert utterly compelling.</p> <p>There are three performances: Friday, April 23rd at 7:30 PM EDT/4:30 PM PDT; Saturday at 7:30 PM EDT/4:30 PM PDT and Sunday at 3:00 PM EDT/12:00 PM PDT.</p> <p>You can watch this concert for free, but donations are encouraged.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Marshall-Allen-of-Sun-Ra-Arkestra-Photo-by-Bud-Fulginiti-Courtesy-Sunraarkestra.com_-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-14133" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Marshall-Allen-of-Sun-Ra-Arkestra-Photo-by-Bud-Fulginiti-Courtesy-Sunraarkestra.com_-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Marshall-Allen-of-Sun-Ra-Arkestra-Photo-by-Bud-Fulginiti-Courtesy-Sunraarkestra.com_-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Marshall-Allen-of-Sun-Ra-Arkestra-Photo-by-Bud-Fulginiti-Courtesy-Sunraarkestra.com_-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Marshall-Allen-of-Sun-Ra-Arkestra-Photo-by-Bud-Fulginiti-Courtesy-Sunraarkestra.com_-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Marshall-Allen-of-Sun-Ra-Arkestra-Photo-by-Bud-Fulginiti-Courtesy-Sunraarkestra.com_-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Marshall-Allen-of-Sun-Ra-Arkestra-Photo-by-Bud-Fulginiti-Courtesy-Sunraarkestra.com_-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Marshall-Allen-of-Sun-Ra-Arkestra-Photo-by-Bud-Fulginiti-Courtesy-Sunraarkestra.com_-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Marshall-Allen-of-Sun-Ra-Arkestra-Photo-by-Bud-Fulginiti-Courtesy-Sunraarkestra.com_.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>Marshall Allen of Sun Ra Arkestra (Photo by Bud Fulginiti/Courtesy Sunraarkestra.com)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong>JAZZ</strong>: <em><a href="https://www.sfjazz.org/watch/#info-open" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sun Ra Arkestra</a></em> – SFJAZZ – April 23rd – 8:00 PM EDT/5:00 PM PDT</p> <p>The name Herman Poole Blount probably doesn’t mean anything to you. But if told that was the birth name of Le Sony’r Ra who would later become known as Sun Ra, you might have a better idea who he was. </p> <p>Experimental, free and avant-garde jazz was his specialty. It was always performed best by the Sun Ra Arkestra.</p> <p>After Sun Ra’s death in 1993, alto saxophonist Marshall Allen starting leading the ensemble. As he does in this concert at SFJAZZ from 2017.</p> <figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <iframe loading="lazy" title="Sun Ra Arkestra Performs "Seductive Fantasy"" width="696" height="392" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fTEalDDc0eE?feature=oembed&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div></figure> <p>To get a sense of what might be in store for you in this <em>Fridays at Five</em> concert, here are some of the songs being performed: <em>Space Loneliness</em>, <em>Saturn</em>, <em>Angels and Demons at Play</em> and <em>Space is the Place</em>. It’s going to be trippy.</p> <p>And you can take that trip for $5 (which offers one full month of digital membership or $60 (which includes a one year digital membership.) </p> <p>There is an encore showing on April 24th at 1:00 PM EDT/10:00 AM PDT.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Romeo-and-Juliet-Courtesy-PBS-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-14148" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Romeo-and-Juliet-Courtesy-PBS-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Romeo-and-Juliet-Courtesy-PBS-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Romeo-and-Juliet-Courtesy-PBS-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Romeo-and-Juliet-Courtesy-PBS-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Romeo-and-Juliet-Courtesy-PBS-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Romeo-and-Juliet-Courtesy-PBS-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Romeo-and-Juliet-Courtesy-PBS-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Romeo-and-Juliet-Courtesy-PBS.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>“Romeo and Juliet” (Courtesy PBS)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong>PLAY</strong>: <em>Romeo and Juliet</em> – Great Performances on PBS – April 23rd – Check Local Listings</p> <p>You don’t expect just some stand-up sonnets for Shakespeare’s birthday, do you? Of course not. Let’s throw in some tragedy. As in <em>the </em>tragic love story of them all – <em>Romeo and Juliet</em>.</p> <p>The National Theatre created this film which maneuvers its way from rehearsal into and around the Lyttleton Theatre. The cast are stuck in a theater that has shut down and act out the story of the Capulets and the Montagues.</p> <p>Starring as the title characters are Josh O’Connor and Jessie Buckley. The cast also includes Fisayo Akinade, Ella Dacres, Deborah Findlay, Tamsin Greig, Ellis Howard, Lloyd Hutchinson, David Judge, Adrian Lester, Lucian Msamati, Alex Mugnaioni, Shubham Saraf and Colin Tierney. Simon Godwin is the director.</p> <p>As with any show on PBS, I’d advise checking your local listings for exact airdate and time in your part of the country.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Wiener-Staatsopers-22Die-Zauberflote22-Courtesy-Wiener-Staatsoper-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-14139" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Wiener-Staatsopers-22Die-Zauberflote22-Courtesy-Wiener-Staatsoper-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Wiener-Staatsopers-22Die-Zauberflote22-Courtesy-Wiener-Staatsoper-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Wiener-Staatsopers-22Die-Zauberflote22-Courtesy-Wiener-Staatsoper-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Wiener-Staatsopers-22Die-Zauberflote22-Courtesy-Wiener-Staatsoper-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Wiener-Staatsopers-22Die-Zauberflote22-Courtesy-Wiener-Staatsoper-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Wiener-Staatsopers-22Die-Zauberflote22-Courtesy-Wiener-Staatsoper-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Wiener-Staatsopers-22Die-Zauberflote22-Courtesy-Wiener-Staatsoper-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Wiener-Staatsopers-22Die-Zauberflote22-Courtesy-Wiener-Staatsoper.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>Wiener Staatsoper’s “Die Zauberflöte” (Courtesy Wiener Staatsoper)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong>OPERA</strong>: <a href="https://play.wiener-staatsoper.at/calendar" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mozart’s <em>Die Zauberflöte</em></a> – Wiener Staatsoper – April 24th – 1:00 PM EDT/10:00 AM PDT</p> <p>Conducted by Adam Fischer; starring Benjamin Bruns, Olga Bezsmertna, Íride Martínez, Markus Werba and Annika Gerhards. This Moshe Leiser and Patrice Caurier production is from 2015.</p> <p>Mozart’s opera premiered in September 1791 in Vienna a mere two months before the composer died. It features a libretto by Emanuel Schikaneder.</p> <p>Prince Tamino is asked by the Queen of the Night to free her daughter Pamina from Sarastro. Tamino, however, is impressed with Sarastro and the way his community lives in the world and wants to be a part of it. Both alone and together Tamino and Pamina endure multiple tests. If they succeed, what will happen to them? To the Queen of the Night?</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Dory-Al-Samarany-in-22Whispers-International22-Photo-by-Taha-Shanouha-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-14132" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Dory-Al-Samarany-in-22Whispers-International22-Photo-by-Taha-Shanouha-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Dory-Al-Samarany-in-22Whispers-International22-Photo-by-Taha-Shanouha-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Dory-Al-Samarany-in-22Whispers-International22-Photo-by-Taha-Shanouha-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Dory-Al-Samarany-in-22Whispers-International22-Photo-by-Taha-Shanouha-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Dory-Al-Samarany-in-22Whispers-International22-Photo-by-Taha-Shanouha-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Dory-Al-Samarany-in-22Whispers-International22-Photo-by-Taha-Shanouha-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Dory-Al-Samarany-in-22Whispers-International22-Photo-by-Taha-Shanouha-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Dory-Al-Samarany-in-22Whispers-International22-Photo-by-Taha-Shanouha.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>Dory Al-Samarany in “Whispers International” (Photo by Taha Shanouha)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong>MONOLOGUES</strong>: <em><a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/whispers-international-tickets-149149097967" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Whispers International</a></em> – April 24th – 2:00 PM EDT/11:00 AM PDT</p> <p>As you know, there was a massive blast in Lebanon on August 4th of last year. Almost 200 people were killed and over 6,000 people were injured.</p> <p><em>Whispers International </em>was created to raise money for the victims and to help in the rebuilding of the area around the blast site. </p> <p>British playwrights Geraldine Breenna, Mike Elliston, Kim Hardy, Angela Harvey, John Jesper and Kate Webster have made their writing available to a company of Lebanese actors to perform.</p> <p>Those actors are Nadine Labaki, Georges Khabbaz, Nada Abou Farhat, Talal El Jurdi, Bernadette Houdeib, Rita Hayek, Badih Abou Chacra, Dory Al-Samarany, Bshara Atallah, Sany Abdul Baki, Josyane Boulos, Agatha Ezzedine and Hagop Der Ghougassian </p> <p>Tickets are £13.52 which at press time equals approximately $18.75.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Wiener-Staatsopers-22Hansel-und-Gretel22-Courtesy-Wiener-Staatsoper-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-14138" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Wiener-Staatsopers-22Hansel-und-Gretel22-Courtesy-Wiener-Staatsoper-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Wiener-Staatsopers-22Hansel-und-Gretel22-Courtesy-Wiener-Staatsoper-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Wiener-Staatsopers-22Hansel-und-Gretel22-Courtesy-Wiener-Staatsoper-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Wiener-Staatsopers-22Hansel-und-Gretel22-Courtesy-Wiener-Staatsoper-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Wiener-Staatsopers-22Hansel-und-Gretel22-Courtesy-Wiener-Staatsoper-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Wiener-Staatsopers-22Hansel-und-Gretel22-Courtesy-Wiener-Staatsoper-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Wiener-Staatsopers-22Hansel-und-Gretel22-Courtesy-Wiener-Staatsoper-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Wiener-Staatsopers-22Hansel-und-Gretel22-Courtesy-Wiener-Staatsoper.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>Weiner Staatsoper’s “Händel und Gretel” (Courtesy Weiner Staatsoper)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong>OPERA</strong>: <a href="https://play.wiener-staatsoper.at/calendar" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Humperdinck’s <em>Hänsel und Gretel</em></a> – Weiner Staatsoper – April 25th – 1:00 PM EDT/10:00 AM PDT</p> <p>Conducted by Christian Thielemann; starring Ileana Tosca, Daniela Sindram, Adrian Eröd, Janina Baechle, Michaela Schuster, Annika Gerhards</p> <p>The Grimm brother’s fairly tale about a brother and sister who are lured to a house with sweets and candies only to find a witch who wants to eat the duo is the basis for this opera that had its debut in 1893 in Weimar. Richard Strauss conducted the premiere. A second production the next year in Hamburg was conducted by Gustav Mahler. Adelheid Wette, Humpderdink’s sister, wrote the libretto.</p> <p><em>Hansel and </em><em>Gre</em><em>tel </em>has the distinction of finding much of its popularity not just through opera houses, but on the radio. It was the first opera broadcast on the radio in Europe when a 1923 Covent Garden production was heard over the airwaves. Eight years later in 1931, it became the first ever opera broadcast in its entirety by the Metropolitan Opera.</p> <p>The opera is commonly seen and heard during the Christmas season. An odd choice, but librettist Adelheid Wette did soften some of the harsher elements found in the original Grimm tales for her brother’s opera.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Mandy-Gonzalez-Courtesy-Seth-Concert-Series-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-14149" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Mandy-Gonzalez-Courtesy-Seth-Concert-Series-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Mandy-Gonzalez-Courtesy-Seth-Concert-Series-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Mandy-Gonzalez-Courtesy-Seth-Concert-Series-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Mandy-Gonzalez-Courtesy-Seth-Concert-Series-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Mandy-Gonzalez-Courtesy-Seth-Concert-Series-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Mandy-Gonzalez-Courtesy-Seth-Concert-Series-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Mandy-Gonzalez-Courtesy-Seth-Concert-Series-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Mandy-Gonzalez-Courtesy-Seth-Concert-Series.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>Mandy Gonzalez (Courtesy Seth Concert Series)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong>CABARET</strong>: <em><a href="https://events.broadwayworld.com/event/mandy-gonzalez-seth-rudetsky-4-25/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mandy Gonzalez</a></em> – Seth Concert Series – April 25th – 3:00 PM EDT/12:00 PM PDT </p> <p>With the upcoming film version of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s <em>In the Heights</em>, it’s a great time to check in on one of the musical’s original cast members: Mandy Gonzalez, who originated the role of Nina.</p> <p>Gonazalez is an insanely talented singer and actress. </p> <p>I saw her in <em>In the Heights</em>. She’s also appeared in <em>Wicked</em>, <em>Lennon</em>, <em>Dance of the Vampires </em>and as Angelica Schuyler in <em>Hamilton</em>.</p> <p>I’ve also seen her perform her cabaret act and it is impossible to express the amount of pure joy that comes out of her when she’s singing. (And she does a killer version of <em>Born to Run</em> by Bruce Springsteen.)</p> <figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <iframe loading="lazy" title="Born to Run" width="696" height="522" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/m_T066CyoZQ?feature=oembed&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div></figure> <p>She is Seth Rudetsky’s guest in his concert series this weekend. </p> <p>Tickets are $25 and you can watch the live performance at 3:00 PM EDT or the replay of the concert at 8:00 PM EDT. Whichever you choose, you will certainly have a good time.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Betsy-McBride-and-Jacob-Clerico-in-22Indestructible-Light22-Photo-by-Dancing-Camera-Courtesy-ABT-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-14150" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Betsy-McBride-and-Jacob-Clerico-in-22Indestructible-Light22-Photo-by-Dancing-Camera-Courtesy-ABT-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Betsy-McBride-and-Jacob-Clerico-in-22Indestructible-Light22-Photo-by-Dancing-Camera-Courtesy-ABT-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Betsy-McBride-and-Jacob-Clerico-in-22Indestructible-Light22-Photo-by-Dancing-Camera-Courtesy-ABT-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Betsy-McBride-and-Jacob-Clerico-in-22Indestructible-Light22-Photo-by-Dancing-Camera-Courtesy-ABT-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Betsy-McBride-and-Jacob-Clerico-in-22Indestructible-Light22-Photo-by-Dancing-Camera-Courtesy-ABT-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Betsy-McBride-and-Jacob-Clerico-in-22Indestructible-Light22-Photo-by-Dancing-Camera-Courtesy-ABT-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Betsy-McBride-and-Jacob-Clerico-in-22Indestructible-Light22-Photo-by-Dancing-Camera-Courtesy-ABT-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Betsy-McBride-and-Jacob-Clerico-in-22Indestructible-Light22-Photo-by-Dancing-Camera-Courtesy-ABT.