Fall 2021 Newsletter

Tickets go on sale September 10.

Become a member to access the presale.

A TRADITION OF ART

Celebrating 30 years of Strathmore’s annual juried exhibition.

STRATHMORE NEWS

STEP INSIDE

The historic Mansion at Strathmore is an oasis full of art, music, and more.

VOLUME 35 | ISSUE 1

FALL

NEW SHOWS ANNOUNCED!

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Dear Friends,

Margot Schulman

A Note from our Artistic Director

I cherish the energy that comes with experiencing a live performance as a community. And I know you do too! Since the open-air Patio Stage debuted in June, we have been overjoyed by your excitement and support, which has made this new space such a success. Performances at the Patio Stage continue through September, so be sure to check them out before the summer season ends. Now, as we look toward the 2021–2022 performance season, I invite you to take the next step with us, and come inside to the Mansion, AMP, and Concert Hall.

All your favorite artists—like Gipsy Kings, Béla Fleck, Wanda Sykes, and more—return to the Concert Hall this season. Our long partnership with Step Afrika! continues with the DC-area premiere of Drumfolk, and mark your calendars for the mesmerizing Parable of the Sower, which brings the talents of Toshi Reagon & Bernice Johnson Reagon to the forefront with a fully staged opera. These two works, and others initially planned prior to the shutdown, are amazing expressions of strength and resilience that will resonate even more as we come back together this season.

As we welcome you back to our indoor venues, Strathmore will continue to make steady, thoughtful changes that prioritize the comfort and well-being of all patrons, staff, volunteers, and artists. Our venues have been accredited by GBAC STAR™, the gold standard of clean facilities, and all guests attending events inside our venues are required to wear a mask and show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative test. Our goal is for as many guests as possible to confidently return to enjoy the arts at Strathmore.

I look forward to seeing you soon,

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Joi Brown P.S. Visit www.strathmore.org/welcomeback to see our latest protocols and policies.

IN THIS ISSUE

In The Music Center 3 How to Supercharge Impact 6 Explore The Mansion: Exhibitions, Concerts, Tea & More 7 A Thriving Arts Community 11

COVER PHOTO: Mansion by Jon Brack INSIDE COVER PHOTOS L–R: Step Afrika! by Jim Saah, Rise Up by Esperanza Alzona, Dan Tepfer by Judy Natal

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STRATHMORENEWS | Fall 2021

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Step inside the This season marks a bold return to the Concert Hall full of your favorite world-class artists and exciting new works.

THIS JUST IN!

The following shows go on sale to the public Friday, September 10.

Strathmore Stars are buying now. Join today for exclusive presale access!

MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS

DINOSAUR WORLD LIVE Sun, Jan 9, 2022 Take the family on a prehistoric safari and get up-close and personal with remarkably life-like dinosaurs!

BY CHIP DAVIS

Sara Hoffman

This heart-warming holiday tradition combines the beloved Christmas music of Mannheim Steamroller with dazzling multimedia effects.

Robert Day

Sat, Dec 4, 2021, Matinee & Evening Shows

THE HIP HOP NUTCRACKER WITH GUEST MC KURTIS BLOW Mon–Wed, Dec 20–22, 2021

AN EVENING WITH

Tchaikovsky’s classic score collides with explosive hip-hop choreography in this holiday mash-up the whole family will fall for.

ANNE LAMOTT

Bestselling author Lamott brings her trademark honesty, humor, and forthrightness to Strathmore for an evening sure to comfort and inspire.

Sam Lamott

Tim Norris

Fri, March 18, 2022

JOIN TODAY & GET ACCESS TO:

WANDA SYKES Fri, Jan 7, 2022 Sykes brings the genius behind her smart-witted comedy specials and her hilarious characters on Blackish, Snatched, and Bad Moms to Strathmore.

• Exclusive Members-Only Presales • Insider Info: first to know about new shows • Big Savings: 50% off last-minute tickets

STRATHMORE.ORG/STARS Your gift supports Strathmore’s efforts to present world-class artists and to make the arts available to everyone in our community.

strathmore.org | STRATHMORENEWS

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IN THE MUSIC CENTER

COMING UP

Join us and remember the magic of experiencing live music together.

