FINE ARTS
Top: Gustavus Wind Orchestra (April), Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead (Feb.); Bottom: Spring Dance Complex (April), An Active and Urgent Telling exhibit in Schaefer Art Gallery (Feb./March)
M E E T I N G YO U W H E R E YO U A R E Spring was all about going to where the
been challenging, but everyone’s attitude
tour. In particular, that meant showcasing
audience was—outside or in homes.
has been fantastic.” This spring, Rolnick’s
the talents of Gustie students and sharing
students performed live after more than
the power of music with the world.
experimentation in the artist-audience
a year of cancelled concerts and filmed
And with recorded concerts that are
relationship. Students stretched to
performances. The performances were
archived for anytime viewing, a new
deliver in multiple mediums: live outdoor
held outside, dancers stayed distanced,
benefit emerged. Many Gustavus music
events, pre-filmed events, livestreamed
and they did not have physical interaction
performances are accessible to anyone
performances, and virtual walkthroughs
with one another.
with digital streaming access, not just
COVID-19 created opportunities for
of visual art exhibitions. All offered new GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2021
ways to create and enjoy the fine arts.
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“[This year has] been a good lesson in
James Patrick Miller, the Douglas Nimmo Professor of the Gustavus Wind Orchestra, and Brandon Dean, Jon and
those who can be present in person at one place during one moment in time. For Gustavus Fine Arts, the moment
adaptation all the way around,” says dance
Anita Thomsen Young Distinguished
in time that is COVID-19 has been
professor Melissa Rolnick. “In theatre and
Chair in Music and Conductor of the
trying and tumultuous. It is also a driver
dance, what we teach is so challenging
Gustavus Choir, reached audiences
of innovation. Through it, we have
online. And I think we’ve done good
through virtual concerts. Livestreamed
discovered and honed ways to reach
work. We’ve been pushed, but I think
and archived performances accomplished
audiences—like you—across the world
we’ve been successful. The logistics have
many of the goals of a more traditional
and in your own homes.
