Arts and Entertainment

Cornell Music Lineup Announced

Arts and Entertainment | Friday, January 17, 2020 | By Laurel Gilmer

CU Jazz Photo by Rachel Philipson
The Cornell Department of Music announces its spring semester lineup of concerts and events. Throughout the term, numerous festivals and symposia provide opportunities to delve into a variety of musical topics through the interaction of performance and scholarship, including a commemoration of Beethoven’s 250th birthday February 13-16 ; a celebration of Robert Moog and electronic music March 5-7; the return of A. D. White Professor-at-Large Wynton Marsalis for the premiere of his new work for Wind Symphony March 20; The Whale Listening Project marking the 50th anniversary of the multi-platinum recording Songs of the Humpback Whale April 16-18; plus a multitude of performances by guest artists, faculty, and students, ranging from music of the Renaissance to the sounds of tomorrow.

The semester begins with another such festival; Ithaca Sounding 2020 is a multi-day, multi-venue festival and symposium celebrating, exploring, and questioning the traditions of modernist and experimental concert music by Ithacans past and present. It features keyboard works by composers Julius Eastman, Sarah Hennies, Robert Palmer, Ann Silsbee, and David Borden. Connecting and mediating the themes of music in the academy, marginalized art, improvisational performance practice, and queer experimentalism, this interdisciplinary series of events probes the creative and personal histories of some of Ithaca’s most renowned musical personae with concerts, workshops, talks, presentations, and readings.

Sisters of Change Exhibit and Programs

Arts and Entertainment | Friday, January 17, 2020 | By Zoë Van Nostrand

The Dorothy Cotton Institute (DCI) and the Tompkins Center for History & Culture (TCHC) are hosting an opening reception on Thursday, January 23 (5-7 pm) for the new, 'Sisters of Change: Dorothy Cotton and Unsung Sheroes for Racial Justice, Human Rights and the Vote' exhibit at the Tompkins Center for History & Culture, 110 N. Tioga St. (on the Commons) in Ithaca.

A short program, including a preview of 'Move When the Spirit Says Move', a new documentary film about Dorothy Cotton, will be offered from 5:30 – 6pm. The exhibit – in the lobby of the Tompkins Center for History & Culture -- is available for viewing through the end of April.

Evening Of Jewish Stories, Poetry And Music

Arts and Entertainment | Friday, January 17, 2020 | By Temple Beth El

bethel Franny Alani and Rebecca Couillard

Franny Alani and Rebecca Couillard
A magical celebration of life, community and the arts will take place on an upcoming winter evening in Ithaca. Celebrating twenty one years of original stories, traditional tales, folk and contemporary poetry, and dynamic live music from around the world - Temple Beth El proudly hosts the Annual Evening of Jewish Storytelling, Poetry and Music.

This event has become extremely popular over the years, drawing participants together for an intimate and cozy evening; a real reminder of times past. People who might otherwise never cross paths - listen, laugh, shed a few tears together perhaps - and get to know each other. The idea is to get away from the computer and television screens and share a moment of slower pleasures, together. In addition, there are always complimentary, traditional homemade treats to be enjoyed while listening to the treasures of the night. This years celebration offers an exciting and diverse selection of storytellers, poets and musicians both young and old. The event ends at about 9:30 and has an intermission. Families with children are welcome.