Winter 2021 Newsletter

IN STEP

Step Afrika!’s partnership with Strathmore continues with community outreach and a new historical work.

WINTER

STRATHMORE NEWS

2021 2022

HOLIDAYS HAPPEN HERE

Celebrate the season at Strathmore.

ON THE AIR

Meet the Artist in Residence Class of 2022 VOLUME 35 | ISSUE 2

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

8

6

3

IN THIS ISSUE

Holidays at Strathmore 3 Step Afrika! In the Community 4 Meet the Artist in Residence Class of 2022 6 In The Mansion: Art Exhibitions & Afternoon Tea 8 Winter Calendar 9 Thank You Donors & Supporters 13

COVER PHOTO: Step Afrika! by Jim Saah INSIDE COVER PHOTOS L–R: Langston Hughes II by Margot Schulman, Sarah Brightman, Still Life with Strawberries 1 by Begoña Morton

YOUR WELL-BEING IS OUR TOP PRIORITY We’re making steady, thoughtful changes that prioritize the comfort and well-being of all guests, artists, staff, and volunteers. Our goal is to create an environment where you can confidently return to enjoy the arts.

ST

RG

E CHAS PURW ITH ENCE ID F N CO R AT

HMOR

E.

O

VACCINATION REQUIRED

WEAR A MASK

All guests attending events inside Strathmore’s venues must show proof of vaccination against COVID-19, or a negative test, and a photo ID.

At this time, masks are required inside our venues.

PURCHASE WITH CONFIDENCE Our ticket exchange policy preserves your flexibility. Free exchanges and refunds are available up to 48 hours before the performance.

AIR QUALITY 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 VENUES ARE GBAC STAR™ ACCREDITED This gold standard of safe facilities accreditation certifies that Strathmore has implemented proven, comprehensive cleaning and disinfecting protocols so you can feel confident that our venues are healthy environments.

2

STRATHMORENEWS | Winter 2021–2022

Steven P. Hollman Chair Mary K. Sturtevant Vice Chair Jay Grauberger Secretary Christoph A. Syllaba Treasurer Jean Accius II J. Tyler Anthony Cathy Bernard Jerome W. Breslow Gregory Dyson Lewis H. Ferguson Andrew Friedson Theodore R. Goldstock Joe Judge Fariba Kassiri William E. Kirwan Karen R. Lefkowitz Catherine S. Leggett Danica Marinac-Dabic Ann L. McDaniel Roscoe M. Moore, Jr. John Sackett Deborah M. Smith Sri Velamati Benjamin Wu

EXECUTIVE STAFF Monica Jeffries Hazangeles President and CEO Bess Amerman Chief Financial Officer Joi Brown Artistic Director/ Vice President of Programming Lauren Campbell Director of Education Mac Campbell Vice President of Operations Charlene McClelland Director of Mansion, Retail and Rentals Lesley Morris Director of Exhibitions Heidi Onkst Vice President of Advancement Alaina Sadick Goss Vice President of Marketing and Communications Carlyle Smith Director of Information Technology Eliot Pfanstiehl Founder and CEO Emeritus

MERRY & BRIGHT

Celebrate at Strathmore with a festive lineup full of cheer.

IN THE MUSIC CENTER

AT AMP

MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS

A CELTIC CHRISTMAS WITH SEÁN HEELY TRIO Sat, Dec 11

BY CHIP DAVIS

Join award-winning Irish fiddler Heely and a cast of acclaimed Celtic performers on a magical journey through Scotland and Ireland.

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

Sara Hoffman

Sat, Dec 4, Matinee & Evening Shows

SARAH BRIGHTMAN

A CHRISTMAS SYMPHONY

STUDENT CONCERTS

Mon & Tue, Dec 6 & 7

STRATHMORE CHILDREN’S CHORUS

HOPE

The superstar soprano decks the halls with showstopping renditions of Christmas classics.

Fri, Dec 3

Jim Saah

SCC’s six ensembles perform music of hope, representing Native American, Hebrew, South American, and African American composers and arrangements.

MARYLAND CLASSIC YOUTH ORCHESTRAS

NEW BEGINNINGS Wed, Dec 8 & 15

THE HIP HOP NUTCRACKER Mon–Wed, Dec 20–22

Tim Norris

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

Jim Saah

Experience works by Scriabin, Mozart, Asian American composer Tan Dun, and more, performed by the most talented young orchestral musicians in our area.

WITH GUEST MC KURTIS BLOW

strathmore.org | STRATHMORENEWS

3

ENGAGING COMMUNITY ONE STEP AT A TIME

By Mary Murdock

As a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity at Howard University, Williams had a deep connection with step. While living in the Southern Africa country of Lesotho in the early 90s he was fascinated by both the similarities and differences between step and traditional African dances. Now, his company performs around the world, displaying a unique and profound blend of step, traditional, and contemporary dance styles.

AN ENDURING PARTNERSHIP “Step Afrika!’s mission is to preserve and promote the art form of stepping and to utilize it as an educational and motivational tool for young students everywhere,” says Williams. This principle has been a major catalyst for Step Afrika!’s partnership with Strathmore: both institutions employ the arts in their education programs and to encourage community engagement.

4

Jim Saah

If you’re not familiar with stepping, it’s a percussive, energetic art form that originated in historically African American fraternities and sororities. Most think of Spike Lee’s 1988 film School Daze as the first time stepping was brought into the public eye; prior to that, it was really only visible at colleges and universities with a “vibrant community of African American Greek letter organizations,” as C. Brian Williams, the founder of Step Afrika!, puts it.

Students from the Step Up program perform for friends and family.

work together at three educational residency sites— Paint Branch High School, Greencastle Elementary School, and Good Hope Community Center. Step Afrika! teaching artists coach students on the physical skills associated with stepping as well as the three tenets of step: teamwork, commitment, and discipline.

“Step Afrika! artists are master educators,” says Lauren Campbell, Director of Education at Strathmore.

