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Arts and entertainment

October 26, 2016

Arts Roundup: Calidore String Quartet, I Dig Dinos – and a Halloween Organ Concert

Celebrate Halloween with a concert of spooky organ classics in Kane Hall or a dinosaur dress-up party at the Burke Museum. Catch performances from jazz pianist Marc Seales, the Calidore String Quartet, or fado singer Mariza. The Jacob Lawrence Gallery celebrates the centennial anniversary of its namesake’s birth with a new exhibition. Calidore String Quartet 7:30 p.m., October 27 | Meany Theater The award-winning Calidore String Quartet performs a program of chamber music by Beethoven, Mendelssohn and Schumann at Meany…

October 19, 2016

Arts Roundup: Iphigenia and Other Daughters, The Kreutzer Sonata – and Music of Today

This week, the University of Washington launches its philanthropic campaign with a live multimedia experience. The School of Drama revisits a classical tale, and faculty performances are front and center at the School of Music. Swing by the Henry for an exhibition that explores the history of transgender communities in the Pacific Northwest. Iphigenia and Other Daughters October 18- 30 | Glenn Hughes Penthouse Theater The School of Drama opens its 2016-2017 season with modern retelling of the ancient Greek…

October 12, 2016

In new book, UW’s Estella Leopold revisits childhood at the family shack, described in Aldo Leopold’s best-seller ‘A Sand County Almanac’

Cover for "Stories from the Leopold Shack: Sand County Revisited" by Estella Leopold.

Estella Leopold, a University of Washington professor emeritus of biology, has written a new memoir of her formative years, “Stories from the Leopold Shack: Sand County Revisited.” She describes life on the land where her father, Aldo Leopold, practiced the revolutionary conservation philosophy described in his famous book of essays “A Sand County Almanac.”

Arts Roundup: Chamber Dance Company, Mindfulness Meditation – and Stylus Fantasticus

Chamber Dance Company

The Chamber Dance Company celebrates the birth of post-modern dance in Meany Hall, the School of Drama opens its season with a modern retelling of a Greek classic, and School of Music faculty members Stephen Stubbs and Tekla Cunningham give a performance of 17th century works. The Henry Art Gallery invites the public to practice mindfulness meditation and the Burke Museum celebrates the rugged beauty of the Wild Nearby.   Chamber Dance Company October 13-16 | Meany Theater The UW…

October 5, 2016

Arts Roundup: The Silk Road Ensemble, Birds at the Burke – and Double Rainbow All the Way

Lalya & Majnun

It’s a busy week for the arts: The Silk Road Ensemble and Mark Morris Dance Group collaborate on a new work at Meany Center; School of Music artist-in-residence Greg Sinibaldi gives the first faculty recital of the school year, and the Burke Museum hosts its annual “Birds at the Burke” day. The Henry Art Gallery presents artwork by American artist Senga Nengudi and the Jacob Lawrence Gallery showcases work by second-year MFA students. Mark Morris Dance Group with the Silk…

June 21, 2016

Q&A: Essayist Elissa Washuta on being the Fremont Bridge’s first writer-in-residence, another recent award and her upcoming book

Color photo of essayist and UW alumna Elissa Washuta

The year’s not quite yet half over, but it’s already been an auspicious one for Elissa Washuta. The University of Washington graduate and author of two books, “Starvation Mode” and “My Body is a Book of Rules,” is one of two recipients of the Artist Trust 2016 Arts Innovator Awards, which come with $25,000 in unrestricted funds. Washuta, who has been described as “an extraordinarily original and gifted writer,” is also the first writer-in-residence at Seattle’s iconic Fremont Bridge. The…