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>Betsy McBride and Jacob Clerico in “Indestructible Light” (Photo by Dancing Camera/Courtesy ABT)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><em>IN PERSON: </em><strong>DANCE</strong>: <em><a href="https://www.scfta.org/events/2021/uniting-in-movement" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Uniting in Movement</a></em> – American Ballet Theatre – Segerstrom Center for the Arts – April 25th – 1:30 PM PDT </p> <p>You could be ambivalent about the Academy Awards and go see a rare live performance of ballet in Costa Mesa. ABT has been creating a program of three different works that were filmed this week. On Sunday, they are opening up Segerstrom Center for the Arts for a limited number of people to see the performance live.</p> <p>The works are <em>Let Me Sing Forever More</em> by choreographer Jessica Lang and set to the recordings of Tony Bennett (clearly the title comes from <em>Fly Me to the Moon</em>); <em>La Follia Variations</em> by Lauren Lovette set to music of the same name by composer Francesco Geminiani and <em>Indestructible Light</em> by Darrell Grand Moultrie which is set to music by Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Neal Hefti and Billy Strayhorn.</p> <p>Hefti, by the way, composed the theme for the television series <em>Batman</em>. </p> <p>At press time the only available tickets were $80 each. There are Covid-protocols in place for this performance.</p> <p>For those willing to wait, <em>Uniting in Movement</em> will be available for streaming through Segerstrom Center for the Arts from May 12th – May 26th for $25. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Argus-Trio-Photo-©-The-Noguchi-Museum-Artists-Rights-Society-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-14131" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Argus-Trio-Photo-©-The-Noguchi-Museum-Artists-Rights-Society-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Argus-Trio-Photo-©-The-Noguchi-Museum-Artists-Rights-Society-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Argus-Trio-Photo-©-The-Noguchi-Museum-Artists-Rights-Society-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Argus-Trio-Photo-©-The-Noguchi-Museum-Artists-Rights-Society-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Argus-Trio-Photo-©-The-Noguchi-Museum-Artists-Rights-Society-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Argus-Trio-Photo-©-The-Noguchi-Museum-Artists-Rights-Society-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Argus-Trio-Photo-©-The-Noguchi-Museum-Artists-Rights-Society-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Argus-Trio-Photo-©-The-Noguchi-Museum-Artists-Rights-Society.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>Argus Trio (Photo ©The Noguchi Museum – Artists Rights Society)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong>CHAMBER MUSIC</strong>: <em><a href="https://5bmf.org/events/noise-silence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Argus Quartet: noise/Silence</a></em> – Five Boroughs Music Festival and The Noguchi Museum – April 25th – 7:30 PM EDT/4:30 PM PDT (Art in an email)</p> <p>Cellist Audrey Chen, violinists Clara Kim and Gioncarlo Latta and violist Maren Rothfritz make up the Argus Quartet. Though they perform music from across all eras of classical music, they seem to excel in contemporary works.</p> <p>This concert was filmed at one of my favorite museums in New York, The Noguchi Museum. It is being presented by the Five Boroughs Music Festival. The Argus Quartet will perform works by composers John Cage (<em>String Quartet in Four Parts</em>); Dorothy Rudd More (<em>Modes for String Quartet</em>), Rolf Wallin (several selections from <em>Curiosity Cabinet</em>) and Paul Wiancko (<em>Vox Petra</em>).</p> <p>The concert will be available for free streaming on the Five Boroughs Music Festival <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/5iveBMF/videos" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">YouTube channel </a>through December 31st.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Anita-Rachvelishvili-and-company-in-22Carmen22-Photo-courtesy-Weiner-Stattsoper-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-14137" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Anita-Rachvelishvili-and-company-in-22Carmen22-Photo-courtesy-Weiner-Stattsoper-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Anita-Rachvelishvili-and-company-in-22Carmen22-Photo-courtesy-Weiner-Stattsoper-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Anita-Rachvelishvili-and-company-in-22Carmen22-Photo-courtesy-Weiner-Stattsoper-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Anita-Rachvelishvili-and-company-in-22Carmen22-Photo-courtesy-Weiner-Stattsoper-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Anita-Rachvelishvili-and-company-in-22Carmen22-Photo-courtesy-Weiner-Stattsoper-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Anita-Rachvelishvili-and-company-in-22Carmen22-Photo-courtesy-Weiner-Stattsoper-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Anita-Rachvelishvili-and-company-in-22Carmen22-Photo-courtesy-Weiner-Stattsoper-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Anita-Rachvelishvili-and-company-in-22Carmen22-Photo-courtesy-Weiner-Stattsoper.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>Anita Rachvelishvili in “Carmen” (Courtesy Weiner Staatsoper)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong>OPERA</strong>: <a href="https://play.wiener-staatsoper.at/calendar" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bizet’s <em>Carmen</em></a> – Weiner Staatsoper – April 26th – 1:00 PM EDT/10:00 AM PDT</p> <p>Conducted by Andrés Orozco-Estrada; starring Anita Rachvelishvili, Piotr Beczala, Erwin Schrott and Vera-Lotte Boecker. This Calixto Bieito production is from 2021.</p> <p>Georges Bizet collaborated with librettists Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halévy on this immensely popular opera. It was based on Propser Mérimée’s novella of the same name. </p> <p>When <em>Carmen</em> was first performed in Paris in 1875 it was considered both shocking and scandalous. </p> <p>Set in Seville, Spain, Carmen is a gypsy who has caught everyone’s eye. A soldier, Don José, plays coy and gives her no attention. Her flirtation causes troubles for both when Don José’s girlfriend, Micaëla arrives. Tensions escalate between the two women and after a knight fight, José must arrest Carmen. When she seduces him it sets off a series of events that will not end well for the gypsy woman.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/A-scene-from-Goodman-Theatres-22Measure-for-Measure22-Photo-by-Liz-Lauren-Courtesy-Goodman-Theatre-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-14151" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/A-scene-from-Goodman-Theatres-22Measure-for-Measure22-Photo-by-Liz-Lauren-Courtesy-Goodman-Theatre-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/A-scene-from-Goodman-Theatres-22Measure-for-Measure22-Photo-by-Liz-Lauren-Courtesy-Goodman-Theatre-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/A-scene-from-Goodman-Theatres-22Measure-for-Measure22-Photo-by-Liz-Lauren-Courtesy-Goodman-Theatre-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/A-scene-from-Goodman-Theatres-22Measure-for-Measure22-Photo-by-Liz-Lauren-Courtesy-Goodman-Theatre-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/A-scene-from-Goodman-Theatres-22Measure-for-Measure22-Photo-by-Liz-Lauren-Courtesy-Goodman-Theatre-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/A-scene-from-Goodman-Theatres-22Measure-for-Measure22-Photo-by-Liz-Lauren-Courtesy-Goodman-Theatre-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/A-scene-from-Goodman-Theatres-22Measure-for-Measure22-Photo-by-Liz-Lauren-Courtesy-Goodman-Theatre-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/A-scene-from-Goodman-Theatres-22Measure-for-Measure22-Photo-by-Liz-Lauren-Courtesy-Goodman-Theatre.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>A scene from “Measure for Measure” (Photo by Liz Lauren/Courtesy Goodman Theatre)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong>PLAY</strong>: <em><a href="https://www.goodmantheatre.org/season/Encore/measure-for-measure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Measure for Measure</a></em> – Goodman Theatre – April 26th – May 9th</p> <p>Here’s another opportunity to celebrate the bard. But this isn’t going to be your standard production of a Shakespearean play.</p> <p>Director Robert Falls has transported this play from Vienna to New YOrk City circa the late 1970s (or as I like to describe it, before Disney moved into Broadway).</p> <p>The story is still the same. Claudio is sentenced to death under an arcane law invoked by Angelo who has taken over for the Duke who has left rather than have to deal with morality issues in (originally Vienna). Claudio’s crime? Getting his girlfriend, Juliet, pregnant.</p> <p>The Duke returns in disguise and becomes aware of the decisions Angelo has been making. Deception, bargains, bartering, love and death are all on the table in this fairly convoluted play.</p> <p><a href="https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/justin-hayford-reviews-measure-for-measure-at-the-goodman-theatre/Content?oid=9084232" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Justin Hayford</a>, in his review for the <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Chicago Reader</span>, had mixed feelings about the production: </p> <p>“It’s rare for one of Shakespeare’s plays to be ripped from its original setting, transplanted across centuries and continents—and still end up feeling vital, urgent, and utterly contemporary. At least for a while. If Falls and his stellar cast could maintain that vitality past intermission, they’d have a masterpiece on their hands.”</p> <p>Nonetheless, I think the concept sounds interesting and worth checking out. What else are you going to do on a Monday night? (Of course, I have another option for you…)</p> <p>Tickets are free, but require registration.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Playwright-Aleshea-Harris-Photo-by-R.J.-Eldridge-Courtesy-NY-Theatre-Workshop-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-14152" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Playwright-Aleshea-Harris-Photo-by-R.J.-Eldridge-Courtesy-NY-Theatre-Workshop-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Playwright-Aleshea-Harris-Photo-by-R.J.-Eldridge-Courtesy-NY-Theatre-Workshop-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Playwright-Aleshea-Harris-Photo-by-R.J.-Eldridge-Courtesy-NY-Theatre-Workshop-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Playwright-Aleshea-Harris-Photo-by-R.J.-Eldridge-Courtesy-NY-Theatre-Workshop-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Playwright-Aleshea-Harris-Photo-by-R.J.-Eldridge-Courtesy-NY-Theatre-Workshop-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Playwright-Aleshea-Harris-Photo-by-R.J.-Eldridge-Courtesy-NY-Theatre-Workshop-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Playwright-Aleshea-Harris-Photo-by-R.J.-Eldridge-Courtesy-NY-Theatre-Workshop-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Playwright-Aleshea-Harris-Photo-by-R.J.-Eldridge-Courtesy-NY-Theatre-Workshop.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>Playwright Aleshea Harris (Photo by R.J. Eldridge/Courtesy NY Theatre Workshop)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong>AUDIO PLAY</strong>: <em><a href="https://www.nytw.org/show/brother-brother/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brother, Brother</a></em> – New York Theatre Workshop – Live Premiere April 26th – 7:00 PM EDT/4:00 PM PDT <em>Art in an email</em></p> <p>New York Theater Workshop is offering up a twist on audio plays. This will feature visuals, but not of the performers. Rather, artists Ibrahim Rayintakath and Liang-Hsin Huang have created imagery that will accompany Aleshea Harris’ play.</p> <p><em>Brother, Brother</em> tells the story of two brothers sharing a bicycle while making their way through Appalachia. They are actors headed to Tennessee. They start getting followed by a mysterious man in a maroon suit. At this moment the dreams they have for their future are confronted by the acts from their past.</p> <p>Starring in this audio play are Amari Cheathom (terrific in August Wilson’s <em>Jitney)</em>, André De Shields (Tony Award-winner for <em>Hadestown</em>), Gbenga Akinnagbe (<em>To Kill a Mockingbird</em>) and Owen Tabaka (<em>Ratatouille: The </em><i>Ti</i><em>k Tok</em> <em>Musical</em>). Shayok Misha Chowdhury directs.</p> <p>Tickets are $10. <em>Brother, Brother </em>will remain available for streaming through July 25th.</p> <p>Those are my Best Bets: April 23rd – April 26th. But a few reminders (and a preview):</p> <p>MasterVoices has debuted the 3rd part of <em>Myths and Hymns</em>, a series of short films set to Adam Guettel’s song cycle. For details about the series, go <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2021/03/11/adam-guettels-myths-and-hymns/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. For my interview with MasterVoices Artistic Director Ted Sperling, go <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2021/04/22/ted-sperling-returns-to-myths-and-hymns/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p> <p>Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Gala 2021 is available for streaming through Sunday. For details about the program and how to get tickets, go <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2021/04/20/innovation-soul-jazz-at-lincoln-center-gala/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p> <p>Carnegie Hall’s <em>Voices of Hope</em> series continues with multiple new shows available for free viewing. For details go <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2021/04/15/carnegie-halls-voices-of-hope-my-top-picks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p> <p>The Metropolitan Opera streams Philip Glass’ <em>Satyagraha</em> on Friday (highly recommended); Beethoven’s <em>Fidelio</em> on Saturday and Poulenc’s <em>Dialogues des Carmélites </em>on Sunday (also highly recommended). For details and previews go <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2021/04/19/moral-authority-week-58-at-the-met/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p> <p>Here’s a preview of next week at the Met where the theme is <em>City of Light</em> (all the operas take place in Paris). Monday’s opera is, what else, <em>La Bohème</em> by Puccini.</p> <p>That truly is the full and complete list of Best Bets: April 23rd – April 26th. Enjoy your weekend!