“We are so proud to partner with professional performing artists of this caliber and to bring them into spaces with the community.”

This dynamic partnership has evolved over 15 years through active collaboration and consideration of how their missions intersect in the future. Six years ago, the two organizations began a groundbreaking initiative called Step Afrika! Step Xplosion. This distinctive celebration of stepping showcases step squads from around the region, from Howard University’s Cook Hall Dance Team to teams from Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Prince George’s County and Paint Branch High School in Montgomery County.

Over the course of 16 weeks with these artists, students learn a full routine that they perform in a showcase at Good Hope Neighborhood Recreation Center, an opportunity for the students at each residency site to exhibit how far they’ve come as artists and as young leaders. “Strathmore has helped Step Afrika! provide access to artists to keep nurturing and performing this dance form that we love so much,” remarks Williams.

Annually, Step Afrika! Step Xplosion is an enthusiastic kickoff to the Step Up residency program, which is part of the Bloom by Strathmore initiative to expand access to the arts. In a typical year, Strathmore and Step Afrika!

The intersection of Strathmore and Step Afrika!’s missions produces quality outreach initiatives for the community and opportunities for audiences to experience the work from multiple angles.

STRATHMORENEWS | Winter 2021–2022

ENRICHING ARTISTIC EXPERIENCES

THROUGH ART, Step Afrika! puts stepping on the map in the DC region and beyond.

DC Area Premiere

STEP AFRIKA!’S DRUMFOLK Thu & Fri, March 3 & 4 A celebration of resistance, resilience, and reclamation through step.

MUSIC CENTER Strathmore is proud to be a co-commissioner of Drumfolk.

Step Afrika!’s Drumfolk, co-commissioned by Strathmore and making its DC-area debut at the Music Center in March, is a work that Williams believes will both expose audiences to art forms they’ve never seen before and give them a lesson in American history.

Jacob Andrew Iwinski

The piece draws inspiration from two historical events: the Stono Rebellion of 1739, and the resulting Negro Act of 1740. “[These] two events . . . tell us so much about American history that we haven’t known,” says Williams. Uncommonly taught in traditional American history classrooms, the Stono Rebellion was a slave rebellion that took place in South Carolina. The white settler-colonial government responded by passing the Negro Act, which, among other oppressive measures, restricted enslaved people from using drums. Drumfolk tells the story of how enslaved people persisted in making music and expressing themselves with their bodies. It showcases forms of dance like stepping, hambone, and the African American rainshout, “one of the oldest and most little-understood African American art forms in this country,” according to Williams. “I’m excited about the conversations that will come out of Drumfolk,” he notes. “Folks just appreciate the chance to learn something while also being awed by the rhythm, the dance, and the movement.”

Strathmore’s President and CEO, Monica Jeffries Hazangeles, is also excited about what Drumfolk will bring to local audiences. “Our region is an incredibly rich amalgam of cultural treasures and traditions,” observes Hazangeles. “With Drumfolk, Strathmore and Step Afrika! are animating a defining moment in history that is important to Africans and African Americans in our community and inspiring to us all.”

And the pure awe that comes from witnessing the company’s artistry can’t be spoken of highly enough by Artistic Director and Vice President of Programming Joi Brown: “The percussive movement and dance are virtuosic, and the artists exude charisma on stage.

With the theatricality of Drumfolk, audiences can look forward to an even wider range of experiences and storytelling in the hands of masterful artists.”

In the words of Williams, “There’s no production in the world quite like Drumfolk.” And given the deeply rooted and constantly growing relationship between Step Afrika! and Strathmore, it seems there’s no place to see this innovative performance quite like the Music Center. “Being in the Strathmore concert hall is always a wonderful experience for me,” says Williams, and no doubt, Drumfolk is the next in line.

Step Afrika! performs their new work Drumfolk, inspired by The Stono Rebellion of 1739.

strathmore.org | STRATHMORENEWS

5

Meet the Class of 2022

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

Program sponsored by Cathy Bernard/Bernard Family Foundation

It’s hard to believe that Strathmore’s Artist in Residence (AIR) program—guiding emerging artists as they develop from talented amateurs to seasoned professionals—is entering its 17th year. These young musicians blossom through mentor match-ups, professional development seminars, and many opportunities to create, rehearse, and perform. We caught up with the Artist in Residence Class of 2022 to ask them questions about their backgrounds, interests, and aspirations. Read on to learn more!

All concerts at AMP.

All workshops in The Mansion.

JAMES FERNANDO

LANGSTON HUGHES II

Jazz pianist

Jazz saxophonist

Sponsored by Belinda M. Kane

Sponsored by Daniel and Sarah Gallagher,

in memory of Mamie C. Kane,

Richard and Melba Reichard,

& Ava Kaufman

& Helen Louise Pettis

Concerts Jan 19 & 26 Workshop Jan 12

Concerts Feb 9 & 23 Workshop Feb 16

This highly sought-after, award-winning pianist merges jazz, classical, and electronic music.

This young saxophonist, flutist, bandleader, and composer has a dynamic, emotive style.

What do you consider to be your biggest career highlight?

My biggest career highlight is the release of my albums. I’m in music to create, and with every album release I get the opportunity to put forth a finished product. These are huge projects and it’s always so rewarding to complete something beautiful and share it with others.

What aspect of the AIR program are you most looking forward to?

I’m most looking forward to the new experiences! I’m often asked what’s my ideal career path in music and it’s hard to answer because I enjoy taking part in a variety of different musical styles and situations. This residency will give me the opportunity to reflect on an array of different cultures, artists, and musical experiences.

Are you currently attending college or university? If you graduated, from where?

I graduated from Berklee College of Music in 2017 and currently teach at Levine Music.

Who is your artistic inspiration and why?

One of my artistic inspirations is Joshua Redman.

Redman has a way of capturing the life of whatever music he plays. I also admire how he doesn’t put his abilities on the instrument before the music . . . instead, he uses his abilities on the instrument to enhance the music.