JOHNNY MATHIS

65 YEARS OF ROMANCE

DAVID FOSTER

MYRIAM HERNÁNDEZ

Wed, Oct 13, 2021

Sun, Oct 17, 2021*

*

Sat, Sept 11, 2021 Eliot Lee Hazel

The Chilean singer-songwriter, known throughout the Spanishspeaking world for her romantic ballads, graces Strathmore’s stage.

POSTMODERN JUKEBOX Sun, Oct 24, 2021

BÉLA FLECK MY BLUEGRASS HEART

GIPSY KINGS

Postmodern Jukebox makes today’s hits swing in a sultry, spunky, soulful style.

FEATURING MICHAEL CLEVELAND, SIERRA HULL, JUSTIN MOSES, MARK SCHATZ & BRYAN SUTTON Wed, Sept 22, 2021

Dana Lynn Pleasant

FEATURING NICOLAS REYES Fri, Oct 15, 2021 The Grammy-winning band behind “Bamboléo” celebrates 25 years of flamenco, salsa, and pop fusion.

Fleck is known for pushing the banjo’s boundaries, but his roots are in bluegrass, and that’s where he returns with his latest project.

LEDISI

Jim McGuire

THE WILD CARD TOUR Tue, Oct 26, 2021 Grammy-winning R&B star Ledisi brings her powerhouse, virtuosic vocals to Strathmore.

*

These events are not presented by Strathmore.

Jati Lindsay

DC Area Premiere!

STEP AFRIKA! DRUMFOLK Thu & Fri, March 3 & 4, 2022 When enslaved Africans lost the right to use their drums, the beats found their way into the people— the Drumfolk.

Drumfolk, the newest work from Step Afrika!, reveals the hidden histories and resounding rhythms that transformed America.

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STRATHMORENEWS | Fall 2021

STATE BALLET THEATRE OF UKRAINE

CINDERELLA

Sat, Nov 6, 2021* Set to Sergei Prokofiev’s music with Vladimir Vasiliev’s choreography, the State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine brings this classic fairy tale to life.

Don’t miss!

PAT METHENY

OCTAVIA E. BUTLER’S

SARAH BRIGHTMAN

SIDE-EYE WITH JAMES FRANCIES & JOE DYSON

PARABLE OF THE SOWER

A CHRISTMAS SYMPHONY

Created by Toshi Reagon & Bernice Johnson Reagon Directed by Eric Ting Co-presented by Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company Based on the novels Parable of the Sower and Parable of the Talents by Octavia E. Butler

Mon & Tue, Dec 6 & 7, 2021

Sat, Nov 13, 2021

John Peden

Acclaimed jazz guitarist shares the stage with up-and-coming artists.

The superstar soprano decks the halls with show-stopping renditions of Christmas classics.

Thu & Fri, April 28 & 29, 2022 Parable of the Sower is a triumphant, mesmerizing work of rare power and beauty that illuminates deep insights on gender, race, and the future of human civilization.

Fri, Dec 3, 2021

Wed, Dec 8 & 15, 2021

Ensembles perform music of hope, representing composers and arrangements from a variety of nationalities.

Enjoy works by Scriabin, Mozart, Asian American composer Tan Dun, and more, performed by talented young musicians.

This fully staged opera brings together over 30 original anthems drawn from 200 years of black music to recreate Butler’s sci-fi, Afrofuturist masterpiece live on stage.

Reed Hutchinson

Jim Saah

HOPE

MARYLAND CLASSIC YOUTH ORCHESTRAS

Arts Laureate

STRATHMORE CHILDREN’S CHORUS

YOUR WELL-BEING IS OUR TOP PRIORITY

Our goal is to create an environment where as many people as possible can confidently return to enjoy the arts at Strathmore.

With that in mind we’ve put the following policies and protocols in place.

ST

RG

E CHAS PURW ITH E N E ID C CONF .O R AT

HMOR

E

VACCINATION REQUIRED

WEAR A MASK

All guests attending events inside Strathmore’s venues must show proof of full vaccination and a photo ID.

In accordance with Montgomery County’s current policy, masks are required inside all our facilities.

PURCHASE WITH CONFIDENCE

Our HVAC systems turn over indoor air with fresh outside air every 15 minutes thanks to high-efficiency MERV 13 air filters that remove airborne germs.

Our ticket exchange policy preserves your flexibility. Should we be unable to hold an event, you’ll be able to exchange your tickets or receive a full refund.