June 8, 2016

Arts Roundup: ArtVenture, Wild Nearby – and Design Graduation Exhibition

Burke Museum: Wild Nearby

Spring quarter is drawing to a close, but there are still plenty of arts events on campus. Swing by the Henry Art Gallery to see giant wood sculptures by Paul McCarthy and artwork by the 2016 graduating class of MFA and MDes students — or bring the whole family for an ArtVenture. Explore the beauty of the North Cascades at the Burke Museum or visit the Jacob Lawrence Gallery for an exhibition by graduating design students. Graduation Exhibition: Design June…

June 1, 2016

Arts Roundup: IMPFest, Counterculture Comics – and Skies Over Seattle

Skies Over Seattle

UW Drama wraps up the 2015-2016 season with “Skies Over Seattle,” and UW Symphony gives its last performance of the year. Hear the music of Indonesia at Meany Theater, or explore jazz and improvised music at IMPFest. Visit the Henry Art Gallery for a workshop about counterculture comics. Ade Suparman & Sundanese Music of Indonesia 7:30 p.m., June 2 | Meany Theater Ethnomusicology visiting artist Ade Suparman and his students perform music from West Java, Indonesia. The performance will include traditional…

May 25, 2016

Arts Roundup: Mallethead Series, UW Sings – and MFA + MDes Exhibition Opening Party

Tom Collier

Celebrate the work of graduating MFA and MDes students from the School of Art + Art History + Design at their annual Thesis Exhibition party. Catch performances by a host of music ensembles, including Studio Jazz Ensemble, Modern Band, University Singers, UW Women’s Choir and Men’s Glee Club. See the final Mallethead Series performance of the year, or stop by the Penthouse Theater for a School of Drama production. Studio Jazz Ensemble and Modern Band 7:30 p.m., May 26 |…

May 18, 2016

Arts Roundup: Graduation Exhibitions, Gluck’s ‘Orphée’ …And Hilarity Ensues…

And Hilarity Ensues

This week in the arts, the School of Music takes center stage with performances by the UW Gospel Choir and Modern Music Ensemble, and a production of Gluck’s Baroque opera, Orphée. The Dance Program presents its annual MFA Dance Concert, and the School of Drama opens its latest production at the Penthouse Theater. The School of Art + Art History + Design’s graduation exhibitions continue at the Jacob Lawrence Gallery.   MFA Dance Concert May 18-22 | Meany Studio Theater…

May 11, 2016

Arts Roundup: MFA Dance Concert, Photomedia Graduation Exhibition – and ‘Short Takes’ on Orpheus

This week, visit the School of Art + Art History + Design for a visiting scholar lecture or graduation exhibition, and engage directly with the artists at the Burke Museum’s Native Art Market. Catch the annual MFA Dance Concert or a performance by the School of Music’s Daana Quartet. Explore the enduring legacy of the Orpheus & Eurydice legend with faculty from the Arts and Humanities in a fast-paced “short takes” event. Native Art Market 10 a.m., May 14 |…

May 4, 2016

Arts Roundup: School of Music Scholarship Recital, ArtVentures – and Native Art Market

This week in the arts, see the world-renowned Martha Graham Dance Company perform at Meany Hall and witness the talent of the next generation at the 2016 School of Music Scholarship Recital. Explore production design at a UW Drama exhibition, take an ArtVenture at the Henry Art Gallery and shop for Native American art at the Burke Museum. Martha Graham Dance Company May 5-7 | Meany Theater UW World Series’ 2015-2016 season concludes with three performances by the Martha Graham…

April 27, 2016

Arts Roundup: 3D4M Graduation Exhibition, Daedalus Quartet – and the Martha Graham Dance Company

3D4M Graduation Exhibition

UW World Series presents its final two performances of the school year: Daedalus Quartet and the Martha Graham Dance Company. Graduating students from the School of Art + Art History + Design’s 3D4M program showcase their works at the Jacob Lawrence Gallery, and the UW Dance Program and the Henry Art Gallery collaborate in a performance piece. UW Drama‘s production of “Force Continuum” continues through May 8. Daedalus Quartet 7:30 p.m., April 29 | Meany Theater This critically acclaimed string…