Strathmore graciously thanks our Artist in Residence Champions for their multi-year commitment and above-and-beyond support to the AIR program.

AIR Class of 2022 photos by Margot Schulman

6

STRATHMORENEWS | Winter 2021–2022

TITILAYO AYANGADE

TAISHA ESTRADA

Cellist

Singer-songwriter

Sponsored by Tina and Arthur Lazerow

Sponsored by Hope Eastman and

& Bayo and Funke Oyewole

Allen Childs, Margaret McDowell,

Concerts March 9 & 23 Workshop March 16

& Victoria J. Perkins

Ayangade is an awardwinning cellist whose talents spotlight underrepresented artists through exciting collaborations.

Are you currently attending college or university?

Yes! I’m currently in year two of my Doctor of Musical Arts degree at University of Maryland. I also hold two other performance degrees: a master’s from University of Texas at Austin and a bachelor’s degree from University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.

What other interests or passions do you have outside of music?

I am also a professional photographer. You can check out my work at www.titilayoandco.com. In my little free time I enjoy reading sci-fi books and interior decorating.

ALEX HAMBURGER Jazz flutist & vocalist

Concerts May 11 & 25 Workshop May 18 Estrada is a Puerto Rican singer-songwriter whose sultry, soulful style is imbued with a vintage jazz vibe and a modern R&B and pop influence.

Who is your artistic inspiration and why?

I’ve always loved singers like Etta James, Omara Portuondo, and Elis Regina. They are incredible vocalists but also very natural, energetic performers who captivate audiences. In terms of modern inspirations, Natalia LaFourcade and iLe are women who I hope to be in 10 years.

What other interests or passions do you have outside of music?

I am really passionate about teaching kids.

GERSON LANZA Tap dancer

Sponsored by Ellen and Michael Gold

Sponsored by Dale Rosenthal and

Concerts April 13 & 27 Workshop April 20

Van Hubbard

An accomplished flutist, singer, composer, and performer, Hamburger’s impressive improvisational skills have taken her all over the world.

If you weren’t an artist, what would you be?

If I wasn’t an artist I would probably do something in activism, either working with a grassroots organization or being on the front lines working directly with people.

What do you consider to be your biggest career highlight?

Making my first record And She Spoke in one day after playing a weekend at The Bird’s Eye Jazz Club in Basel, Switzerland. And She Spoke is a collection of music by female composers that I’ve arranged and music I’ve written based on poetry by female poets, inspired by my grandmother, an educator, activist, and writer.

Michael Cutler & Linda and

Concerts June 8 & 22 Workshop June 15 This Honduras-born tap dancer and choreographer uses his percussive footwork to tell stories and inspire audiences.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in La Ceiba, Honduras. I moved to New York City in 2001 when I was 11 years old.

What do you consider to be your biggest career highlight?

My biggest career highlight has been participating in a bubble residency at Jacobs Pillow for ten days with six musicians and six dancers and no interruption from the outside world.

Learn more

STRATHMORE.ORG/AIR strathmore.org | STRATHMORENEWS

7

IN THE MANSION

Explore exhibitions featuring contrasts of scale and style or share a cup of Afternoon Tea with a friend.

CURRENT EXHIBITIONS

Thru Sat, Jan 8

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

THE 88TH ANNUAL EXHIBITION OF

FINE ART IN MINATURE

More than 700 mini masterpieces travel from across the globe for this juried exhibition.

SKETCHBOOK

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

Still Life with Lemons by Begoña Morton, Brookside Gardens by Elizabeth Graeber, Football Girl by Maria Bennett Hock

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

ART AHEAD

Sat, Jan 15–Sat, March 12 Opening Reception Thu, Jan 20

THE BIG & SMALL OF IT WOMEN.ARTISTS.MASTERS.

Debra Keirce, Carrie Waller, and Maria Bennett Hock of the collective Women.Artists.Masters. highlight the ways big and small work together in oil and watercolor paintings.

Cozy up to

AFTERNOON TEA Share Strathmore Blend with a friend, drink in sweet music, and leaf your cares behind.

For your comfort, seating for tea is physically distanced.

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

Orders must be placed one week in advance.

STRATHMORE.ORG/TEA | 301.581.5108 Tea pictures by Javan Bowden and Jerry Hassard

8

STRATHMORENEWS | Winter 2021–2022

CityDance School & Conservatory

Strathmore Education

Thu, Dec 2, 7:30 pm

CREATING THE MAGIC

Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras of Strathmore

As one of the most adventurous ensembles in Washington, DC, the Great Noise Ensemble performs fresh works and promotes emerging talent in contemporary music.

AMP

Sat, Dec 4, 11 & 18, 7pm Sun, Dec 5 & 12, 5pm Sat, Dec 18, 2:30pm

Wed, Dec 8 & 15, 7pm

Thu, Dec 16, Jan 20, Feb 17, 7pm

GREAT NOISE ENSEMBLE

————————————————— Strathmore Children’s Chorus

HOPE

Fri, Dec 3, 7pm SCC’s six ensembles perform music of hope, representing Native American, Hebrew, South American, and African American composers and arrangements.

MUSIC CENTER

————————————————— Strathmore Presents

SARAH BRIGHTMAN Mon & Tue, Dec 6 & 7, 8pm

MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS

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

MUSIC CENTER

Celebrate MCYO’s 76th season with works by Tchaikovsky, Mozart, Dvořák, Saint-Saëns, and Scriabin’s Symphony No. 1.

MUSIC CENTER

————————————————— Strathmore Presents

AMERICAN CONTEMPORARY MUSIC ENSEMBLE (ACME)

Strathmore Presents

DAN TEPFER

Thu, Dec 9, 7:30pm Through their mix of meticulous musicianship, artistic vision, and engaging collaborations, ACME has risen to the highest ranks of American new music.

AMP

Sat, Dec 4, 2 & 7pm This heartwarming holiday tradition combines the beloved Christmas music of Mannheim Steamroller with dazzling multimedia effects.