STRATHMORE.ORG/WELCOMEBACK

AIR QUALITY

GBAC STAR™ ACCREDITED This gold standard of safe facilities accredidation certifies that Strathmore has implemented comprehensive cleaning and disinfecting protocols.

strathmore.org | STRATHMORENEWS

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Music Above All

HIDDEN MONEY

Patrons discover how to supercharge their impact.

By Noreen B. Friedman

“Local and accessible” are Steve and Madeline D’Alessio’s favorite aspects of Strathmore. As longtime Montgomery County residents, Steve, an engineer, and Madeline, a project manager and substitute teacher, enjoy everything from classical music to tribute bands and treating Madeline’s mother to Afternoon Tea in the Mansion.

As volunteer ushers for the past eight years, the D’Alessios have seen firsthand the impact the arts have on young people, especially when every Montgomery County Public Schools second and fifth grader comes to Strathmore to experience free, live performances.

“We saw children bubbling with excitement, many dressed up for the occasion. We decided to support Strathmore to help ensure this cultural opportunity continues for future generations,” says Madeline.

To optimize their donation, the D’Alessios tapped their DonorAdvised Fund (DAF). Often described as a charitable checking account, a DAF provides immediate tax incentives and lets the donor recommend gifts over time.

We can’t wait to welcome you back! Perched on Pike & Rose’s penthouse level, AMP redefines nightlife on Rockville Pike.

Steve and Madeline D’Alessio were able to increase their gift to Strathmore through the #HalfMyDAF campaign.

DAFs have seen a recent surge resulting in over $140 billion in unused funds earmarked for charity. The D’Alessios decided to put their DAF to work with the possibility of doubling their gift to Strathmore with the #HalfMyDAF campaign. #HalfMyDAF incentivizes donors with matching funds to act now as nonprofits are working harder than ever. #HalfMyDAF partially matched the D’Alessio’s gift to Strathmore, which increased their philanthropic impact in the community through Strathmore’s important arts and education programs.

If you’re looking to make a difference through the arts, visit www.halfmydaf.com or contact Vice President of Advancement Heidi Onkst at 301.581.5133 or honkst@strathmore.org.

Pike & Rose | N. Bethesda, MD Red Line–White Flint Metro

AMPbySTRATHMORE.COM

STRATHMORE.ORG/SUPPORT 6

STRATHMORENEWS | Fall 2021

AN ARTS OASIS

Rodney Bailey

Explore the Mansion at Strathmore, a historic home now a center of arts and culture.

Originally built in 1899, the Mansion is home to Strathmore’s more intimate artistic experiences. You can enjoy a concert in the acoustically superb Music Room, explore our galleries and current exhibitions, indulge in Afternoon Tea, stroll through the sculpture gardens, and find a special treasure in the Shop at Strathmore.

What makes the Mansion so unique is “that beyond it being a stunning space, the Mansion provides a myriad of experiences sure to satisfy whatever you’re looking for. You can revel in the quiet beauty or absorb the creativity that’s alive in our gallery exhibitions and events,” says Charlene McClelland, Strathmore’s Director of Mansion, Retail, and Private Events. “For a few hours, you can escape the busy world, recharge, and feel inspired.”

Step inside The Mansion for Exhibitions 8 | Music 9 | Afternoon Tea 10

Museum Shop HOLIDAY MARKET Thu–Sat, Nov 11–13

This fan-favorite event brings together the best local cultural nonprofits to create your one-stop shop for unique and handmade gifts.

Feel good knowing your purchase supports arts organizations in our community.

STRATHMORE.ORG/SHOP

strathmore.org | STRATHMORENEWS

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IN THE MANSION

ART EXHIBITIONS

Strathmore celebrates 30th anniversary of juried exhibition.

In 1990, Strathmore asked a group of local artists to submit works for an exhibition. The prompt was loose—“show us your best work!”—and no one likely knew that it was the foundation for a program that would persist decades later.

From those humble beginnings grew Strathmore’s Annual Juried Exhibition, which celebrates its 30th anniversary with Touch this fall.

Strathmore expanded the call for entries from members to the public in 2016 and the annual exhibition now attracts artists from the region, nation, and around the world to apply. Unique themes spark creativity and build connections among artists. Visiting jurors comb through submissions and select pieces, evaluating artwork based on thematic relevance, aesthetics, and mastery of skill. In a typical year, more than 120 works by nearly 100 artists are on view and have ranged from sculptures and paintings to performance art and room-sized installations.