</p> <p>Photo: William Shakespeare (By BatyrAshirbayev98/Courtesy Wikipedia Commons)</p> <p></p> <p>The post <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2021/04/23/best-bets-april-23rd-april-26th/">Best Bets: April 23rd – April 26th</a> appeared first on <a href="https://culturalattache.co">Cultural Attaché</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://culturalattache.co/2021/04/23/best-bets-april-23rd-april-26th/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Best Bets: February 12th – February 15th</title> <link>https://culturalattache.co/2021/02/12/best-bets-february-12th-february-15th/</link> <comments>https://culturalattache.co/2021/02/12/best-bets-february-12th-february-15th/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Craig Byrd]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 12 Feb 2021 08:01:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Classical: Metronome]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Come to the Cabaret]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dance: At the Barre]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jazz in 5/4 Time]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Opera: Bravo]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Streaming]]></category> <category><![CDATA[The Play's The Thing]]></category> <category><![CDATA[92nd Street Y]]></category> <category><![CDATA[A Catalina Soulful Valentine]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Aizuri Quartet]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Akhnaten]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Anna Clyne]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Arthur Mitchell]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Avery Sommers]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Baryshnikov Arts Center]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Birdland]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Brad Oscar]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Brandenburg Concerto]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Breathing Free]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Cady Huffman]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Carole J. Bufford]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Cast Party Network]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Catalina Jazz Club]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Chris Norton]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Claude Debussy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Colorforms]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Cosi fan tutte]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dance Theatre of Harlem]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Detroit Symphony Orchestra]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Die Walküre]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dixie Longate]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dixie's Happy Hour]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Douglas J. Cuomo]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dwight Rhoden]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ellie Dehn]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Fidelio]]></category> <category><![CDATA[films.dance]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Francesco Demuro]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Francisco Reyes]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Franco Zeffirelli]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Fridays at Five]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Giacomo Puccini]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Gianmarco Soresi]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Heartbeat Opera]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Hector Berlioz]]></category> <category><![CDATA[In Concert at The Hollywood Bowl]]></category> <category><![CDATA[James Snyder]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jim Caruso]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jim Caruso's Pajama Cast Party]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Johann Sebastian Bach]]></category> <category><![CDATA[John Cox]]></category> <category><![CDATA[John Henry]]></category> <category><![CDATA[John Holiday]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Julie Halston]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Justin Hicks]]></category> <category><![CDATA[La Bohème]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Laura Osnes]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Lauren Kinhan]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Les Troyens]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Let's Begin at the End]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Linda Purl]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Los Angeles Philharmonic]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Lucie Arnaz]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Marco Vinco]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mark Morris]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mary Wilson]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Metropolitan Opera]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Michael Blakk Powell]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Miles Davis]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Milton Rosenstock]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Música sin Fronteras]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Myles Thatcher]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Natalia Osipova]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Nels Cline]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Nicola Luisotti]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Nita Whitaker]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Opera Philadelphia]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Pavel Sorokin]]></category> <category><![CDATA[PBS]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Philip Glass]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Phillippe Sly]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Raymonda]]></category> <category><![CDATA[REDCAT]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Richard Goode]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Richard Wagner]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Royal Ballet]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Royal Opera House]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Rudolf Nureyev]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sally Struthers]]></category> <category><![CDATA[San Francisco Ballet]]></category> <category><![CDATA[San Francisco Opera]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sandpaper Ballet]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Save the Boys]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Segerstrom Center for the Arts]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Seth Rudetsky]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Seven Limbs]]></category> <category><![CDATA[SF Jazz]]></category> <category><![CDATA[SF Jazz Collective]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sly and the Family Stone]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Stage Access]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Steve Reich]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Stride]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Susannah Biller]]></category> <category><![CDATA[The Broad Stage]]></category> <category><![CDATA[The Producers]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Tyshawn Sorey]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Use Your Head for More]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Vadim Muntagirov]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Virtual Halston]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Yorick La Historia de Hamlet]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Zachary James]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://culturalattache.co/?p=13072</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Where to find your fix for culture this Valentine's Day Weekend which is also a holiday weekend!</p> <p>The post <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2021/02/12/best-bets-february-12th-february-15th/">Best Bets: February 12th – February 15th</a> appeared first on <a href="https://culturalattache.co">Cultural Attaché</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>It’s Valentine’s Day weekend and it seems love is not the only thing in the air, so is dance. There are quite a few dance options in my Best Bets: February 12th – February 15th that all look terrific. </p> <p>Our top pick this week is Heartbeat Opera’s <em>Breathing Free</em>, a powerful 45-minute film that is having its West Coast debut courtesy of The Broad Stage. Opera, spirituals, movement and imagery combine to explore the challenges Black men have of simply breathing without fear. I saw the film last year and can tell you this is easily one of the strongest works you’ll see all year.</p> <p>If you are a fan of The Supremes and want to catch quite possibly Mary Wilson’s last performance (she passed away earlier this week), you will want to catch <em>A Catalina Soulful Valentine</em> fundraiser on Friday night. </p> <p>It’s not all dance and topical issues this week, in fact, our first listing might find you mixing your own cocktails. Get your ice out of the freezer, get your cocktail shaker on standby and dig in!</p> <p>Here are my Best Bets: February 12th – February 15th (we’re including Monday since it’s also a holiday weekend):</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Dixie-Longate-Courtesy-Segerstrom-Center-for-the-Arts-3-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-13115" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Dixie-Longate-Courtesy-Segerstrom-Center-for-the-Arts-3-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Dixie-Longate-Courtesy-Segerstrom-Center-for-the-Arts-3-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Dixie-Longate-Courtesy-Segerstrom-Center-for-the-Arts-3-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Dixie-Longate-Courtesy-Segerstrom-Center-for-the-Arts-3-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Dixie-Longate-Courtesy-Segerstrom-Center-for-the-Arts-3-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Dixie-Longate-Courtesy-Segerstrom-Center-for-the-Arts-3-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Dixie-Longate-Courtesy-Segerstrom-Center-for-the-Arts-3-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Dixie-Longate-Courtesy-Segerstrom-Center-for-the-Arts-3.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>Dixie Longate (Courtesy Segerstrom Center for the Arts)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong>PLAY: </strong><em><a href="https://www.scfta.org/events/2021/dixies-happy-hour" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dixie’s Happy Hour</a></em> – Segerstrom Center for the Arts – Now – February 21st</p> <p><a href="https://culturalattache.co/2018/11/29/return-visit-dixie-longate-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dixie Longate</a> hosting a happy hour? That will certainly have heavy emphasis on the happy. And probably on the adult side, too. Dixie, though a Southern girl at heart, has a quick wit and is never shy about sharing her thoughts. </p> <p>With everything that has gone on the world since Dixie was last selling Tupperware locally, I can only imagine what she’ll have to say. </p> <p>And what drinks she’ll make. I don’t believe Dixie has been <em>in</em> the Alabama slammer, but I bet she knows how to make a fierce one! Actually, she does have a pre-show margarita recipe to share.</p> <figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <iframe loading="lazy" title="Dixie Longate teaches you how to make a classic margarita." width="696" height="392" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AsixVTqV9hc?feature=oembed&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div></figure> <p>There are performances every night through February 21st at 7:00 PM PST. Tickets are $35.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Cavan-Conley-and-Esteban-Hernandez-in-Thatchers-COLORFORMS-©-San-Francisco-Ballet-Cavan-Conley-and-Esteban-Hernandez-in-Thatchers-22Colorforms22-©-San-Francisco-Ballet--300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-13100" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Cavan-Conley-and-Esteban-Hernandez-in-Thatchers-COLORFORMS-©-San-Francisco-Ballet-Cavan-Conley-and-Esteban-Hernandez-in-Thatchers-22Colorforms22-©-San-Francisco-Ballet--300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Cavan-Conley-and-Esteban-Hernandez-in-Thatchers-COLORFORMS-©-San-Francisco-Ballet-Cavan-Conley-and-Esteban-Hernandez-in-Thatchers-22Colorforms22-©-San-Francisco-Ballet--1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Cavan-Conley-and-Esteban-Hernandez-in-Thatchers-COLORFORMS-©-San-Francisco-Ballet-Cavan-Conley-and-Esteban-Hernandez-in-Thatchers-22Colorforms22-©-San-Francisco-Ballet--768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Cavan-Conley-and-Esteban-Hernandez-in-Thatchers-COLORFORMS-©-San-Francisco-Ballet-Cavan-Conley-and-Esteban-Hernandez-in-Thatchers-22Colorforms22-©-San-Francisco-Ballet--1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Cavan-Conley-and-Esteban-Hernandez-in-Thatchers-COLORFORMS-©-San-Francisco-Ballet-Cavan-Conley-and-Esteban-Hernandez-in-Thatchers-22Colorforms22-©-San-Francisco-Ballet--696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Cavan-Conley-and-Esteban-Hernandez-in-Thatchers-COLORFORMS-©-San-Francisco-Ballet-Cavan-Conley-and-Esteban-Hernandez-in-Thatchers-22Colorforms22-©-San-Francisco-Ballet--1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Cavan-Conley-and-Esteban-Hernandez-in-Thatchers-COLORFORMS-©-San-Francisco-Ballet-Cavan-Conley-and-Esteban-Hernandez-in-Thatchers-22Colorforms22-©-San-Francisco-Ballet--747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Cavan-Conley-and-Esteban-Hernandez-in-Thatchers-COLORFORMS-©-San-Francisco-Ballet-Cavan-Conley-and-Esteban-Hernandez-in-Thatchers-22Colorforms22-©-San-Francisco-Ballet-.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>Cavan Conley and Esteban Hernandez in Thatcher’s “Colorforms” (©San Francisco Ballet)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong>BALLET: </strong><em><a href="https://www.sfballet.org/productions/digital-program-02/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Digital Program 02</a></em> – San Francisco Ballet – Now – March 3rd $29 for 72 hour access</p> <p>The world premiere of <em>Colorforms</em>, a new work by Myles Thatcher, is featured in San Francisco Ballet’s <em>Digital Program 02</em>. The work, set to <em>Variations for Vibes, Pianos and Strings </em>by Steve Reich, seeks to illuminate the parallels between the creation and consumption of art. The film, directed by Ezra Hurwitz, was shot in multiple San Francisco locations including the War Memorial Opera House where the San Francisco Ballet regularly performs.</p> <p>Opening the program is <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2018/04/19/dwight-rhodens-personal-connection-david-bowie/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dwight Rhoden</a>‘s <em>Let’s Begin at the End</em> which features music by Johann Sebastian Bach, Philip Glass and Michael Nyman. The work was created for SF Ballet’s 2018 <em>Unbound</em> and had its debut on April 26th of that year.</p> <p>Closing out the program is <em>Sandpaper Ballet</em> by Mark Morris with music by Leroy Anderson. The work was created in 1999 for San Francisco Ballet. Composer Anderson is probably best-known for having written the popular holiday song, <em>Sleigh Ride</em>. <em>Sandpaper Ballet</em> was composed in 1954.</p> <p>Tickets are $29 and allow for 72 hours of streaming.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Artists-of-The-Royal-Ballet-in-22Raymonda22-Photo-by-Tristram-Kenton-©Royal-Opera-House-2019-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-13101" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Artists-of-The-Royal-Ballet-in-22Raymonda22-Photo-by-Tristram-Kenton-©Royal-Opera-House-2019-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Artists-of-The-Royal-Ballet-in-22Raymonda22-Photo-by-Tristram-Kenton-©Royal-Opera-House-2019-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Artists-of-The-Royal-Ballet-in-22Raymonda22-Photo-by-Tristram-Kenton-©Royal-Opera-House-2019-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Artists-of-The-Royal-Ballet-in-22Raymonda22-Photo-by-Tristram-Kenton-©Royal-Opera-House-2019-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Artists-of-The-Royal-Ballet-in-22Raymonda22-Photo-by-Tristram-Kenton-©Royal-Opera-House-2019-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Artists-of-The-Royal-Ballet-in-22Raymonda22-Photo-by-Tristram-Kenton-©Royal-Opera-House-2019-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Artists-of-The-Royal-Ballet-in-22Raymonda22-Photo-by-Tristram-Kenton-©Royal-Opera-House-2019-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Artists-of-The-Royal-Ballet-in-22Raymonda22-Photo-by-Tristram-Kenton-©Royal-Opera-House-2019.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>Artists of The Royal Ballet in “Raymonda Act III” (Photo ©Tristram Kenton/Courtesy Royal Opera House)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong>BALLET: </strong><em><a href="https://www.roh.org.uk/tickets-and-events/raymonda-act-iii-2019-details" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Raymonda Act III</a></em> – Royal Opera House – Now – March 14th</p> <p>Marius Petipa’s ballet, <em>Raymonda</em>, had its world premiere in St. Petersburg in 1898 and is set to the music of Alexander Glazunov. In 1948 the Kirov Ballet revived the ballet with new choreography by Konstantin Sergeyev. This latter choreography is the one most commonly used in performances of the ballet.</p> <p>Ballet star Rudolf Nureyev dance the ballet with the Kirov. He would later stage a full-length version for the Royal Ballet in 1964. Five years later he tweaked the very popular third act. It is that version that will be seen in this film which comes from a 2003 tribute to Nureyev. (The event took place ten years after his death.)