MUSIC CENTER

Led by writer Seema Reza and accomplished guest authors, these workshops focus on creative writing as a tool for introspection, communication, and connection with others.

ONLINE

—————————————————

Mark Shelby Perry

————————————————— Strathmore Presents

Conservatory holiday show featuring classical works staged by our Ballet Master and new contemporary choreography by our Conservatory Artistic Director, Choreographer-inResidence, Ignite Artists, faculty, and guests artists.

EDUCATION CENTER

VIRTUAL CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOPS

NEW BEGINNINGS

INVENTIONS/REINVENTIONS Thu, Dec 16, 7:30pm Award-winning pianist Tepfer highlights his impressive improvisational skills as he plays Bach’s original Inventions compositions while creating his own “inventions” for the missing keys.

AMP

—————————————————

Josh Goleman

Strathmore Presents

DECEMBER 2021

WINTER CALENDAR

Outside Presenter

BACH’S EPIC CHRISTMAS ORATORIO Sat, Dec 11, 7pm

Sara Hoffman

The Washington Bach Consort brings an enduring European Christmas tradition with selections from Bach’s Weihnachts-Oratorium.

MUSIC CENTER

NATIONAL PHILHARMONIC WINTER CONCERTS Experience the majesty of Handel’s Messiah with two performances (December 18–19) by the NatPhil Orchestra & Chorale conducted by Stan Engebreston. In January, ring in 2022 as Maestro Piotr Gajewski welcomes two outstanding soloists—pianist Aldo López-Gavilán performing classical favorites from Mozart & Mahler (January 8) and violinist Melissa White for a program of works by composer Florence Price (January 16). NatPhil partners with NASA Goddard for an otherworldly performance of Holst’s The Planets (February 6) conducted by Maestro Gajewski, and pianist Brian Ganz continues his quest to perform the complete works of composer Frédéric Chopin (February 26).

Melissa White

Music Center

Mansion

NATIONALPHILHARMONIC.ORG | 301.581.5100 AMP

Community

Education

strathmore.org | STRATHMORENEWS

9

Music Above All

Outside Presenter

THE WASHINGTON CHORUS

A CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS Thu & Fri, Dec 16 & 17, 8pm Thu, Dec 23, 3pm Jingle all the way! Join twotime Grammy winners—the DC region’s dynamic Washington Chorus—for a festive family holiday concert like nothing else.

MUSIC CENTER

Strathmore Presents

Strathmore AIR Workshop

Fri, Jan 7, 8pm

CHALLENGING YOUR MEDIUM

WANDA SYKES

JAMES FERNANDO

Sykes brings the genius behind her witty comedy specials and hilarious characters on Blackish, Snatched, and Bad Moms for an evening of laugh out loud stories.

MUSIC CENTER

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

SINATRA & FRIENDS

National Philharmonic

Thu, Jan 13, 8pm

HANDEL’S MESSIAH

National Philharmonic

Capathia Jenkins and Tony DeSare bring Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra back to the stage, performing classics of “The Great American Songbook” with the BSO. MUSIC CENTER

Piotr Gajewski, conductor

Strathmore Presents

Stan Engebretson, conductor National Philharmonic Chorale

Celebrate the season with Handel’s legendary Messiah, featuring Suzanne Karpov, Magdalena Wor, Matthew Smith, Brandon Hendrickson, and the NatPhil Chorale.

MUSIC CENTER

————————————————— Strathmore Presents

THE HIP HOP NUTCRACKER

WITH SPECIAL GUEST MC KURTIS BLOW Mon–Wed, Dec 20–22, 8pm

PROJECT LOCREA Fri, Dec 3, 8pm

SEAN HEELY Sat, Dec 11, Two Shows!

BRIA SKONBERG Wed, Jan 12, 8pm

BROADWAY’S NEXT HIT MUSICAL Sat, Jan 29, Two Shows!

BESSI, BILLIE, & NINA Sat, Feb 19, 8pm

CHOPTEETH Fri, Feb 25, 8pm

————————————————— Outside Presenter

SALUTE TO VIENNA

—————————————————

Sat, Jan 8, 8pm

BRIAN McKNIGHT

Pianist Aldo López-Gavilán joins NatPhil and Maestro Gajewski for a concert of classical favorites, featuring Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 13 and Mahler’s Symphony No. 5.

MUSIC CENTER

Fri, Jan 14, 8pm

————————————————— DINOSAUR WORLD LIVE Sun, Jan 9, 4pm Take a prehistoric safari and get up close and personal with remarkably life like dinosaurs!

Meet and greet with the scaly giants after the show.

Ideal for ages 5–10.

MUSIC CENTER

Sat, Jan 1, 3pm Timeless music, dazzling costumes, and breathtaking dance. Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert returns for an unforgettable celebration.

MUSIC CENTER

—————————————————

Thu, Jan 6, 8pm American conductor Bancroft leads the orchestra with Beethoven’s remarkable Seventh Symphony following Ligeti’s Concert Românesc and Adams’ The Dharma at Big Sur. MUSIC CENTER

10

AFRICAN AMERICAN PIONEER

COMPOSER FLORENCE PRICE Sun, Jan 16, 3pm

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

Ryan Bancroft, conductor Chloë Hanslip, electric violin

National Philharmonic

Piotr Gajewski, conductor

————————————————— BEETHOVEN SYMPHONY NO. 7

One of the most recognizable voices in R&B, McKnight performs his romantic, charttopping hits “Anytime,” “Back to One,” “6, 8, 12,” and many more.

MUSIC CENTER

Strathmore Presents

————————————————— Outside Presenter

THE STATE BALLET THEATRE OF UKRAINE

CINDERELLA

Tue, Jan 11, 7:30pm The esteemed dance ensemble brings their captivating magic to the classic fairy tale Cinderella.