According to Strathmore’s Director of Exhibitions Lesley Lundgren, the added size and complexity requires careful planning. “It can be a difficult exhibition to put together—there are a variety of styles, techniques, materials—so placing artwork is critical,” she explains.

The challenge pays off. The program has become a signature of Strathmore’s galleries, with highlights like Night and La Vie en Bleu earning reviews in The Washington Post.

More than 4,700 visitors came to the Mansion for Home in 2019.

This year promises to be particularly poignant, as artists were asked to consider a timely theme: “touch.”

From physical to emotional sensations and beyond, artists Please Touch by Nancy Jakubowski interpreted the theme in a variety of ways. After more than a year of social distancing, there is perhaps no better way to welcome audiences to a new decade of this landmark program than with an expression of care and togetherness.

CURRENT EXHIBITIONS

Wed, Sept 8–Sat, Oct 30

TOUCH

THE 30TH ANNUAL STRATHMORE JURIED EXHIBITION Opening Reception: Thu, Sept 9

FULL BLOOM

MALATHI JAYAWICKRAMA Opening Reception: Sat, Sept 11 Jayawickrama’s artwork depicts flowers at their peak and in full bloom. Each painting captures the play of light, accompanying shadows, and rich colors, practically the ideal flower but for the missing scent.

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STRATHMORENEWS | Fall 2021

Pink Peony by Malathi Jayawickrama

MUSIC in the MANSION

ART AHEAD

Sat, Nov 20–Sat, Jan 8 Opening Reception: Sun, Nov 21

Perspective BEGOÑA MORTON

Join us in the Mansion’s music room for chamber music concerts by world-class artists.

Morton’s tablescapes are a mix of angular and cubist forms alongside realistic depictions of fruits, decanters, and goblets.

Curated by Dr. Laura Colgate

BEAU SOIR ENSEMBLE Sun, Oct 24, 2021

POULENC TRIO Thu, Nov 4, 2021

GREAT NOISE ENSEMBLE Thu, Dec 2, 2021

AMERICAN CONTEMPORARY MUSIC ENSEMBLE (ACME) Thu, Dec 9, 2021

Still Life with Figs and Silver by Begona Morton

DAN TEPFER

THE 88TH ANNUAL EXHIBITION OF

INVENTIONS/REINVENTIONS Thu, Dec 16, 2021

FINE ART IN MINATURE More than 700 mini masterpieces travel from across the globe for this juried exhibition.

BALANCE CAMPAIGN Woman from the Deserts

by Ihtesham Hassan

SKETCHBOOK

ELIZABETH GRAEBER Graeber’s watercolor and gouache illustrations connect viewers to everyday delights and rituals infusing scenes with warmth and objects with personalities.

Thu, March 10, 2022

SETH PARKER WOODS, CELLO & ANDREW ROSENBLUM, PIANO Thu, March 24, 2022

Dupont Circle by Elizabeth Graeber

MANSION HOURS: Wed–Sat: 12–4pm; Sun–Tue: closed FREE ADMISSION

Poulenc Trio by Sun Shao-Ting, Dan Tepfer by Josh Goleman, Seth Parker Woods by Grittani Creative, Balance Campaign

strathmore.org | STRATHMORENEWS

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IN THE MANSION

AFTERNOON TEAS TO PLEASE Indulge your senses with soothing sounds and scrumptious savories, perfectly paired with Strathmore’s special blend.

AFTERNOON TEA IN THE MANSION Tea begins at 1pm Call 301.581.5108 to reserve.

For your comfort, seating for tea is physically distanced.

GREEK TEA

EDGAR ALLEN POE TEA

Tue, Sept 14 Kalimera! Enjoy Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and dimotiki music from Greece.

Wed, Oct 13 The Bard of Baltimore’s tales of mystery and macabre are served up at this tea.

OUTLANDER SCOTTISH TEA AND TALK

ITALIAN TEA

Wed, Sept 15 Indulge your inner outlander with Highland history, fare, and music.

GERMAN TEA AND TALK TEA TO GO All teas are available for curbside pick-up.

Orders must be placed one week in advance.

STRATHMORE.ORG/TEA

Tue, Sept 21 Prost! Learn the history of German folk music and experience a Strathmore Oktoberfest.