</p> <figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <iframe loading="lazy" title="Raymonda Grand Pas Hongrois - Natalia Osipova/Vadim Muntagirov - Royal Ballet" width="696" height="392" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/n38ozui5QEg?feature=oembed&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div></figure> <p>The two acts leading up to the segment being presented depicts the story of two lovers, Raymonda and Jean de Brienne who plan to get married. Unfortunately Abderman shows up at her birthday party and makes his intentions clear. Jean de Brienne does not arrive for one more day. He does arrive just in time (in Act 2) to break up Abderman’s kidnapping attempt of Raymonda. A duel ensues between the two men and Abderman is killed. </p> <p>So what’s left in Act III? A big celebration. The full ballet isn’t performed as often as is this third act.</p> <p>Pavel Sorokin conducts with Natalia Osipova as Raymonda and Vadim Muntagirov as Jean de Brienne.</p> <p>Tickets to stream this performance are £3 which at press time equals approximately $4.15</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Julie-Halston-Courtesy-her-Facebook-Page-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-13117" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Julie-Halston-Courtesy-her-Facebook-Page-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Julie-Halston-Courtesy-her-Facebook-Page-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Julie-Halston-Courtesy-her-Facebook-Page-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Julie-Halston-Courtesy-her-Facebook-Page-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Julie-Halston-Courtesy-her-Facebook-Page-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Julie-Halston-Courtesy-her-Facebook-Page-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Julie-Halston-Courtesy-her-Facebook-Page-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Julie-Halston-Courtesy-her-Facebook-Page.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>Julie Halston (Courtesy her Facebook page)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong>THEATRE TALK: </strong><em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxNcD_k-DQQ" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Virtual Halston</a></em> – Cast Party Network on YouTube – February 12th – 5:00 PM EST/2:00 PM PST</p> <p>Fans of the original cast of <em>The Producers</em> will certainly recognize Julie Halston’s guests for this week’s <em>Virtual Halston</em>: Cady Huffman (who originated the role of Ulla and won both the Drama Desk Award and the Tony Award as Best Featured Actress in a Musical) and Brad Oscar (who originated the role of Franz Liebkind). Oscar would later assume the role of Max Bialystock (the role Nathan Lane created) as the show continued its successful run on Broadway.</p> <p>The two will be reunited on this Friday’s virtual happy hour with Halston. It’s a holiday weekend, your work is being mostly done by remote, why not mix a drink early and join in the fun?</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Francisco-Reyes-in-22Yorick-La-Historia-de-Hamlet22-Courtesy-REDCAT-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-13102" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Francisco-Reyes-in-22Yorick-La-Historia-de-Hamlet22-Courtesy-REDCAT-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Francisco-Reyes-in-22Yorick-La-Historia-de-Hamlet22-Courtesy-REDCAT-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Francisco-Reyes-in-22Yorick-La-Historia-de-Hamlet22-Courtesy-REDCAT-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Francisco-Reyes-in-22Yorick-La-Historia-de-Hamlet22-Courtesy-REDCAT-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Francisco-Reyes-in-22Yorick-La-Historia-de-Hamlet22-Courtesy-REDCAT-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Francisco-Reyes-in-22Yorick-La-Historia-de-Hamlet22-Courtesy-REDCAT-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Francisco-Reyes-in-22Yorick-La-Historia-de-Hamlet22-Courtesy-REDCAT-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Francisco-Reyes-in-22Yorick-La-Historia-de-Hamlet22-Courtesy-REDCAT.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>Francisco Reyes in “Yorick, La Historia de Hamlet” (Photo courtesy REDCAT)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong>PLAY:</strong> <em><a href="https://www.redcat.org/event/francisco-reyes-yorick-la-historia-de-hamlet?utm_source=Newsletter+%2B+Gallery&utm_campaign=9b99aa6285-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_09_23_12_15_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_9618d865b0-9b99aa6285-168934901&mc_cid=9b99aa6285&mc_eid=fbe67ce53d" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yorick, La Historia de Hamlet</a></em> – REDCAT – February 12th – February 14th</p> <p>Hamlet’s soliloquies form the basis for this one-man show created by and starring Chilean actor Francisco Reyes. Yorick, the late court jester in Shakespeare’s play, is the narrator of <em>Yorick, La Historia de Hamlet</em>. Co-creator Simón Reyes wrote the script.</p> <p>Joining Reyes in the performance are puppets that he manipulates. The puppets were created by Ismael Reyes. </p> <p>The film is also uniquely lit by only candlelight. Music was composed by Miguel Miranda with songs by Rocío Reyes.</p> <p>The work is performed in Spanish with English subtitles. There are only three showings of this highly-acclaimed film by Reyes. Friday, February 12th at 8:00 PM EST/5:00 PM PST; Saturday and Sunday at 6:00 PM EST/3:00 PM PST. Tickets range from $8 for students up to $15 for general admission.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Sly-and-the-Family-Stone-Courtesy-SlyStoneMusic.com_-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-13103" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Sly-and-the-Family-Stone-Courtesy-SlyStoneMusic.com_-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Sly-and-the-Family-Stone-Courtesy-SlyStoneMusic.com_-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Sly-and-the-Family-Stone-Courtesy-SlyStoneMusic.com_-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Sly-and-the-Family-Stone-Courtesy-SlyStoneMusic.com_-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Sly-and-the-Family-Stone-Courtesy-SlyStoneMusic.com_-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Sly-and-the-Family-Stone-Courtesy-SlyStoneMusic.com_-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Sly-and-the-Family-Stone-Courtesy-SlyStoneMusic.com_-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Sly-and-the-Family-Stone-Courtesy-SlyStoneMusic.com_.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>Sly and the Family Stone (Courtesy SlyStoneMusic.com)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong>JAZZ: </strong><a href="https://www.sfjazz.org/watch/#info-open" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>SF Jazz Collective</em></a> – SFJAZZ – February 12th – 8:00 PM EST/5:00 PM PST</p> <p>This weekend’s <em>Fridays at Five</em> concert celebrates the work of two very influential and different artists: Sly and the Family Stone and Miles Davis. As befitting such groundbreaking artists, this concert runs nearly two hours.</p> <p>The San Francisco Jazz Collective, an octet, performs music from <em>Stand!</em> and Davis’ <em>In a Silent Way</em>. Both albums were released in 1969. </p> <p>This concert, from November 2019, celebrates the 50th anniversary of both works. <em>Stand!</em> featured the songs <em>I Want to Take You Higher</em> and <em>Everyday People</em>. Davis was more austere with his recording – it only had two tracks, but ran 38 minutes.</p> <p>The members of the SF Jazz Collective are bassist Matt Brewer; trumpeter Etienne Charles; drummer Obed Calvaire; vocalist Martin Luther McCoy; guitarist Adam Rogers; tenor saxophonist David Sánchez; pianist Edward Simon and vibraphonist Warren Wolf. </p> <p>There is also a cameo appearance by Family Stone drummer Greg Errico. </p> <p>Tickets are $5 (which includes a one-month digital membership) or $60 (which includes an annual digital membership). This concert will stream just once.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Mary-Wilson-Courtesy-her-Facebook-page-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-13104" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Mary-Wilson-Courtesy-her-Facebook-page-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Mary-Wilson-Courtesy-her-Facebook-page-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Mary-Wilson-Courtesy-her-Facebook-page-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Mary-Wilson-Courtesy-her-Facebook-page-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Mary-Wilson-Courtesy-her-Facebook-page-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Mary-Wilson-Courtesy-her-Facebook-page-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Mary-Wilson-Courtesy-her-Facebook-page-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Mary-Wilson-Courtesy-her-Facebook-page.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>Mary Wilson (Courtesy her Facebook page)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong>JAZZ/CABARET: </strong><em><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/3665421093538706" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A Catalina Soulful Valentine</a></em> – February 12th – 9:00 PM EST/6:00 PM PST</p> <p>Los Angeles nightclub, Catalina Jazz Club, has been severely impacted by the pandemic. They are doing everything they can to keep the doors open and amongst them is Friday night’s <em>A Catalina Soulful Valentine</em>.</p> <p>For weeks they have been touting the appearance of Mary Wilson of The Supremes as one of their performers. Of course, she passed away earlier this week. But, her set was filmed in advance and will be seen in its entirety to both support Catalina Jazz Club and to honor her.</p> <p>Sally Struthers and singer/musician Mr. Chris Norton serve as hosts. The list of performers includes Lucie Arnaz, <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2017/10/09/cabaret-star-carole-j-bufford-makes-la-debut/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carole J. Bufford</a>, Linda Purl, James Snyder, Nita Whitaker and more. </p> <p>The show will air on Catalina’s <a href="http://bit.ly/CatalinaValentineFeb12" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Facebook page</a> and Chris Isaacson Presents’ <a href="https://bit.ly/CIPYouTubeLink" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">YouTube channel</a>. There is no charge to watch the concert, but donations are definitely encouraged.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Douglas-J.-Cuomo-Courtesy-his-website-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-13105" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Douglas-J.-Cuomo-Courtesy-his-website-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Douglas-J.-Cuomo-Courtesy-his-website-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Douglas-J.-Cuomo-Courtesy-his-website-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Douglas-J.-Cuomo-Courtesy-his-website-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Douglas-J.-Cuomo-Courtesy-his-website-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Douglas-J.-Cuomo-Courtesy-his-website-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Douglas-J.-Cuomo-Courtesy-his-website-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Douglas-J.-Cuomo-Courtesy-his-website.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>Douglas J. Cuomo (Courtesy his website)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong>JAZZ: </strong><a href="https://online.cap.ucla.edu/upcoming-programs/videos/douglas-j-cuomo-seven-limbs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Douglas J. Cuomo’s</em><strong> </strong><em>Seven Limbs featuring Nels Cline and Aizuri Quartet</em> </a>– CAP UCLA – February 12th – 10:00 PM EST/7:00 PM PST</p> <p>Composer Douglas J. Cuomo’s <em>Seven Limbs</em> was meant to have its world premiere last year. We all know what happened to preclude that. This digital performance of the work had its world premiere earlier this week from The Moss Arts Center at Virginia Tech. </p> <p>UCLA’s Center for the Art of Performance is making the film available on Friday with on demand opportunities beginning on Sunday for one week.</p> <p>What is <em>Seven Limbs</em>? It is a 75-minute work for electric guitar and string quartet. Cuomo composed this specifically for the artists who perform it: Wilco guitarist Nels Cline and the Aizuri Quartet. </p> <p>But what is it? Best to let the composer describe it for you:</p> <p>“This piece is inspired by an ancient Buddhist purification ceremony called The Seven Limbs. It’s part of a meditation practice I do every day. The practice has lots of words; the piece has none. The <em>feel </em>of this ceremony is what I kept going to as I composed, and then at some point I realized I was setting text without using words. For me <em>Seven Limbs</em> is a dream-like piece; I can look inward to a new terrain and find out what’s there. Stillness, turmoil, suppleness, euphoria, high drama. I wrote it for Nels Cline and the Aizuri Quartet because, for composers, to write for great players is another kind of dream. Together, we offer you our dream, in the hope it makes some connection with you.”</p> <p>CAP UCLA is making this performance free to view.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/John-Holiday-Photo-by-Fay-Fox-Courtesy-the-artist-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-13106" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/John-Holiday-Photo-by-Fay-Fox-Courtesy-the-artist-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/John-Holiday-Photo-by-Fay-Fox-Courtesy-the-artist-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/John-Holiday-Photo-by-Fay-Fox-Courtesy-the-artist-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/John-Holiday-Photo-by-Fay-Fox-Courtesy-the-artist-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/John-Holiday-Photo-by-Fay-Fox-Courtesy-the-artist-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/John-Holiday-Photo-by-Fay-Fox-Courtesy-the-artist-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/John-Holiday-Photo-by-Fay-Fox-Courtesy-the-artist-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/John-Holiday-Photo-by-Fay-Fox-Courtesy-the-artist.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>John Holiday (Photo by Fay Fox/Courtesy his website)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong>OPERA: </strong><em><a href="https://www.operaphila.org/whats-on/2020-2021/save-the-boys/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Save the Boys</a></em> – Opera Philadelphia – February 12th</p> <p>Last week our top pick was musician/composer Tyshawn Sorey’s two-night gig at the Village Vanguard. He returns to our Best Bets this weekend with the debut of his twenty-minute song cycle <em>Save the Boys</em>. </p> <p>Sorey uses Frances Ellen Watkins Harper’s 1887 poem of the same name as the inspiration for this work. </p> <p>Harper was an Black women’s rights activist and abolitionist.</p> <figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <iframe loading="lazy" title="Opera Philadelphia | Preview: Save the Boys" width="696" height="392" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bffBo6hdS3c?feature=oembed&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div></figure> <p>Performing <em>Save the Boys</em> is the vocalist for whom it was written: countertenor John Holiday. If his name sounds familiar, perhaps you saw him on the most recently concluded season of <em>The Voice</em>. In 2019 I interviewed Holiday. You can read that interview <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2019/06/20/experiencing-love-happiness-with-john-holiday/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p> <p>Holiday is accompanied on the piano by Opera Philadelphia’s Grant Loehnig.</p> <p>Tickets are $10 which allows for a seven-day rental.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/San-Francisco-Operas-22Cosi-fan-tutte22-Photo-by-Cory-Weaver-Courtesy-SF-Opera-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-13107" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/San-Francisco-Operas-22Cosi-fan-tutte22-Photo-by-Cory-Weaver-Courtesy-SF-Opera-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/San-Francisco-Operas-22Cosi-fan-tutte22-Photo-by-Cory-Weaver-Courtesy-SF-Opera-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/San-Francisco-Operas-22Cosi-fan-tutte22-Photo-by-Cory-Weaver-Courtesy-SF-Opera-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/San-Francisco-Operas-22Cosi-fan-tutte22-Photo-by-Cory-Weaver-Courtesy-SF-Opera-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/San-Francisco-Operas-22Cosi-fan-tutte22-Photo-by-Cory-Weaver-Courtesy-SF-Opera-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/San-Francisco-Operas-22Cosi-fan-tutte22-Photo-by-Cory-Weaver-Courtesy-SF-Opera-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/San-Francisco-Operas-22Cosi-fan-tutte22-Photo-by-Cory-Weaver-Courtesy-SF-Opera-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/San-Francisco-Operas-22Cosi-fan-tutte22-Photo-by-Cory-Weaver-Courtesy-SF-Opera.