MUSIC CENTER

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

STRATHMORE.ORG/AMP

—————————————————

MOZART & MAHLER

Robert Day

Upcoming Shows

The Hip Hop Nutcracker reimagines this timeless story by combining Tchaikovsky’s classic score with explosive hip-hop choreography.

MUSIC CENTER

Using his own instrument as a template, pianist Fernando will help you identify restrictive thought patterns and break free of their constraints.

MANSION

—————————————————

—————————————————

Sat, Dec 18, 8pm Sun, Dec 19, 3pm

Wed, Jan 12, 7:30pm

STRATHMORENEWS | Winter 2021–2022

Maestro Gajewski and violinist Melissa White celebrate the works of Price, the first African American woman to be recognized as a symphonic composer.

MUSIC CENTER

————————————————— Strathmore Presents

PHILLIP PHILLIPS x JON FOREMAN Tue, Jan 18, 8pm Multi-platinum singersongwriter and American Idol winner Phillips joins Foreman of alt-rock band Switchfoot for a night of life-affirming rock.

MUSIC CENTER

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

Wed, Jan 19 & 26, 7:30pm

Robert Trevino, conductor Wordsmith, spoken word artist

JAMES FERNANDO, JAZZ PIANIST

As a highly sought-after and award-winning pianist, Fernando merges jazz, classical, and electronic music to create original and thought-provoking compositions.

AMP

—————————————————

TCHAIKOVSKY MANFRED SYMPHONY

CityDance is the official dance partner of Strathmore.

Wordsmith joins the BSO and guest conductor Trevino in a world premiere by James Lee III. Manfred Symphony is also featured in the program.

MUSIC CENTER

—————————————————

Thu, Jan 20, 7pm

ARTISTS IN FICTION BOOK CLUB

Mix and mingle with artists and art lovers to celebrate the opening of new exhibitions.

MANSION

————————————————— Strathmore Presents

ORPHEUS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA WITH BRANFORD MARSALIS Thu, Jan 20, 8pm Generously sponsored in part by Helen Louise Pettis The famed conductorless orchestra, known for its bold, unconventional interpretations and collaborations, is joined by visionary jazz saxophonist Marsalis.

MUSIC CENTER

Strathmore Exhibitions

Wed, Jan 26 & Feb 16, 7pm Explore the fictions of your favorite artists, then join fellow readers and art enthusiasts to discuss the book.

Jan: My Name Is Red by Orhan Pamuk Feb: A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park MANSION

————————————————— Strathmore Presents

PHILADANCO!

Fri, Jan 28, 8pm

CityDance is an award-winning dance organization offering introductory classes through professional training in multiple genres through three divisions: Little Movers (ages 18 months–7 years) and Youth Dance Training (7–18 years). Our highest level program, the Conservatory, provides pre-professional and professional training to students with the talent, drive, and ambition to pursue dance in their college and professional careers. Graduates enter the country’s most prestigious dance colleges, summer programs, festivals, apprenticeships, and companies.

Structured around a superlative teaching faculty, professional guest artist residencies, and highquality performance opportunities, we work with each student to provide a class and training schedule that supports their unique trajectory in and through dance.

CITYDANCE.NET

Co-presented by CityDance Known for its superbly trained dancers and electrifying performances, PHILADANCO! celebrates 50 years of innovation and preservation of predominantly African American traditions in dance.

MUSIC CENTER This presentation was made possible by generous support from the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation and New England Foundation for the Arts.

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

BENEDETTI PERFORMS MARSALIS VIOLIN CONCERTO

Palma Kolansky

Marin Alsop, conductor Nicola Benedetti, violin

Alsop returns to the podium for a world premiere by composer and sound artist Angélica Castelló.

MUSIC CENTER

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

OFF THE CUFF:

—————————————————

TCHAIKOVSKY MANFRED SYMPHONY

Outside Presenter

Julieanne Harris

Hailed as the nation’s premier a capella ensemble, St. Olaf Choir brings their artistry and beauty of sound to Strathmore.

MUSIC CENTER

Music Center

In collaboration with NASA Goddard Piotr Gajewski, conductor

Travel to the reaches of space as the National Philharmonic and Maestro Gajewski partner with NASA Goddard for an otherworldly performance of Holst’s The Planets.

MUSIC CENTER

Strathmore Artist in Residence

Fri, Feb 4, 7:30pm

Fri, Jan 21, 8pm

HOLST’S THE PLANETS

—————————————————

ST. OLAF CHOIR

Robert Trevino, conductor

National Philharmonic

Sun, Feb 6, 3pm

Sat, Jan 29, 8pm

—————————————————

Trevino makes his BSO conducting debut with performances of Tchaikovsky’s Manfred Symphony.

MUSIC CENTER

CITYDANCE SCHOOL & CONSERVATORY AT STRATHMORE

Sun, Jan 23, 3pm

Strathmore Exhibitions

OPENING RECEPTION

JANUARY–FEBRUARY 2022

Strathmore Artist in Residence

Mansion

LANGSTON HUGHES II, JAZZ SAXOPHONIST Wed, Feb 9 & 23, 7:30pm

Hughes is a young saxophonist, flutist, bandleader, and composer with a dynamic, emotive style that creates a profound spiritual connection with listeners.

AMP

AMP

Community

Education

strathmore.org | STRATHMORENEWS

11

FEBRUARY 2022

Strathmore Presents

Strathmore AIR Workshop

+ BONNY LIGHT HORSEMAN

FINDING YOUR SOUND: DISCOVERING THE VOICE IN YOUR INSTRUMENT

ANAÏS MITCHELL

LANGSTON HUGHES II

Fri, Feb 11, 8pm Mitchell, whose Broadway smash Hadestown won eight Tony awards, is joined by Grammynominated folk supergroup Bonny Light Horseman.

MUSIC CENTER

YAA TURNS 10!

Wed, Feb 16, 7:30pm Saxophonist Hughes II will teach you to utilize elements from different artists, genres, and styles to create an individualized voice on your instrument.