April 20, 2016

Arts Roundup: The Music of Harry Partch, Force Continuum – and Arty Party

Music of Harry Partch

This week in the arts, UW Drama opens their production of Force Continuum, and the School of Music presents two visiting artists: mezzo-soprano Michaela Martens and chamber ensemble Decoda. You can also hear the groundbreaking music of Harry Partch or attend the Henry Art Gallery’s annual Arty Party. Directions for a Cloud-Crowd 7 p.m., April 21 | Henry Art Gallery In this 90-minute performance, artists Anne Walsh, Jim Melchert and 3D4M Assistant Professor Michael Swaine explore the giving and taking…

April 19, 2016

‘Shakespeare, Music, and Memory’ April 29 is colloquium, concert

Performers in UW Collegium Musicum rehearse for their concert April 29 concluding the colloquium "Shakespeare, Music, and Memory." From left are Linda Tsatsanis and Emerald Lessley, sopranos; John Lenti on baroque guitar and lute and Nathan Whittaker on baroque cello.

A daylong colloquium, “Shakespeare, Music and Memory” will bring scholars and musicians to the University of Washington campus April 29 for lectures ending with a concert of Shakespeare-themed songs by the School of Music’s Collegium Musicum ensemble. The free events were organized by JoAnn Taricani, associate professor and chair of the School of Music‘s Division of Music History, are timed to commemorate the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare‘s death in April of 1616. Scholars from several universities will give presentations…

April 13, 2016

Arts Roundup: Violinist Gil Shaham, Pianist Murray Perahia – and the Kollar American Art Lecture

Visit Meany Hall this week for the chance to hear two world-renowned classical musicians – violinist Gil Shaham and pianist Murray Perahia – each perform solo recitals. Join the UW Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band for an exploration of music by French composers, or catch lectures by artist Buster Simpson and art historian Susan P. Casteras. Artist Talk: Buster Simpson 7 p.m., April 14 | Henry Art Gallery Artist Buster Simpson will discuss the development of his current commission for…

Arts Roundup: Anoushka Shankar, Creole Carnival – and the New Burke Community Open House

UW World Series takes center stage this week with three events: dance-theater ensemble Jane Comfort & Company, world-renowned sitar player Anoushka Shankar, and GlobalFEST: Creole Carnival. Learn about the Burke Museum’s renovation plans at a community open house, see an exhibition by School of Art + Art History + Design graduating honors students, or take the whole family on an ArtVenture at the Henry Art Gallery. Jane Comfort & Company April 7-9 | Meany Studio Theater Jane Comfort & Company…

March 30, 2016

Arts Roundup: People Sitting in Darkness, Production Design – and Digital Music in 3-D

Jane Comfort & Company

The School of Drama kicks off spring quarter with a public play reading and exhibition of MFA production design work. Experience digital music in 3D with DXARTS, explore the passage of time at the Henry Art Gallery or contemplate notions of female attractiveness with a UW World Series dance-theater performance at Meany Hall. People Sitting in Darkness April 1-3 | Glenn Hughes Penthouse Theater In this comic adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream set in the early 20th-century Philippines, a…

March 16, 2016

Arts Roundup: Pianist Jeremy Denk, Grupo Corpo – and White Snow Wood Sculptures

Grupo Corpo

UW World Series presents three events at Meany Hall this week: the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, pianist Jeremy Denk and Brazilian dance company Grupo Corpo. Visit the Henry Art Gallery to see its newest exhibition, “Paul McCarthy: White Snow Wood Sculptures,” or catch one of the last performances of the School of Drama’s “Brooklyn Bridge.” Jeremy Denk 7:30 p.m., March 18 | Meany Theater Pianist Jeremy Denk, winner of the prestigious 2014 Avery Fisher Career Prize, performs a…