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>A scene from “Cosí fan tutte” (Photo by Cory Weaver/Courtesy San Francisco Opera)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong>OPERA: </strong><em><a href="https://sfopera.com/opera-is-on/streaming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cosí fan tutte</a></em> – San Francisco Opera – February 13th – February 14th</p> <p>Conducted by Nicola Luisotti; starring Ellie Dehn, Susannah Biller, Marco Vinco, Francesco Demuro and Philippe Sly. This revival of the 2004 John Cox production is from the 2012-2013 season.</p> <p>Mozart’s <em>Cosí fan tutte</em> had its world premiere in Vienna in 1790. Lorenzo Da Ponte, who wrote the libertti for <em>The Marriage of Figaro</em> and <em>Don Giovanni</em>, wrote the libretto.</p> <p>Ferrando and Guglielmo are vacationing with their fiancées, Dorabella and Fiordiligi. They are sisters. Don Alfonso challenges the men to a bet revolving around the women and their ability to be faithful. Using disguise, deception and a wicked sense of humor, Mozart’s opera ends happily ever after for one and all.</p> <figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <iframe loading="lazy" title="Così fan tutte 5 Minute Highlights - San Francisco Opera" width="696" height="392" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Zwgze9tniMk?feature=oembed&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div></figure> <p><a href="https://www.sfgate.com/music/article/Cos-fan-tutte-review-Betting-on-love-4591731.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Joshua Kosman</a>, writing for the <span style="text-decoration: underline;">San Francisco Chronicle</span>, raved about Sly’s performance as Guglielmo , “In the ensemble cast of six, the standout performance was the precocious and phenomenally assured company debut of Adler Fellow Philippe Sly as Guglielmo. Adler Fellows don’t often get cast at this level, but then again, Adler Fellows this gifted and accomplished are rare indeed.</p> <p>“Sly’s singing was at once robust and lyrical, with a beautiful range of tonal colors and the ability to combine virility and tenderness in a single phrase.”</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Composer-Anna-Clyne-Photo-by-Christina-Kernohan-Courtesy-of-the-composer-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-13108" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Composer-Anna-Clyne-Photo-by-Christina-Kernohan-Courtesy-of-the-composer-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Composer-Anna-Clyne-Photo-by-Christina-Kernohan-Courtesy-of-the-composer-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Composer-Anna-Clyne-Photo-by-Christina-Kernohan-Courtesy-of-the-composer-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Composer-Anna-Clyne-Photo-by-Christina-Kernohan-Courtesy-of-the-composer-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Composer-Anna-Clyne-Photo-by-Christina-Kernohan-Courtesy-of-the-composer-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Composer-Anna-Clyne-Photo-by-Christina-Kernohan-Courtesy-of-the-composer-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Composer-Anna-Clyne-Photo-by-Christina-Kernohan-Courtesy-of-the-composer-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Composer-Anna-Clyne-Photo-by-Christina-Kernohan-Courtesy-of-the-composer.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>Composer Anna Clyne (Photo by Christina Kernohan/Courtesy of the composer)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong>CLASSICAL MUSIC: </strong><em><a href="https://www.dso.org/watch/1230505" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anna Clyne’s Stride </a></em>– Detroit Symphony Orchestra – February 13th – 7:30 PM EST/4:30 PM PST</p> <p>It must be daunting for a composer to have a world premiere or relatively new work precede one of the stalwart compositions in classical music. Such is the status of British composer Anna Clyne who’s <em>Stride</em> will be performed by members of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra prior to their performance of Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 6 in B-flat Major, BWV 1051.</p> <p>But it is Clyne’s composition that is most interesting about this concert. The Australian Chamber Orchestra commissioned Clyde to write a piece as part of their celebration of the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s Birth. The Covid-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of many of their performances last year, but they were able to return on November 14th with the world premiere of <em>Stride</em>.</p> <p>The work weaves themes from Beethoven’s <em>Pathetique Sonata</em> throughout and also includes nods to other composers, most notably Bernard Herrmann (best known for his film scores for director Alfred Hitchcock).</p> <p>Tickets are $12 to stream the concert.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Arthur-Mitchell-Courtesy-City-Center-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-13109" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Arthur-Mitchell-Courtesy-City-Center-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Arthur-Mitchell-Courtesy-City-Center-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Arthur-Mitchell-Courtesy-City-Center-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Arthur-Mitchell-Courtesy-City-Center-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Arthur-Mitchell-Courtesy-City-Center-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Arthur-Mitchell-Courtesy-City-Center-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Arthur-Mitchell-Courtesy-City-Center-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Arthur-Mitchell-Courtesy-City-Center.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>Arthur Mitchell (Courtesy New York City Center)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong>DANCE:</strong> <em>John Henry</em> – Dance Theatre of Harlem on <a href="https://www.stageaccess.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stage Access</a> – Debuts February 13th – 8:00 PM EST/5:00 PM PST </p> <p>Dance Theatre of Harlem gave the world premiere performance of Arthur Mitchell’s <em>John Henry </em>on June 28, 1988. Before getting into her review, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/1988/06/30/arts/review-dance-john-henry-and-billy-the-kid-a-feast-of-folk.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anna Kisselgoff</a> of the <span style="text-decoration: underline;">New York Times</span> reported, “…its premiere at the company’s opening at the City Center Tuesday night roused cheering fans out of their seats during the curtain calls. Mr. Mitchell, the troupe’s founder and artistic director, stayed in the spirit of things by throwing himself into a choreographed clog dance to acknowledge the applause.”</p> <p>With music by Milton Rosenstock, Dance Theatre of Harlem will make available, via Stage Access, a performance filmed in Denmark at Danmarks Radio. The performance will remain available through February 19th.</p> <p>Stage Access offers up a 7-day free trial with two subscription options: an annual plan of $69.99 or a monthly plan of $7.99</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Breathing-Free-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-13110" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Breathing-Free-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Breathing-Free-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Breathing-Free-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Breathing-Free-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Breathing-Free-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Breathing-Free-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Breathing-Free-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Breathing-Free.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>Breathing Free</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">TOP PICK:</span></em> OPERA/MOVEMENT: </strong><a href="https://thebroadstage.org/performances/2020-21/opera/breathingfree" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Breathing Free</a> – The Broad Stage – February 13th – 10:00 PM EST/7:00 PM PST</p> <p>Earlier this week I published an interview with <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2021/02/09/michael-blakk-powell-is-breathing-free/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michael Blakk Powell</a>, a formerly incarcerated man who was a member of the Kuji Mens Chorus at Marion Correctional Institute in Ohio. Through his participation in that chorus, he found himself learning German to perform music from Beethoven’s <em>Fidelio</em>.</p> <p>One of the two pieces in which that performance can be seen and heard is in Heartbeat Opera’s powerful <em>Breathing Free</em>. This 45-minute film combines movement and opera to explore the challenges Black men in particular face in simply being allowed to breathe freely.</p> <figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <iframe loading="lazy" title="Heartbeat Opera: Breathing Free - A Theatrical Virtual Song Cycle" width="696" height="392" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/u5bqEtkUL54?feature=oembed&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div></figure> <p>Joining the Beethoven heard in <em>Breathing Free</em> are works by Black composers and lyricists Harry T. Burleigh, Florence Price, Langston Hughes, Anthony Davis and Thulani Davis. The project also uses Negro spirituals.</p> <p>The cast includes bass-baritone Derrell Acon, tenor Curtis Bannister, soprano Kelly Griffin and dancers Randy Castillo, Tamrin Goldberg, Brian HallowDreamz Henry. <em>Breathing Free</em> was directed by Ethan Heard. Music Direction was by Jacob Ashworth and Daniel Schlosberg (who also did the arrangements of the music from <em>Fidelio</em>).</p> <p>Tickets prices range from $10 – $75 based on what you can afford to pay. I strongly urge you to consider carving out time on Saturday night to see <em>Breathing Free</em>.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Laura-Osnes-Courtesy-Seth-Concert-Series-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-13111" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Laura-Osnes-Courtesy-Seth-Concert-Series-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Laura-Osnes-Courtesy-Seth-Concert-Series-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Laura-Osnes-Courtesy-Seth-Concert-Series-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Laura-Osnes-Courtesy-Seth-Concert-Series-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Laura-Osnes-Courtesy-Seth-Concert-Series-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Laura-Osnes-Courtesy-Seth-Concert-Series-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Laura-Osnes-Courtesy-Seth-Concert-Series-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Laura-Osnes-Courtesy-Seth-Concert-Series.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>Laura Osnes (Courtesy Seth Concert Series)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong>CABARET: </strong><em><a href="https://events.broadwayworld.com/event/laura-osnes-seth-rudetsky-2-14-8-pm-et/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Laura Osnes</a></em> – Seth Rudetsky Concert Series – February 14th – 8:00 PM EST/5:00 PM PST</p> <p>You have to be a pretty versatile performer to believably portray Cinderella in one musical and Bonnie Parker in another. Add to that the ability to be Nellie Forbush in <em>South Pacific</em> and Sandy in <em>Grease</em>. Broadway star Laura Osnes has done them all.</p> <p>She received Tony Award nominations for her performances in <em>Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella</em> and also for Frank Wildhorn’s musical about the outlaws <em>Bonnie and Clyde</em>.</p> <p>Osnes is Seth Rudetsky’s concert guest this week. In addition to Sunday’s live performance there is an encore presentation <a href="https://events.broadwayworld.com/event/laura-osnes-seth-rudetsky-2-15-3-pm-et/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">February 15th</a> at 3:00 PM EST/12:00 PM PST. Tickets are $25 for either showing.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Justin-Hicks-Photo-by-Maria-Baranova-Courtesy-the-artist-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-13112" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Justin-Hicks-Photo-by-Maria-Baranova-Courtesy-the-artist-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Justin-Hicks-Photo-by-Maria-Baranova-Courtesy-the-artist-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Justin-Hicks-Photo-by-Maria-Baranova-Courtesy-the-artist-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Justin-Hicks-Photo-by-Maria-Baranova-Courtesy-the-artist-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Justin-Hicks-Photo-by-Maria-Baranova-Courtesy-the-artist-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Justin-Hicks-Photo-by-Maria-Baranova-Courtesy-the-artist-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Justin-Hicks-Photo-by-Maria-Baranova-Courtesy-the-artist-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Justin-Hicks-Photo-by-Maria-Baranova-Courtesy-the-artist.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>Justin Hicks (Photo by Maria Baranova/Courtesy of Justin Hicks)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong>THEATRE: </strong><em><a href="https://bacnyc.org/performances/performance/justin-hicks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Justin Hicks’ Use Your Head for More</a></em> – Baryshikov Arts Center – February 15th – March 1st</p> <p>Looking at composer/creator/performer Justin Hicks’ website, he describes himself as “a multidisciplinary artist, and performer who uses music and sound to investigate themes of presence, identity, and value.” For this digital world premiere, Hicks has created a performance based on a transcript of a conversation he had with his mother. <em>Use Your Head For More</em> is offered up as a series of audiovisual portraits.</p> <p>His work runs 30 minutes and was filmed at Hicks’ home in Bronx, New York. Two vocalists, Jasmine Enlow and Jade Hicks, collaborated with Hicks on <em>Use Your Head for More</em>.</p> <p>There is no charge to watch <em>Use Your Heard for More</em>.</p> <p>For those interesting in digging further into the project, there will be a live-streamed conversation between Hicks and <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2019/07/11/meshell-ndegeocello-unplugged-and-unmasked/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Meshell Ndegeocello</a> on February 24th at 8:00 PM EST/5:00 PM PST. You must register to watch the conversation. Registration for that opens up on February 15th.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Jim-Carusos-Pajama-Cast-Party-Courtesy-Jim-Caruso-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-13113" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Jim-Carusos-Pajama-Cast-Party-Courtesy-Jim-Caruso-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Jim-Carusos-Pajama-Cast-Party-Courtesy-Jim-Caruso-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Jim-Carusos-Pajama-Cast-Party-Courtesy-Jim-Caruso-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Jim-Carusos-Pajama-Cast-Party-Courtesy-Jim-Caruso-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Jim-Carusos-Pajama-Cast-Party-Courtesy-Jim-Caruso-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Jim-Carusos-Pajama-Cast-Party-Courtesy-Jim-Caruso-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Jim-Carusos-Pajama-Cast-Party-Courtesy-Jim-Caruso-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Jim-Carusos-Pajama-Cast-Party-Courtesy-Jim-Caruso.