MANSION

————————————————— Strathmore Presents

IRA GLASS & JAD ABUMRAD

Join Young Artists of America at Strathmore (YAA) for our 10th Anniversary Season! YAA is reimagining the landscape of arts education by delivering transformative, innovative, and inclusive arts programming to the community.

Sat, Feb 19, 8pm

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

Sandy Honig

WAGNER OPERA SPECTACULAR

James Conlon, conductor Christine Goerke, soprano Greer Grimsley, bass-baritone

Lizzy Johnson

—————————————————

Prolific storytellers and hosts of iconic public radio programs This American Life and Radiolab take you on a journey of insight and humanity.

MUSIC CENTER

Sat, Feb 12, 8pm Conlon presents two of the most famous voices in opera, Goerke and Grimsley, featuring “Ride of the Valkyries” and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 8.

MUSIC CENTER

—————————————————

AIDA

featuring YAAOrchestra, YAACompany & YAAjunior Sun, April 3, 4pm MUSIC CENTER

CINDERELLA ————————————————— Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

ELLINGTON & GERSHWIN Ken-David Masur, conductor Aaron Diehl, piano

Mon & Tue, Feb 14 & 15, 8pm

Sun, Feb 20, 3pm

Known for his warm baritone vocals and contemporary soul, Grammy-winner Porter has been compared to his idols Nat King Cole, Donny Hathaway, and Stevie Wonder.

MUSIC CENTER

—————————————————

YOUTH EDITION featuring YAAjunior Sat, May 14 AMP PLUS, newly expanded classes in musical theatre, including four levels of YAAStudio, and our awardwinning day and overnight Summer Performing Arts Intensives camp!

Pianist extraordinaire Diehl joins the BSO for Ellington’s intoxicating “New World A-Comin’” and Gershwin’s Second Rhapsody.

MUSIC CENTER

YAA.ORG

Strathmore Presents

THAT GOLDEN GIRLS SHOW! Tue, Feb 22, 8pm

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

National Philharmonic

Jack Everly, conductor Troupe Vertigo

WITH BRIAN GANZ

ESPAÑA & BEYOND!

An evening of laughter and jazzercise awaits! This fantastically funny show parodies classic moments from The Golden Girls television series—with puppets!

MUSIC CENTER

AN EVENING OF CHOPIN Sat, Feb 26, 8pm

Thu, Feb 24, 8pm Go on an exploration of Latin music as Troupe Vertigo gracefully unveils stunning feats and acrobatics in Shchedrin’s reimagining of Bizet’s Carmen.

MUSIC CENTER

Pianist Ganz continues his quest to perform the complete works of the great Romantic composer Frédéric Chopin.

MUSIC CENTER

Rockefeller Productions

Erik Umphery

ELTON JOHN & TIM RICE’S

RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S

Strathmore Presents

GREGORY PORTER

Save the dates

Music Center

12

STRATHMORENEWS | Winter 2021–2022

Mansion

AMP

Community

Education

Thank you, DONORS & SUPPORTERS Strathmore thanks the individuals and organizations who have made contributions between July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021. Their support of at least $500 and continued commitment enables us to give back to the community through affordable, accessible, and quality performances; education programs; and partnerships.

GENERAL SUPPORT CONTRIBUTORS Paul M. Angell Family Foundation Welman, Peilin and Stella Aquino Adventist HealthCare Anonymous (2) Karolina and J. Tyler Anthony Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County Nancy Balph Michael Berman Sheila and Kenneth Berman Cathy Bernard Scott+ and Carol Brewer+ Robby Brewer and Connie Lohse The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation Clark Construction Group, LLC Valencia Clay Dallas Morse Coors Foundation for the Performing Arts Costello Construction Jonathan Cutler and Paula Parsons Steven Michael D’Alessio and Madeline Krupenie D’Alessio Cindy Dill Fitzgerald’s Lakeforest Toyota The Carl M. Freeman Foundation Denise and Peter Glassman Graham Holdings Company The Greene-Milstein Family Foundation Edward Grossman and Rochelle Stanfield Guilford Retirement Services Julie and John Hamre James and Sara Harris Monica Jeffries Hazangeles and John P. Hazangeles Charles Hazlehurst Moura Family Foundation Yanqiu He and Kenneth O’Brien Elizabeth and Joel Helke Connie Heller Mr. and Mrs. Peter High Steven and Louisa Hollman A. Eileen Horan Heather Kaye Brit Kirwan Delia and Marvin Lang Lerch, Early & Brewer, Chartered Susan and Robert Loewy Lockheed Martin Corporation The Mandra Fund Tami Mark and Ted Goldstock

Maryland Department of Housing & Community Development Maryland State Arts Council Ann McDaniel Florentina Mehta Shani Moore Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation Montgomery County Government National Philharmonic Janine and Phillip O’Brien Jill Rothman John Sackett Beth and Kristopher Sanz Iris Stein Korman and Louis Korman Mary and Jim Speyer Chris Syllaba Denise Thierer Carol Trawick Myra Turoff and Ken Weiner U.S. Small Business Administration Praveena and Srikanth Velamati

STRATHMORE CIRCLES Cheryl and Bill Amick Anonymous (2) Louise Appell Welman, Peilin and Stella Aquino Ausherman Family Foundation Cathy Bernard Gary and Amy Block Marilyn Brody and Allen Kronstadt Greg and Mary Bruch Sheila and C. Wayne Butler Kathleen and Bill Carey Brenda and Eirik Cooper Carol and Joseph Danks Starr and Fred Ezra Dottie Fitzgerald and Michael Clarke J. H. Gaddis Ellen and Michael Gold Guilford Retirement Services Lana Halpern Paul and Diana Hatchett Elizabeth and Joel Helke Connie Heller Birgit Henninger Steven and Louisa Hollman A. Eileen Horan Linda and Van Hubbard Cheryl and James Grauberger Renee Iacona Igersheim Family Charitable Foundation