ROSES ’N’ ROMANCE TEA Wed, Sept 22 Romantic tunes by The Beatles, Billy Joel, and others set the scene for this charming tea.

ANNIVERSARY TEA Sat, Sept 25 Raise a cup of Strathmore’s signature blend to toast the 36th anniversary of Afternoon Tea.

OLD-FASHIONED ENGLISH TEA Tue & Wed, Sept 28 & 29 Enjoy finger sandwiches with the crusts cut off and a proper cuppa at this traditional high tea.

SOUTH AMERICAN TEA Tue & Wed, Oct 5 & 6 Warm up this fall with a rich, flavorful menu and Latin rhythms.

STRATHMORE HISTORICAL TEA Tue, Oct 12 Travel back to 1899 and learn the history of the Mansion.

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STRATHMORENEWS | Fall 2021

Sat, Oct 16 Add some of la dolce vita to your day with delicious Italian tea and music.

DOWNTON ABBEY TEA Tue & Wed, Oct 19 & 20 Debutantes and dowagers alike love our elegant Downton Abbey teas.

TEA LEAF READING & TALK Tue, Oct 26 Talk starts at 12:30 followed by tea & music.

What fortunes can tea leaves tell? Join us to learn the history of tasseography.

HAUNTED TEA PARTY & TALK Wed, Oct 27 It’s always a scream when real life ghost stories are told at our haunted tea party.

CINEMATIC TEA Tue, Wed & Sat, Nov 2, 3, & 6 Take your tea like a star! Songs from your favorite films are the soundtrack to this tea.

HARVEST TEA Tue & Wed, Nov 16 & 17 Give thanks with a menu of Thanksgivinginspired fare and seasonal songs.

CHARLES DICKENS TEA Tue, Nov 30 Enjoy the Dickensian delights of an authentic Victorian holiday tea.

CREATIVE COMMUNITY

Strathmore’s partners prepare for a season of compelling concerts, classes, and more.

Strathmore is home to several dynamic arts partners and affiliates. We share a commitment to bring you inspiring and diverse experiences and to connect with our community in meaningful ways. We celebrate our partners’ resilience, and are excited to welcome them back to the Music Center!

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra returns to the Music Center for the extraordinary 2021–2022 season, featuring new commissions, classical favorites, and performances with Renée Fleming, Byron Stripling, Randall Goosby, Ray Chen, Anne-Sophie Mutter, Capathia Jenkins, and so much more.

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Subscriptions and packages are on sale now for National Philharmonic’s 2021–2022 season. The season includes three world premieres; programs featuring the Howard University Chorale; the DC-area premiere of Michael Daugherty’s Tales of Hemingway; season-opening concert with acclaimed violinist Gil Shaham; and more.

NATIONALPHILHARMONIC.ORG

YAA invites singers, dancers, actors, and instrumentalists—grades 5–preprofessional—to become one of our young artists.

In-person and online dance classes this fall for introductory to preprofessional students ages 3–adult.

Offering a curriculum of ballet training and contemporary dance techniques including modern, jazz, hip-hop, and culturally specific dance forms.

CITYDANCE.NET

The interPLAY Orchestra continues to hold weekly rehearsals virtually and will be returning to its Strathmore third floor performance space when it is healthy for all its music makers and its delightful audience.

INTERPLAYORCHESTRA.ORG

Taylor Mickal

Young Artists of America (YAA) at Strathmore is back on stage and in the classroom to celebrate its 10th anniversary season!

Explore classes for children and adults in classical music, jazz, rock, musical theatre, and more! Join us at Strathmore—or online at our Virtual Campus.

LEVINEMUSIC.ORG

BSOMUSIC.ORG

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Levine Music offers outstanding music instruction and programs to students of all ages, interests, and skill levels.

YAA.ORG

strathmore.org | STRATHMORENEWS

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STRATHMORE NEWS

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 1763 SUBURBAN, MD

Strathmore Hall Foundation, Inc. 5301 Tuckerman Lane North Bethesda, MD 20852-3385

Strathmore is partially funded by operating grants from: Customer Number

Source Code

Marry in the Mansion All-inclusive curated wedding packages Streamline the wedding planning process with our intimate wedding package. We’ve curated top-quality vendors—including photographer, florist, and more—to make sure your wedding is stress-free and stunning!

STRATHMORE.ORG/WEDDINGS