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>Jim Caruso’s Pajama Cast Party (Courtesy Jim Caruso)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong>CABARET/OPERA/JAZZ:</strong> <em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHdPEAGjyP8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jim Caruso’s Pajama Cast Party</a></em> – February 15th – 8:00 PM EST/5:00 PM PST</p> <p>It’s sad that we don’t often have Monday listings, because <em>Pajama Cast Party</em> would be on the list every week. Which means you need to check out Jim Caruso and his fabulous guests. This week they include opera star Zachary James, jazz singer/songwriter Lauren Kinhan, actress/singer Avery Sommers and comedian Gianmarco Soresi. They will share stories, songs, jokes and more during the show.</p> <p>Cast Party is a weekly ritual for New Yorkers and it takes place at Birdland. This is a modified version, but no less entertaining – just less physically tangible. It’s also the 45th episode Caruso has done…so far. No doubt he’d love to be back at Birdland as much as the rest of us would!</p> <p>That’s the complete list of my Best Bets: February 12th – February 15th. But you know I’ve got a few reminders for you as well!</p> <p><a href="https://culturalattache.co/2021/01/28/winter-spring-concerts-from-the-92nd-street-y/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pianist Richard Goode</a> performs works of Bach and Claude Debussy on Saturday in a performance from New York’s 92nd Street Y.</p> <p>The Metropolitan Opera concludes their second week of <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2021/02/08/black-history-month-part-ii-week-48-at-the-met/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Black History Month</a> with performances of <em>Akhnaten</em> by Philip Glass on Friday (strongly recommended); Berlioz’s <em>Les Troyens</em> on Saturday and Wagner’s <em>Die Walküre</em> on Sunday. Plus here’s an early preview of Week 49 at the Met. They will be celebrating Franco Zeffirelli and launch the week with the 2007-2008 season production of Puccini’s <em>La Bohème</em>.</p> <p>This week’s episode of <em><a href="https://culturalattache.co/2021/01/13/now-you-can-see-in-concert-at-the-hollywood-bowl/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">In Concert at the Hollywood Bowl</a></em> is called <em>Música sin Fronteras (Music without Borders</em>) and concludes the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s series on PBS. (Check your local listings). </p> <p>The <em><a href="https://culturalattache.co/2021/01/24/films-dance-a-weekly-dance-film-series/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">films.dance</a></em> festival continues with this week’s <em>Pássaro Distante</em>. They debut a new film, and one of my favorites, <em>Match</em> on Monday, February 15th.</p> <p>That ends all my Best Bets: February 12th – February 15th. There’s culture to enjoy with the family; culture to enjoy with that special someone and certainly great options for those going solo this year. Whatever you choose, be safe and have a wonderful weekend.</p> <p>Main Photo: An image from <em>Breathing Free</em> (Courtesy The Broad Stage)</p> <p>The post <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2021/02/12/best-bets-february-12th-february-15th/">Best Bets: February 12th – February 15th</a> appeared first on <a href="https://culturalattache.co">Cultural Attaché</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://culturalattache.co/2021/02/12/best-bets-february-12th-february-15th/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Best Bets at Home: December 4th – December 6th</title> <link>https://culturalattache.co/2020/12/03/best-bets-at-home-december-4th-december-6th/</link> <comments>https://culturalattache.co/2020/12/03/best-bets-at-home-december-4th-december-6th/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Craig Byrd]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 04 Dec 2020 07:00:56 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Music]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Stage]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Streaming]]></category> <category><![CDATA[92nd Street Y]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Adelphi PAC Concert Hall]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ana Gasteyer]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ariadne auf Naxos]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Arturo Sandoval]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Barbara Morrison]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Baryshnikov Arts Center]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Billie Holiday]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Billie Holiday: A Concert Celebration]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Carmen]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Catherine Russell]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Christian McBride]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Emmet Cohen Trio]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Esa-Pekka Salonen]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Eva Noblezada]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Frank Marshall]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Fridays at Five]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Geffen Playhouse]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Geffen Stayhouse]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Gerard McBurney]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Greenway Court Theatre]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Helder Guimarães]]></category> <category><![CDATA[If I Should Wake]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Immanuel Wilkins]]></category> <category><![CDATA[in the absence of things]]></category> <category><![CDATA[James McVinnie]]></category> <category><![CDATA[La Femme Theatre Productions]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Larry Powell]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Live from the West Side: Women of Broadway]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Los Angeles Philharmonic]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ludwig van Beethoven]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Marcus Strickland]]></category> <category><![CDATA[McGill/McHale Trio]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Metropolitan Opera]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Nativity Cycle]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Nico Muhly]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Pink Martini]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Rendezvous with Marlene]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Robert Glasper]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Robert Glasper Acoustic Trio]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Segerstrom Center for the Arts]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Seth Rudetsky]]></category> <category><![CDATA[SFJazz]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Shriver Hall Concert Series]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sidra Bell]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Somi Kakoma]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sound/Stage]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Standing on Their Shoulders]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Stephen Fry]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Tennessee Williams]]></category> <category><![CDATA[The Actors Fund]]></category> <category><![CDATA[The Broad Stage]]></category> <category><![CDATA[The Creatures of Prometheus]]></category> <category><![CDATA[The Future]]></category> <category><![CDATA[The Gaze...No Homo]]></category> <category><![CDATA[The Kennedy Center]]></category> <category><![CDATA[The Night of the Iguana]]></category> <category><![CDATA[The Philharmonia Orchestra of London]]></category> <category><![CDATA[The Sorting Room]]></category> <category><![CDATA[The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Tivon Pennicott]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Tosca]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ute Lemper]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Vanessa Williams]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ventspils]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Veronica Swift]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Village Vanguard]]></category> <category><![CDATA[waiting]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://culturalattache.co/?p=12002</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Sixteen shows you'll want to watch this weekend</p> <p>The post <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2020/12/03/best-bets-at-home-december-4th-december-6th/">Best Bets at Home: December 4th – December 6th</a> appeared first on <a href="https://culturalattache.co">Cultural Attaché</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>Welcome to the first weekend in December. I have, as you might expect at this point, a diverse selection of programming as my Best Bets at Home: December 4th – December 6th. </p> <p>Quite a few of this week’s offerings are concerts. We have jazz, classical, Broadway vocals and one jazz/dance combination. </p> <p>I’ve made a change to help you navigate my listings. Before each title there is a category that defines the genre of the listing. So if you only want to find jazz concerts, just look for JAZZ. For ballet or dance, look for DANCE. And in the case of our hybrid event, you’ll find DANCE/JAZZ combined. All listings are in order of when they become available.</p> <p>Topping our list this week is the world premiere of a new work by composer Nico Muhly that is being performed by organist James McVinnie on Saturday.</p> <p>Here are my choices as your Best Bets at Home: December 4th – December 6th. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Night-of-the-Iguana-Logo-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12040" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Night-of-the-Iguana-Logo-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Night-of-the-Iguana-Logo-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Night-of-the-Iguana-Logo-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Night-of-the-Iguana-Logo-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Night-of-the-Iguana-Logo-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Night-of-the-Iguana-Logo-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Night-of-the-Iguana-Logo-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Night-of-the-Iguana-Logo.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>“The Night of the Iguana” (Courtesy La Femme Theatre Productions)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong><em>PLAY: </em></strong><a href="https://www.lafemmetheatreproductions.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Night of the Iguana</a> – La Femme Theatre Productions – Now – December 6th</p> <p>Tennessee Williams’ <em>The Night of the Iguana</em> gets an all-star reading from New York’s La Femme Theatre Productions.</p> <p>Williams based the play on his own short story that in and of itself was inspired by his cousin. <em>The Night of the Iguana</em> had its Broadway debut in 1961.</p> <p>Reverend Shannon has been forced out of his church after a sermon where he demonized God. He’s relegated to serving as a tour guide and accused of statutory rape of a 16-year-old girl.</p> <p>While escorting a group of women to Acapulco and staying at a cheap motel, Shannon battles the pressures from the outside world and the demons within himself.</p> <p>Dylan McDermott stars as Reverend Shannon; Phylicia Rashad plays Maxine; Roberta Maxwell as Judith Fellowes; Austin Pendleton as Nonno and Jean Lichty as Hannah, with Keith Randolph Smith, Carmen Berkeley, Eliud Kauffman, Julio Macias, Stephanie Schmiderer, Bradley James Tejeda and John Hans Tester. Emily Mann directs.</p> <p>Tickets are range from $10 – $250 depending on your ability to pay. This reading serves as a fundraiser for The Actors Fund.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Somi-Kakomas-22in-the-absence-of-things22-Courtesy-Baryshnikov-Arts-Center-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12039" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Somi-Kakomas-22in-the-absence-of-things22-Courtesy-Baryshnikov-Arts-Center-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Somi-Kakomas-22in-the-absence-of-things22-Courtesy-Baryshnikov-Arts-Center-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Somi-Kakomas-22in-the-absence-of-things22-Courtesy-Baryshnikov-Arts-Center-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Somi-Kakomas-22in-the-absence-of-things22-Courtesy-Baryshnikov-Arts-Center-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Somi-Kakomas-22in-the-absence-of-things22-Courtesy-Baryshnikov-Arts-Center-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Somi-Kakomas-22in-the-absence-of-things22-Courtesy-Baryshnikov-Arts-Center-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Somi-Kakomas-22in-the-absence-of-things22-Courtesy-Baryshnikov-Arts-Center-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Somi-Kakomas-22in-the-absence-of-things22-Courtesy-Baryshnikov-Arts-Center.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>Somi Kakoma’s “in the absence of things” (Photo courtesy Baryshnikov Arts Center)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong><em>DANCE: </em></strong><a href="https://bacnyc.org/performances/performance/somi_2020" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">in the absence of things</a> – Baryshnikov Arts Center – Now – December 15th</p> <p>In this ten-minute experimental dance short film, Somi Kakoma explores the impact the pandemic is having on her and her creative process.</p> <p>Instead of being on the road, she returned home to Illinois and found herself wrestling with the the desire to create and perform and the need to just live.</p> <p>Movement, art songs, spoken word and more are utilized to tell her story. Kakoma’s mother provides some of the film’s narration. There is also music from a recent live album, <em>Holy Room – Live at Alte Opera with Frankfurt Radio Big Band</em> in the film.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Esa-Pekka-Salonen-Courtesy-Fidelio-Arts-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12044" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Esa-Pekka-Salonen-Courtesy-Fidelio-Arts-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Esa-Pekka-Salonen-Courtesy-Fidelio-Arts-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Esa-Pekka-Salonen-Courtesy-Fidelio-Arts-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Esa-Pekka-Salonen-Courtesy-Fidelio-Arts-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Esa-Pekka-Salonen-Courtesy-Fidelio-Arts-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Esa-Pekka-Salonen-Courtesy-Fidelio-Arts-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Esa-Pekka-Salonen-Courtesy-Fidelio-Arts-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Esa-Pekka-Salonen-Courtesy-Fidelio-Arts.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>Esa-Pekka Salonen (Courtesy Fidelio Arts)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong><em>CLASSICAL:</em></strong> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/philharmonialondon" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beethoven’s <em>The Creatures of Prometheus</em></a><strong> </strong>– The Philharmonia Orchestra of London – Beginning December 4th – 2:30 PM EST/11:30 AM PST</p> <p>In February of this year, the Los Angeles Philharmonic had one of their most exciting concerts when Esa-Pekka Salonen, Simon McBurney and Gerard McBurney collaborated on <em>The Weimar Republic: Salonen Conducts The Seven Deadly Sins</em>.</p> <p>Starting on Friday, Salonen and Gerard McBurney are once again collaborating on a concert. The Philharmonia Orchestra of London is performing Beethoven’s <em>The Creatures of Prometheus</em>.</p> <p>Most concertgoers are familiar with the work’s overture; far fewer are familiar with the complete score Beethoven composed for this ballet that had its world premiere in Vienna in 1801.</p> <p>McBurney has written a new script for this concert. There will be animation by Hillary Leben whose work has been seen in performance with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Silk Road Ensemble and more.</p> <p>When you add that the narration will be performed by Stephen Fry, what else do you need?</p> <p>The link takes you directly to The Philharmonia Orchestra of London’s YouTube page where this performance can be seen.