Ann Jones Simpson Kay Knight and Harvey Kipper John M. and Teri Hanna Knowles Tina and Arthur Lazerow Judie and Harry Linowes Jill and Jim Lipton Nancy and Dan Longo Effie and John Macklin Dolores and Betsy Maloney Janice McCall Florentina Mehta Simone and Christopher Meyer Meyers, Rodbell & Rosenbaum/Joe Chazen Victoria Beall Muth Janine and Phillip O’Brien Heidi and David Onkst Dale and Anthony Pappas Marjorie Pearson and Richard Lampl Jerry and Carol Perone Helen Louise Pettis Mindy and Charles Postal Marsha and Peter Pratt Lorraine and Barry Rogstad Ted and Barbara Rothstein Janet and Michael Rowan James Sheaffer and Dale Koepenick Grace Shen Jennifer and Phil Sides Jim Siegel and Linda Stern-Siegel Fran and Richard Silbert Deborah Smith Leon and Deborah Snead Stephen and Tanya Spano J. James Spinner and Karen Rinta-Spinner M. Alexander Stiffman+ and Karen Rosenthal Judi and Richard Sugarman Wendy and Donald Susswein Mark and Marilyn Tenenbaum Linda and Steuart Thomsen Nancy Voorhees Meredith Weiser and Michael Rosenbaum Marty and Betsy West Steven and Irene White Patsy and Cortez White Benjamin Wu Ellen and Bernard Young Paul A. and Peggy L. Young, NOVA Research Company Mark Zaid

STRATHMORE STARS Cresel and Wiley Adams Rhoda Alderman Mary Kay and Dave Almy Richard Alperstein and Lenny Seliger Luther Ampey Steven Anzalone Ivy Baer and Marc Rothenberg Marilyn Bate Brian S. Bayly M.D. and Susan Bayly Edith Black Leslie and David Bloom Anne and Brian Boyden Robby Brewer and Connie Lohse Doris Brott Kris Brown and Jonathan Coleman Sarah Brown and Alan Gourley Sharon P. Brown Barbara Brownridge-Walsh and Thomas Walsh Hope Brown-Saxton and Wayne Saxton Jeff and Lucie Campbell Robin and Kristine Campbell Eleanor and Oscar Caroglanian Trish and Tim Carrico Robert Cole Irene S. Cooperman Lisa and Chris Cosby Christine Daily and Duane Schmidt Carolyn Degroot Judith Doctor Paul and Maria Dragoumis Rita Driggers and Christopher Zahn The English Family Foundation Tomi and Gideon Epstein Roger Feinthel Marcia Feuerstein and Ronald Schwarz Anthony and Wyn Fitzpatrick Gregory I. Flowers Jennie Forehand and William E. Forehand, Jr. Noreen and Michael Friedman Susan Frieswyk Christopher and Carol Sue Fromboluti Daniel and Sarah Gallagher Pam Gates and Bob Schultz Asha M. George Cherry and Sanford Glazer Janet and Barry Gorman

strathmore.org | STRATHMORENEWS

13

LIFELONG LEARNERS EMBRACE THEIR ABCs

Art. Beethoven. Community.

By Noreen B. Friedman

As Strathmore celebrates its 40th anniversary, Tanya and Stephen Spano also look back on 40+ year careers as civil engineers, including projects at the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) where they first met. Now retired, the Spanos engage in everything from the arts and sciences to Tai Chi (fun fact: their first Tai Chi class was at Strathmore!). “From balalaikas to Beethoven, or miniatures to modern art—Strathmore provides us with numerous opportunities to learn and to enjoy,” quips Tanya.

The Spanos, dedicated Strathmore supporters for over 20 years, regularly attend performances and exhibitions at all three venues: the Music Center, Mansion, and AMP.

Tanya and Steve on the Strathmore lawn, where Steve volunteered his engineering expertise to refurbish the Gudelsky Gazebo.

“The arts are an important part of our lives,” states Tanya, and “contributing funds over time really does have an impact.”

Over their years of giving, the Spanos recognize the importance of investing in local institutions. “A big reason we like Strathmore is the community outreach across the county, especially programs involving young people in the arts. It has a positive impact on all aspects of their lives, and the payoff is long-term,” says Steve.

Studies show that arts access impacts a student’s academic, social, and emotional outcomes—all ingredients to create lifelong learners like the Spanos. “We hope that people realize that you don’t need deep pockets to be a supporter. If everyone gave a bit over time, it would make a difference.”

Every gift matters. For information on how to make a difference in your community through Strathmore, contact Heidi Onkst, vice president of advancement, at 301.581.5133 or honkst@strathmore.org.

STRATHMORE.ORG/SUPPORT 14

STRATHMORENEWS | Winter 2021–2022

THANK YOU, DONORS & SUPPORTERS Grace Creek Advisors, Robert Atlas and Gloria Paul Doris and Mark Greene John Grigg and Ann Willis Ellie and John Hagner Gerri Hall and David Nickels Kit and Ken Hall John C. Hanson William Harris Vicki Hawkins-Jones and Michael D. Jones Esther and Gene Herman Wilma and Arthur Holmes, Jr. Carol and Larry Horn Terry Jacobs and Dena Baker Elia Johnson Skip Joslin Belinda M. Kane Jill and Lawrence Katz Joni and Howard Katz John and Zorina Keiser Chris and Henri Keller Peter Kendall Norman and Wendy King Kathleen Knepper Robert Kopera Patricia and John Koskinen Stephen Kramer Shyam Krishnan Jen and Sanjay Krishnaswamy Tom Lansford Darrell Lemke and Maryellen Trautman Ellen and Stuart Lessans Sheila Levin Laurence and Barbara Levitan Janice and Jerome Lucas Francis Luong Susan and Eric Luse Susan Maley Jacqueline and Tom Manger Nancy J. McGinness and Thomas J. Tarabrella Jamie McIntyre Jeff Menick Nell Minow and David Apatoff Jane and Paul Molloy Shani Moore Sandra and Ronnie Nichols Robert and Florence Nisbet Wendy and Glen Nyre Scott Oppler and Kellie Leighton-Oppler Bayo and Funke Oyewole Carolyn L. Pasti Phil and Jania Peter Cynthia and Eliot Pfanstiehl Justin Pratt Claire Reade Richard and Melba Reichard Marylouise and Harold Roach Barbara Ronis Shelley and Harry Ross Elaine and Stuart Rothenberg Jacqueline and Rolando Sanz Yevgeniy Sheyn Steven and Donna Shriver Deborah Silberman Janine Simmons and Sean Jones Donald M. Simonds Cora and Murray Simpson Family

