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!
20 21
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,
4
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
2
STRATHMORENEWS | Fall 2021
9
8
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
3
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. 4
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
5
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
7
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.
8
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
9
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.
10
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.
:
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
:
Levine Music offers outstanding music instruction and programs to students of all ages, interests, and skill levels.
YAA.ORG
strathmore.org | STRATHMORENEWS
11
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