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Sidra-Bell-22Believer22-Courtesy-92nd-Street-Y-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12041" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Sidra-Bell-22Believer22-Courtesy-92nd-Street-Y-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Sidra-Bell-22Believer22-Courtesy-92nd-Street-Y-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Sidra-Bell-22Believer22-Courtesy-92nd-Street-Y-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Sidra-Bell-22Believer22-Courtesy-92nd-Street-Y-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Sidra-Bell-22Believer22-Courtesy-92nd-Street-Y-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Sidra-Bell-22Believer22-Courtesy-92nd-Street-Y-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Sidra-Bell-22Believer22-Courtesy-92nd-Street-Y-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Sidra-Bell-22Believer22-Courtesy-92nd-Street-Y.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>Sidra Bell “Believe” (Courtesy 92nd Street Y)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong><em>DANCE/JAZZ:</em></strong> <a href="https://www.92y.org/event/infrastructure-of-a-work" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">waiting</a> – 92nd Street Y – December 4th – 7:00 PM EST/4:00 PM PST</p> <p>Dancer/choreographer Sidra Bell was working on <em>waiting</em> in anticipation of its world premiere performance in June of this year. That was postponed due to the pandemic.</p> <p>The work is a collaboration with jazz composer/saxophonist <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2020/09/02/immanuel-wilkins-from-alpha-to-omega/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Immanuel Wilkins</a>.</p> <p>Wilkins’ debut album, <em>Omega</em>, was named the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/02/arts/music/best-jazz-albums.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Best Jazz Album of 2020</a> by the <span style="text-decoration: underline;">New York Times</span> this week.</p> <p>What is being shown is a work-in-progress of <em>waiting</em>. Sidra Bell and Immanuel Wilkins will participate in a post-performance Q&A.</p> <p>Tickets are $10.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Christian-McBride-Photo-by-R.-Andrew-Lepley-Courtesy-McBrides-website-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12045" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Christian-McBride-Photo-by-R.-Andrew-Lepley-Courtesy-McBrides-website-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Christian-McBride-Photo-by-R.-Andrew-Lepley-Courtesy-McBrides-website-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Christian-McBride-Photo-by-R.-Andrew-Lepley-Courtesy-McBrides-website-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Christian-McBride-Photo-by-R.-Andrew-Lepley-Courtesy-McBrides-website-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Christian-McBride-Photo-by-R.-Andrew-Lepley-Courtesy-McBrides-website-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Christian-McBride-Photo-by-R.-Andrew-Lepley-Courtesy-McBrides-website-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Christian-McBride-Photo-by-R.-Andrew-Lepley-Courtesy-McBrides-website-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Christian-McBride-Photo-by-R.-Andrew-Lepley-Courtesy-McBrides-website.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>Christian McBride (Photo by R. Andrew Lepley/Courtesy McBride’s website)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong><em>JAZZ:</em></strong> <a href="https://villagevanguard.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christian McBride</a> – Village Vanguard – December 4th – December 5th – 8:00 PM EST/5:00 PM PST</p> <p>Bassist Christian McBride is joined by Marcus Strickland on saxophone; Josh Evans on trumpet and Nasheet Waits on drums for these two performances from New York’s Village Vanguard.</p> <p>McBride’s most recent album is <em>The Movement Revisited: A Musical Portrait of Four Icons</em>.</p> <p>On this record McBride celebrates Rosa Parks, Malcom X, Muhammad Ali and Martin Luther King, Jr.</p> <p>He just received two Grammy Award nominations recently for <em>Round Again</em> (which finds him recording with Joshua Redman, Brad Mehldau and Brian Blade) and also for<em> Trilogy 2</em> (which is a live recording with Chick Corea and Blade). He can’t win both awards unless there is a tie – he’s competing against himself.</p> <p>Tickets are $10 for each performance.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Robert-Glasper-Courtesy-The-Kennedy-Center-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12042" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Robert-Glasper-Courtesy-The-Kennedy-Center-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Robert-Glasper-Courtesy-The-Kennedy-Center-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Robert-Glasper-Courtesy-The-Kennedy-Center-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Robert-Glasper-Courtesy-The-Kennedy-Center-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Robert-Glasper-Courtesy-The-Kennedy-Center-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Robert-Glasper-Courtesy-The-Kennedy-Center-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Robert-Glasper-Courtesy-The-Kennedy-Center-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Robert-Glasper-Courtesy-The-Kennedy-Center.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>Robert Glasper (Courtesy The Kennedy Center)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong><em>JAZZ:</em></strong> <a href="https://www.kennedy-center.org/digitalstage/plus/on-demand/robert-glasper/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Robert Glasper Acoustic Trio</a> – The Kennedy Center – December 4th – 8:00 PM EST/5:00 PM EST</p> <p>Composer, pianist, producer Robert Glasper is equally comfortable working in the hip-hop world (Kendrick Lamar’s <em>To Pimp a Butterfly</em>, Maxwell, Common) and the jazz world (Terence Blanchard, Roy Hargrove, Christian McBride).</p> <p>He has released albums that find him collaborating with such artists as Kamasi Washington, Terrace Martin, Phoelix and Herbie Hancock.</p> <p>For this concert at The Kennedy Center he’s working in the trio configuration with Vicente Archer on bass and Justin Tyson on drums. As befits an artist who works in multiple genres, the trio will be joined by DJ Jahi Sundance.</p> <figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <iframe loading="lazy" title="Digital Stage+ Robert Glasper Acoustic Trio with DJ Jahi Sundance | Teaser" width="696" height="392" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QTd5caP1mxU?feature=oembed&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div></figure> <p>I believe Glasper is one of our most interesting musicians and this should be a terrific concert.</p> <p>After the performance, Glasper will be joined by <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2020/01/30/jason-moran-has-a-reason-to-believe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jason Moran</a> for a conversation. Moran is the Kennedy Center Artistic Director for Jazz.</p> <p>Tickets are $20 and the program will remain available for renting beyond this premiere showing.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Helder-Guimaraes-in-22The-Future22-Photo-by-Jeff-Lorch-Courtesy-Geffen-Playhouse-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12035" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Helder-Guimaraes-in-22The-Future22-Photo-by-Jeff-Lorch-Courtesy-Geffen-Playhouse-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Helder-Guimaraes-in-22The-Future22-Photo-by-Jeff-Lorch-Courtesy-Geffen-Playhouse-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Helder-Guimaraes-in-22The-Future22-Photo-by-Jeff-Lorch-Courtesy-Geffen-Playhouse-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Helder-Guimaraes-in-22The-Future22-Photo-by-Jeff-Lorch-Courtesy-Geffen-Playhouse-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Helder-Guimaraes-in-22The-Future22-Photo-by-Jeff-Lorch-Courtesy-Geffen-Playhouse-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Helder-Guimaraes-in-22The-Future22-Photo-by-Jeff-Lorch-Courtesy-Geffen-Playhouse-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Helder-Guimaraes-in-22The-Future22-Photo-by-Jeff-Lorch-Courtesy-Geffen-Playhouse-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Helder-Guimaraes-in-22The-Future22-Photo-by-Jeff-Lorch-Courtesy-Geffen-Playhouse.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>Helder Guimarães in “The Future” (Photo by Jeff Lorch/Courtesy Geffen Playhouse)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong><em>PLAY/MAGIC:</em></strong> <a href="https://www.geffenplayhouse.org/shows/the-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Future</a> – Geffen Stayhouse – December 4th – January 31st</p> <p>It seems like only yesterday that magician Helder Guimarães just concluded his run of <em>The Present</em> with the Geffen Playhouse. He’s back with a new show and given its title I’m wondering if a trilogy is being planned.</p> <p><em>The Future</em> finds gambling at the core of Guimarães’ storytelling and perspective is the fulcrum through which we will view the story and guide its direction.</p> <p>Frank Marshall returns as director. Will there also be a show next year called <em>The Past</em>?</p> <p>Tickets are $95 with a majority of the performances already sold out. If you’re interested, act quickly. To do otherwise might gamble away your chance to get a look into <em>The Future</em>.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Pink-Martini-Courtesy-their-website-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12038" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Pink-Martini-Courtesy-their-website-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Pink-Martini-Courtesy-their-website-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Pink-Martini-Courtesy-their-website-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Pink-Martini-Courtesy-their-website-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Pink-Martini-Courtesy-their-website-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Pink-Martini-Courtesy-their-website-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Pink-Martini-Courtesy-their-website-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Pink-Martini-Courtesy-their-website.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>Pink Martini (Courtesy their website)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong><em>JAZZ:</em></strong> <a href="https://www.sfjazz.org/watch/#info-top" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pink Martini</a> – SFJAZZ – December 4th – 8:00 PM EST/5:00 PM PST</p> <p>This week’s Fridays at Five concert from San Francisco Jazz is a holiday concert by Pink Martini that was performed at the venue last December.</p> <p>This seventeen-member ensemble successfully blends musical styles to create a sound all their own. For instance, did you ever think this rhythm would be part of “We Three Kings?”</p> <figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <iframe loading="lazy" title="Pink Martini Performs We Three Kings" width="696" height="392" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ThpQ9zXh_mk?feature=oembed&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div></figure> <p>Having watched many a concert from this <em>Fridays at Five</em> series, I’m always pleased with how good these shows look and how great they sound.</p> <p>The concert will air only at this one time. Tickets are $5 for a one-month subscription or $60 for a one-year subscription.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Vanessa-Williams-Photo-by-Rod-Spicer-Courtesy-Segestrom-Center-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12046" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Vanessa-Williams-Photo-by-Rod-Spicer-Courtesy-Segestrom-Center-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Vanessa-Williams-Photo-by-Rod-Spicer-Courtesy-Segestrom-Center-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Vanessa-Williams-Photo-by-Rod-Spicer-Courtesy-Segestrom-Center-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Vanessa-Williams-Photo-by-Rod-Spicer-Courtesy-Segestrom-Center-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Vanessa-Williams-Photo-by-Rod-Spicer-Courtesy-Segestrom-Center-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Vanessa-Williams-Photo-by-Rod-Spicer-Courtesy-Segestrom-Center-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Vanessa-Williams-Photo-by-Rod-Spicer-Courtesy-Segestrom-Center-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Vanessa-Williams-Photo-by-Rod-Spicer-Courtesy-Segestrom-Center.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>Vanessa Williams (Photo by Rod Spicer/Courtesy Segerstrom Center)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong><em>BROADWAY VOCALS</em></strong>: <a href="https://www.scfta.org/events/2020/vanessa-williams" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vanessa Williams: Live from the West Side</a> – Segerstrom Center – December 5th – 8:00 PM EST/5:00 PM PST</p> <p>In the third and final concert from the <em>Women of Broadway</em> series <em>Live from the West Side</em>, Vanessa Williams take to the stage.</p> <p>Williams was a Tony Award and Drama Desk Award nominee for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance as The Witch in Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s <em>Into the Woods</em> revival from 2002. </p> <p>She made her Broadway debut when she joined the cast of <em>Kiss of the Spider Woman</em> as Aurora/Spider Woman in 1994. Her other Broadway credits include 2010’s <em>Sondheim on </em><i>Sondhei</i><em>m</em> and the 2013 revival of <em>The Trip to Bountiful</em>.</p> <p>Beyond her Broadway career she’s had best-selling albums and singles including <em>The Colors of the Wind</em> from the Disney animated film <em>Pocahontas</em>.</p> <p>Tickets are $30 and allow for additional viewings for 72 hours.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Arturo-Sandoval-Photo-by-Jeremy-Lock-Courtesy-The-Broad-Stage-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12033" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Arturo-Sandoval-Photo-by-Jeremy-Lock-Courtesy-The-Broad-Stage-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Arturo-Sandoval-Photo-by-Jeremy-Lock-Courtesy-The-Broad-Stage-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Arturo-Sandoval-Photo-by-Jeremy-Lock-Courtesy-The-Broad-Stage-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Arturo-Sandoval-Photo-by-Jeremy-Lock-Courtesy-The-Broad-Stage-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Arturo-Sandoval-Photo-by-Jeremy-Lock-Courtesy-The-Broad-Stage-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Arturo-Sandoval-Photo-by-Jeremy-Lock-Courtesy-The-Broad-Stage-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Arturo-Sandoval-Photo-by-Jeremy-Lock-Courtesy-The-Broad-Stage-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Arturo-Sandoval-Photo-by-Jeremy-Lock-Courtesy-The-Broad-Stage.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>Arturo Sandoval (Photo by Jeremy Lock/Courtesy The Broad Stage)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong><em>JAZZ:</em></strong> <a href="https://thebroadstage.org/performances/2020-21/jazz-blues/arturo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arturo Sandoval Live from the Broad Stage</a> – The Broad Stage – December 5th – December 13th</p> <p>In October of this year, trumpeter Arturo Sandoval and a small ensemble of musicians came together to film a live concert at the Broad Stage in Santa Monica. The end result is 60 minutes of Latin jazz sure to entertain.</p> <p>Sandoval is a 10-time Grammy Award winner who was born in Cuba. There isn’t enough space to list all the recordings he’s made and all the musicians with whom he’s recorded. But perhaps the names Bennett, Estefan, Keys, Monk and Sinatra might sound familiar.</p> <p>Joining him are Will Brahm on guitar; Ricard Pasillas on percussion; Johnny Friday on drums; John Belazaguy on bass and Max Haymer on piano.</p> <p>Tickets are $10 for non-members. Free for members.