Jeanette Colby, the University calendar editor, and Nick Foti ’19 offer a selection of events and activities to check out this weekend. Browse, discover, and share upcoming events on the University Events Calendar by logging in with your University NetID. The calendar features a variety of events at all campuses, including the River Campus, Eastman School, Memorial Art Gallery, and Medical Center.
#1: Catch artist’s talk and opening reception
A Study: Collision Detection opens at Hartnett Gallery with an artist talk and reception beginning at 4 p.m. Thursday, November 29. Transdisciplinary artist Ash Arder describes the exhibit as a series of new visual meditations which examines computer science techniques aimed at simulating the effects of natural phenomena like wind and rain on vegetation. Arder’s research-based approach works to expose, deconstruct, or reconfigure physical and conceptual systems relating to ecology. The talk, which is free and open to the public, will be held in the Gowen Room and the opening reception will follow in the Hartnett Gallery. Both events are in Wilson Commons.
#2: Hear works by Berlioz, Husa, and Copland
The Eastman Wind Orchestra will present a free concert on Friday, November 30. The Eastman School of Music’s ensemble of first-year and sophomore students is led by conductors Mark Davis Scatterday, William Talley, and Edo Frenkel. The program includes Hector Berlioz’s “Grande Symphonie,” Karel Husa’s “Al Fresco,” and Aaron Copland’s “El Salon Mexico.” The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre.
#3: Look at Maya society through a new lens
Thomas Garrison, assistant professor of anthropology at Ithaca College, will give the Nancy S. and Peter O. Brown Guest Lecture at the Memorial Art Gallery on Sunday, December 2. Garrison is an archaeologist specializing in the Maya civilization and his talk will focus on newly discovered data which will give new insight into settlement patterns and the urban-rural divide in classic Maya society. In a New York Times article, Garrison compares the society to the dramatic television story lines of Game of Thrones: “You’re looking at a series of kingdoms all involved in this Game of Thrones political story where they are marrying, fighting, killing each other, and backstabbing,” he says. The lecture begins at 2 p.m. and is included with museum admission price, which is free to all University faculty, staff, and students with a current ID.
#4: Celebrate Bernstein’s centennial with special program
The Music Department’s Symphony Orchestra will present a celebration event of Leonard Bernstein’s 100th birthday on Saturday, December 1. The concert will feature Bernstein’s “Overture to Candide” and various musical theater selections with vocal performances by the Chamber Singers and vocalists from the Eastman School of Music. The evening event will feature the suite of symphonic dances from West Side Story and a youth vocalist from the Eastman Community Music School. The collaborative program will include a poetry reading by Claire Harte ’22, winner of the “Symphony and the Poem” contest, organized by the English and music departments. Arrive at the auditorium early for a preconcert lecture at 7:15 p.m. with Joan Rubin, the Ani & Mark Gabrellian Director of the Humanities Center, who will speak on Bernstein’s contributions to American culture. The concert, which is free and open to the public, begins at 8 p.m. at Strong Auditorium.
#5: Enjoy classical music by world-renowned quartet
The Ying Quartet will perform at Kilbourn Hall as part of the Eastman-Ranlet Series on Sunday, December 2. The quartet formed at the Eastman School of Music in 1988 and has received global acclaim in their 30-year history. The Grammy-award winning ensemble has performed in some of the world’s most prestigious concert venues from Carnegie Hall to the Sydney Opera House. The concert begins at 3 p.m. and will feature works from Franz Joseph Haydn, Christopher Theofanidis, and Bedrich Smetana. Tickets start at $29 and can be purchased online. Discounts are available for University ID holders.