March 9, 2016

Arts Roundup: ArtVenture, Vicente Amigo – and Brooklyn Bridge

This week, catch the final events of two series: UW Drama’s Seattle Theatres Lost & Founded play readings and the School of Art + Art History + Design’s Critical Issues in Contemporary Art Practice lectures. Hear performances by the UW Wind Ensemble, UW Symphony, and Latin Grammy Award-winning flamenco guitarist Vicente Amigo. Bring the whole family to campus this weekend for a fairy tale-themed ArtVenture at the Henry Art Gallery. Critical Issues in Contemporary Art Practice: Park McArthur 7:00 p.m.,…

March 3, 2016

$750,000 Mellon Foundation grant will fund research, collaboration in arts

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation has awarded the University of Washington a three-year, $750,000 grant to support guest artists in developing new works, and to better integrate arts disciplines into the broader university curriculum.

The grant will support a Creative Fellowships Initiative, under which guest performing artist fellows will be recruited from around the world for one- to three-year residencies in dance, music and theater.

March 2, 2016

Arts Roundup: Strange Coupling, Malpaso Dance Company – and Faculty Chamber Concert

Malpaso Dance Company

Chamber music takes center stage at the School of Music this week with a Faculty Chamber Concert and Schubertiade, both on March 6. Watch two different dance productions at Meany Hall, see an exhibition of student work at the Jacob Lawrence Gallery, or catch a reading of ‘Sons’ as part of UW Drama’s New Play Workshop series. Strange Coupling March 2-4 | Jacob Lawrence Gallery This short exhibition shows works by students who are applying to partner with professional artists…

March 1, 2016

The Animals to Hendrix: Authors discuss soundtrack of Vietnam War at March 7 event

For soldiers serving in the Vietnam War, music was a salve, a connection to home and a temporary respite from the horrors of combat. In “We Gotta Get Out of This Place,” Rolling Stone’s #1 Best Music Book of 2015, Doug Bradley and Craig Werner explore the importance of music to U.S. troops in Vietnam, relaying powerful, intimate stories told by veterans themselves. Bradley, a Vietnam veteran, teaches a course on the war with Werner, a professor of Afro-American studies…

February 24, 2016

Arts Roundup: Dance Majors Concert, Vivaldi’s ‘Four Seasons’ – and Buy Art

Dance Majors Concert

It’s a busy week for the arts: the School of Drama collaborates with Seattle Children’s Theatre, Pacific MusicWorks presents Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” and the UW Concert and Campus Bands perform their winter quarter concert. Experience contemporary dance at the UW Dance Majors concert and head over to the School of Art + Art History + Design’s annual sale, Buy Art. “The Walk Across America for Mother Earth” February 24-28 | Glenn Hughes Penthouse Theater The School of Drama partners with…

February 17, 2016

Arts Roundup: Pianist Robin McCabe, Percussion Ensemble – and ‘The Walk Across America for Mother Earth’

The School of Drama’s new production, “The Walk Across America for Mother Earth,” opens this week. The School of Music presents piano, viola and percussion performances, and the School of Art + Art History + Design offers the latest Critical Issues in Contemporary Art Practice lecture at the Henry Art Gallery. Critical Issues in Contemporary Art Practice Lecture Series: Josh Faught 7:00 p.m., February 18 | Henry Art Gallery The Critical Issues in Contemporary Art Practice lecture series brings together artists and…

February 10, 2016

Arts Roundup: UW Symphony, Béla Fleck – and ‘New Drama’

Music is at the forefront this week: the UW Symphony Orchestra gears up to play alongside guest violinist Glenn Dicterow, the Mallethead series returns with a percussion performance in Meany Studio Theater, and world-famous folk artists Béla Fleck and Abagail Washburn give a concert at Meany Hall. The Henry Art Gallery hosts two public events on Valentine’s Day, and the School of Drama explores the meaning of “new drama” in its annual lecture series. UW Symphony with Glenn Dicterow 7:30…