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Barbara-Morrison-Photo-by-Tony-Maddox-Courtesy-The-Wallis-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12047" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Barbara-Morrison-Photo-by-Tony-Maddox-Courtesy-The-Wallis-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Barbara-Morrison-Photo-by-Tony-Maddox-Courtesy-The-Wallis-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Barbara-Morrison-Photo-by-Tony-Maddox-Courtesy-The-Wallis-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Barbara-Morrison-Photo-by-Tony-Maddox-Courtesy-The-Wallis-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Barbara-Morrison-Photo-by-Tony-Maddox-Courtesy-The-Wallis-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Barbara-Morrison-Photo-by-Tony-Maddox-Courtesy-The-Wallis-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Barbara-Morrison-Photo-by-Tony-Maddox-Courtesy-The-Wallis-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Barbara-Morrison-Photo-by-Tony-Maddox-Courtesy-The-Wallis.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>Barbara Morrison (Photo by Tony Maddox/Courtesy The Wallis)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong><em>JAZZ:</em></strong> <a href="https://thewallis.org/Morrison" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barbara Morrison: Standing on Their Shoulders</a> – The Wallis – December 5th – 11:00 PM EST/8:00 PM PST</p> <p>No jazz vocalist can claim not to have been influenced by Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan and Dinah Washington. Singer Barbara Morrison is no exception.</p> <p>In this concert, part of the virtual version of <em>The Sorting Room</em> from The Wallis, Morrison will put her own stamp on the songs these women made famous.</p> <p>Tickets are $25 and allow for viewing for 24 hours. There are more concerts in this series and package deals are available for viewing either half or all six of <em>The Sorting Room </em>series.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/James-McVinnie-Photo-©-Magnus-Andersen-Courtesy-McVinnies-website-1-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12037" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/James-McVinnie-Photo-©-Magnus-Andersen-Courtesy-McVinnies-website-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/James-McVinnie-Photo-©-Magnus-Andersen-Courtesy-McVinnies-website-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/James-McVinnie-Photo-©-Magnus-Andersen-Courtesy-McVinnies-website-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/James-McVinnie-Photo-©-Magnus-Andersen-Courtesy-McVinnies-website-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/James-McVinnie-Photo-©-Magnus-Andersen-Courtesy-McVinnies-website-1-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/James-McVinnie-Photo-©-Magnus-Andersen-Courtesy-McVinnies-website-1-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/James-McVinnie-Photo-©-Magnus-Andersen-Courtesy-McVinnies-website-1-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/James-McVinnie-Photo-©-Magnus-Andersen-Courtesy-McVinnies-website-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>James McVinnie (Photo ©Magnús Andersen/Courtesy McVinnie’s website)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong><em>CLASSICAL:</em></strong><a href="https://www.bilesuparadize.lv/en/event/86214" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> James McVinnie Live from Concert Hall ‘Latvija’ in Ventspils</a> – December 6th – 12:00 EST/9:00 AM PST</p> <p>In February of 2018 I saw and heard organist James McVinnie give the world premiere performance of <em>Register</em> by <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2018/02/22/composer-nico-muhly-registers-organ-concerto/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nico Muhly</a>. It was an amazing performance of truly fascinating music. </p> <p>It wasn’t their first collaboration. Muhly wrote 2013’s <em>Cycles</em> for McVinnie. Muhly and McVinnie have collaborated again on <em>Nativity Cycle</em>. </p> <p>This music was written specifically for this concert and for McVinnie by Muhly.</p> <p>The composer was inspired by plainsong. That term refers to unaccompanied church music sung in medieval modes and free rhythm. The text is taken from liturgical material.</p> <p>Each of Muhly’s pieces will include the plainchant at the end, but expect him to transform the original music into something that is at times, much simpler and at other times, much more complex. All of which suits McVinnie’s talents. </p> <p>Tickets are €8 which is just under $10 as of press time. This does not include any service charges. There is a note on the website that says ticket prices will increase as the concert dates get closer. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Veronica-Swift-Photo-courtesy-Unlimited-Myles-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12048" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Veronica-Swift-Photo-courtesy-Unlimited-Myles-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Veronica-Swift-Photo-courtesy-Unlimited-Myles-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Veronica-Swift-Photo-courtesy-Unlimited-Myles-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Veronica-Swift-Photo-courtesy-Unlimited-Myles-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Veronica-Swift-Photo-courtesy-Unlimited-Myles-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Veronica-Swift-Photo-courtesy-Unlimited-Myles-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Veronica-Swift-Photo-courtesy-Unlimited-Myles-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Veronica-Swift-Photo-courtesy-Unlimited-Myles.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>Veronica Swift (Courtesy Unlimited Myles)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong><em>JAZZ:</em> </strong><a href="https://www.92y.org/event/billie-holiday-concert-celebration?utm_source=SFMC&utm_medium=Email_PRESS_ARTEMIS_BILLIEHOLIDAY_REGIONAL_PR_112320&utm_campaign=PRESSARTEMISBILLIEHOLIDAYREGIONALPR112320&mcSID=craig.byrd@culturalattache.co" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Billie Holiday: A Concert Celebration</a> – 92nd Street Y – December 6th – December 9th</p> <p>On November 21st, the Emmet Cohen Trio was joined by singers <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2020/02/20/catherine-russell-loves-singing-jazz/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Catherine Russell</a> and Veronica Swift for a celebration of the music of Billie Holiday filmed at New York’s 92nd Street Y. That concert will start being available on Sunday at 3:00 PM EST/12:00 PM PST and remain available for renting through December 9th.</p> <p>Also joining the concert is saxophonist Tivon Pennicott who joins for a special tribute to the collaborations Holiday had with Lester Young.</p> <p>I wasn’t familiar with Swift before reading about this concert. She’s quite good. It will be exciting to see where she goes with her career.</p> <figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <iframe loading="lazy" title="Emmet Cohen & Veronica Swift - Yardbird Suite" width="696" height="392" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/U0n80QJu3So?feature=oembed&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div></figure> <p>The members of Cohen’s trio are Yasushi Nakamura on bass and Kyle Poole on drums. (Cohen, of course, plays piano.)</p> <p>Tickets are $15.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Reeve-Carney-Eva-Noblezada-in-22Hadestown22-Photo-by-Helen-Maybanks-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12049" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Reeve-Carney-Eva-Noblezada-in-22Hadestown22-Photo-by-Helen-Maybanks-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Reeve-Carney-Eva-Noblezada-in-22Hadestown22-Photo-by-Helen-Maybanks-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Reeve-Carney-Eva-Noblezada-in-22Hadestown22-Photo-by-Helen-Maybanks-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Reeve-Carney-Eva-Noblezada-in-22Hadestown22-Photo-by-Helen-Maybanks-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Reeve-Carney-Eva-Noblezada-in-22Hadestown22-Photo-by-Helen-Maybanks-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Reeve-Carney-Eva-Noblezada-in-22Hadestown22-Photo-by-Helen-Maybanks-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Reeve-Carney-Eva-Noblezada-in-22Hadestown22-Photo-by-Helen-Maybanks-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Reeve-Carney-Eva-Noblezada-in-22Hadestown22-Photo-by-Helen-Maybanks.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>Reeve Carney and Eva Noblezada in “Hadestown” (Photo by Helen Maybanks)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong><em>BROADWAY VOCALS:</em></strong> <a href="https://adelphi.secure.force.com/ticket/?acode=af72bfe4af59b311991cca1f857232c9&fbclid=IwAR19K2sWIwZh0uHXRGUiScWZinJ34Zl6VYEbCTZoAOCuR5ZQCgO_zfFA-LI#/events/a0S2G00000a1SYIUA2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eva Noblezada Live from Adelphi</a> – Adelphi PAC Concert Hall – December 6th – 5:00 PM EST/2:00 PM PST</p> <p>Eva Noblezada has appeared on Broadway in two musicals: She played Kim in the 2017 revival of <em>Miss Saigon</em>. She originated the role of Eurydice in the Tony Award-winning musical <em>Hadestown</em>. She was Tony nominated for both performances. In other words, she’s gotten a nomination for every role she’s performed on Broadway. She hasn’t yet snagged one of the trophies, but just you wait.</p> <p>You’ll be able to see what makes her so engaging in this live concert on Sunday. I’ve seen her in <em>Hadestown</em>. She’s very talented and this should be a great opportunity to see her shine. </p> <p>Tickets are $15.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Demarre-McGill-Anthony-McGill-and-MIchael-McHale-Courtesy-Shriver-Hall-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12034" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Demarre-McGill-Anthony-McGill-and-MIchael-McHale-Courtesy-Shriver-Hall-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Demarre-McGill-Anthony-McGill-and-MIchael-McHale-Courtesy-Shriver-Hall-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Demarre-McGill-Anthony-McGill-and-MIchael-McHale-Courtesy-Shriver-Hall-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Demarre-McGill-Anthony-McGill-and-MIchael-McHale-Courtesy-Shriver-Hall-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Demarre-McGill-Anthony-McGill-and-MIchael-McHale-Courtesy-Shriver-Hall-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Demarre-McGill-Anthony-McGill-and-MIchael-McHale-Courtesy-Shriver-Hall-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Demarre-McGill-Anthony-McGill-and-MIchael-McHale-Courtesy-Shriver-Hall-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Demarre-McGill-Anthony-McGill-and-MIchael-McHale-Courtesy-Shriver-Hall.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>Demarre McGill, Anthony McGill and Michael McHale (Photo courtesy Shriver Hall)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong><em>CLASSICAL:</em></strong> <a href="https://www.shriverconcerts.org/concert/mcgill-mchale-trio" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McGill/McHale Trio</a> – Shriver Hall Concert Series – December 6th – 5:30 PM EST/2:30 PM PST</p> <p>Clarinettist Anthony McGill and his flautist brother Demarre met pianist Michael McHale when they were artists-in-residence at Bowling Green University. The trio first performed together in 2014 and they’ve been making music together ever since.</p> <p>For this program, which took place at New York’s 92nd Street Y last December, the trio will celebrate dance. The concert features works by Chris Rogerson, Francis Poulenc, Antonin Dvořák, Guillaume Connesson, Claude Debussy and Paul Schoenfield.</p> <p>There will be a post-performance Q&A with the artists available after the concert.</p> <p>Tickets are $15 and allow for continued viewing through December 9th.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Ana-Gasteyer-Courtesy-her-website-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12050" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Ana-Gasteyer-Courtesy-her-website-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Ana-Gasteyer-Courtesy-her-website-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Ana-Gasteyer-Courtesy-her-website-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Ana-Gasteyer-Courtesy-her-website-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Ana-Gasteyer-Courtesy-her-website-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Ana-Gasteyer-Courtesy-her-website-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Ana-Gasteyer-Courtesy-her-website-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Ana-Gasteyer-Courtesy-her-website.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption>Ana Gasteyer (Courtesy her website)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong><em>BROADWAY VOCALS:</em></strong> <a href="https://events.broadwayworld.com/event/ana-gasteyer-seth-rudetsky-12-6-8-pm-et/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ana Gasteyer with Seth Rudetsky</a> – December 6th – 8:00 PM EST/5:00 PM PST</p> <p>Columbia, Elphaba and Mrs. Peachum are all familiar characters to fans of musicals. Martha Stewart, Celine Dion and Hillary Rodham Clinton are familiar to most people.</p> <p>Saturday Night Live veteran Ana Gasteyer has played them all. </p> <p>Her Broadway debut came in the 2001 Broadway production of <em>The Rocky Horror Show</em>. Several years later she played that oh-so-green woman in <em>Wicked</em> after having appeared in a new production of <em>The Threepenny Opera</em> with Alan Cumming.</p> <p>She joins Seth Rudetsky for his concert series this weekend. The live performance takes place on Sunday. If you are unable to watch that performance, it will be re-streamed on <a href="https://events.broadwayworld.com/event/ana-gasteyer-seth-rudetsky-12-7-3-pm-et/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monday, December 7th</a> at 3:00 PM EST/12:00 PM PST.</p> <p>Tickets for either performance are $28.50 (which includes service charges).</p> <p>That concludes my selections of the Best Bets at Home: December 4th – December 6th. But there are always going to be a few reminders:</p> <p>Ute Lemper’s <em><a href="https://culturalattache.co/2020/11/10/rendezvous-with-marlene/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rendezvous with Marlene</a></em> has a final streaming performance on Saturday, December 5th at 2:00 PM EST/11:00 AM PST.</p> <p>Larry Powell’s <em><a href="https://culturalattache.co/2020/11/23/larry-powells-the-gaze-no-homo/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Gaze…No Homo</a></em> continues with new episodes at The Fountain Theatre’s website. </p> <p>Greenway Court Theatre’s <em><a href="http://greenwaycourttheatre.org/wake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">If I Should Wake</a></em> makes both parts available for the first time beginning on Friday. The show ends its streaming on December 10th.</p> <p>All concerts that are part of the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s <em><a href="https://culturalattache.co/2020/09/23/the-la-philharmonics-sound-stage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sound/Stage</a></em> series remain available for streaming. The <em>Solitude</em> episode, featuring works by Thomas Adés and Duke Ellington, will only be available through December 15th.</p> <p>The Metropolitan Opera concludes its <em><a href="https://culturalattache.co/2020/11/30/stars-in-signature-roles-week-38-at-the-met/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stars in Signature Roles</a></em> week with Elīna Garanča in Bizet’s <em>Carmen</em> on Friday; Jessye Norman, Kathleen Battle and Tatiana Troyanos in Strauss’ <em>Ariadne auf Naxos</em> on Saturday and Shirley Verrett, Luciano Pavarotti and Cornell MacNeil in Puccini’s <em>Tosca</em> on Sunday.</p> <p>Now we’ve truly come to the end of the Best Bets at Home: December 4th – December 6th. Enjoy your weekend and enjoy the culture!</p> <p>Photo: James McVinnie (Photo ©Magnús Andersen/Courtesy of McVinnie’s website)</p> <p>The post <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2020/12/03/best-bets-at-home-december-4th-december-6th/">Best Bets at Home: December 4th – December 6th</a> appeared first on <a href="https://culturalattache.co">Cultural Attaché</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://culturalattache.co/2020/12/03/best-bets-at-home-december-4th-december-6th/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> </channel> </rss>