Jeb Smith Rick Sniffin and Mary Ellen Savarese Robin and Stuart Sorkin Lori Stapleton David Stroop Rohini Suraj and Michael Cassady Sioux Thompson Myra Turoff and Ken Weiner Julio Valencia Johanna H. Weekley Steve Willmann Susan and Jack Yanovski Pan Zheng and Yang Liu

PROJECT SPONSORS Paul M. Angell Family Foundation Anonymous (4) Rebecca Allen The Estate of Joseph and Judy Antonucci+ Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County Asbury Methodist Village Arthur Bennett Gerilee Bennett Cathy Bernard Harriet and Jerome Breslow Eileen Cahill Capital One Services Inc. LLC John Choi and Emily Hsu Steven Michael D’Alessio and Madeline Krupenie D’Alessio Karen Deasy David and Christina Denton Hope Eastman and Allen Childs Bette Eberly-Hill and John Hill Embassy of Australia Exelon Foundation Elizabeth and Peter Forster Noreen and Michael Friedman Daniel and Sarah Gallagher GEICO Ellen and Michael Gold Martha Goodman Sharon Goozh-Mosches Philip L. Graham Fund Cheryl and James Grauberger Edward Grossman and Rochelle Stanfield Lana Halpern Louisa and Steven Hollman House of Musical Traditions Linda and Van Hubbard Monica Jeffries Hazangeles and John P. Hazangeles Jim and Carol Trawick Foundation, Inc. Jordan Kitt’s Music Bridget and Joseph Judge Cheryl and James Jukes Belinda M. Kane Fariba Kassiri Ava Kaufman Brit Kirwan Kathleen Knepper The Marinus and Minna B. Koster Foundation Sachiko Kuno Foundation, Inc. Delia and Marvin Lang Tina and Arthur Lazerow

Karen Lefkowitz and Al Neyman Catherine and Isiah Leggett Caroline and Joseph Lewis Maplewood Park Place Maryland State Arts Council Middle C Music Corp Montgomery County Collaboration Council New England Foundation for the Arts Krista and David Nufrio Bayo and Funke Oyewole PEPCO, an Exelon Company Helen Louise Pettis Richard and Melba Reichard The Nora Roberts Foundation Rencourt Foundation Rockley Family Foundation Dale Rosenthal and Michael Cutler Carol Salzman and Michael Mann Deborah Smith Chris Syllaba Myra Turoff and Ken Weiner The Village at Rockville West Music WGL Holdings, Inc.

IN-KIND Jeff and Amie Breslow Jordan Kitt’s Music Lerch, Early & Brewer, Chartered Martin Guitars Kala Brand Music Co. Ohana Music, Inc. Helen Louise Pettis Seasons 52 Sheppard Mullin

CON BRIO SOCIETY Creating a lasting legacy through the arts Anonymous (4) Joseph+ and Judy+ Antonucci Louise Appell Harriet and Jerome Breslow Sharon P. Brown Barbara Burtoff+ John Cahill Kathleen and Bill Carey Eleanor and Oscar Caroglanian Jonita and Richard S. Carter

Irene S. Cooperman Trudie Cushing and Neil Beskin Steven Michael D’Alessio and Madeline Krupenie D’Alessio Muriel Fine+ Doris and Mark Greene Julie and John Hamre Yanqiu He and Kenneth O’Brien Connie Heller A. Eileen Horan Vivian and Peter Hsueh David R. and Deborah S. Lambert Richard Lampl Tina and Arthur Lazerow Chiu and Melody Lin Diana Locke and Robert Toense Janet L. Mahaney Jeff Menick Carol and Alan Mowbray Cynthia and Eliot Pfanstiehl Lorraine and Barry Rogstad Barbara and David+ Ronis Jill Rothman Henry J. Schalizki+ and Robert D. Davis+ Phyl and Ken+ Schwartz

Deane+ and John+ Sherman Stephen and Tanya Spano Annie S. Totah Maryellen Trautman and Darrell Lemke Carol Trawick Peter Vance Treibley Myra Turoff and Ken Weiner Marty Wall

Please note that “+” denotes that a donor is being honored posthumously.

Strathmore is grateful to our generous donors and has made every effort to ensure accuracy in recognizing them. Should any contributions recognized above conflict with your personal records, please let us know by contacting donors@strathmore.org or 301.581.5145.

MEMBERS KEEP OUR MISSION ALIVE This past year has brought many changes, but our core commitment to you—and our artists, students, and teachers—remains stronger than ever. As we forge ahead through our recovery, your generosity is critical.

Cherish the music and art you love by joining as a Stars member today.

Your gift of any size will: • Ignite Strathmore’s stages and galleries with world-class artists.

• Inspire creativity through arts education classes and experiences.

• Invest in a vibrant community today to create a brighter future for tomorrow.

Together, we have overcome an unprecedented time.

And together, we will keep our mission alive.

Join today or learn more about the benefits of membership at STRATHMORE.ORG/STARS.

Thank you!

strathmore.org | STRATHMORENEWS

15

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

GIFT the GOOD STUFF! The Shop at Strathmore is your go-to for original art,

beautiful textiles, handmade jewelry, creative kits, toys for kids, and other great gifts.

Shop in-person in The Mansion or online!

STRATHMORE.ORG/SHOP