13 minute read
Music and Film
LIVE PERFORMANCES
ISI AKAHOME
NEW PROGRAM!
“Charlie Chaplin’s Smile” with Philippe Quint, violin, and Vanessa Perez, piano
Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. $40 ■ No charge for Four Arts members
Enjoy this multimedia show about Charlie Chaplin’s musical gifts told through archive photos, video clips with narrations, and performances. Conceived and produced by violinist Philippe Quint, this program juxtaposes the music of Chaplin with the great composers he was influenced by, including Debussy, Stravinsky, Brahms, Gershwin, and Tchaikovsky. The relationships Chaplin had with these musical giants will be explored through music, narrations by Quint – including screen clips of Chaplin’s silent era films with performances by Quint and pianist Vanessa Perez, and rare video footage of Chaplin conducting an orchestra in a recording session.
TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE!
March 21: Curtis on Tour
3 p.m. ■ $30 ■ No charge for Four Arts members
March 24: “Strings for Peace” featuring Sharon Isbin, guitar, and Amjad Ali Khan and sons, sarod
7:30 p.m. ■ $40 ■ No charge for Four Arts members
Live Performance 2020-2021 season updates
FULL The following programs have reached our reduced capacity limits for ticket reservations this season, but please check www.fourarts.org for any updates or additional availability:
January 31 Dalí Quartet and Olga Kern, piano February 3 Palm Beach Symphony with Olga Kern, piano February 7, 10 and 14 Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center: David Finckel, Wu Han and Friends, “Around Dvořák” I, II and II February 17 VOCES8 February 28 Garrick Ohlsson, piano March 3 Time for Three
POSTPONED The following programs have been postponed this season due to travel complications involving COVID-19:
January 10 Antonio Meneses, cello, and Paul Galbraith, guitar January 17 Orpheus Chamber Orchestra featuring Branford Marsalis, saxophone January 24 Les Violons du Roy and Jeremy Denk, piano February 21 Danish String Quartet February 24 Apollon Musagète Quartet
Wu Han joins Four Arts team
The Society of the Four Arts proudly welcomes Wu Han to our team as an Artistic Advisor for Classical Music in partnership with Director of Programs Sofia Vollmer Maduro. The world-renowned pianist and her husband, cellist David Finckel, are co-directors of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center (CSMLC) and return to The Four Arts as Beyer Artists-in-Residence this season, leading an “Around Dvořák” festival from February 7 through February 14. The Four Arts conducted an email interview with Wu Han in November as she was preparing for four concerts in Taiwan. my musicians certainly felt enriched by the project.
The Four Arts: You have performed at The Society of the Four Arts many times. What are your favorite memories of being in Palm Beach?
Wu Han: My favorite memories are from the week of my first residency in 2019 as the Beyer Artist-inResidence. This was the first time that I was able to Four Arts grounds, not only performing for the most enthusiastic audience, but also mounting a festival with opportunities to engage meaningfully with the Palm Beach community. I was so fortunate to meet Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Beyer, to whom I am eternally grateful for their support of this residency. The weeklong festival enabled us to delve deeply into a specific
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subject, including educational activities and outreach events, and was incredibly rewarding. I hope the audience learned from this intense week, as I know spend a considerable amount of time on the beautiful
How would you rate the Walter S. Gubelmann Auditorium as a venue for chamber music?
Wu Han: I have been playing at Four Arts for many years now, and it is always wonderful to return. For me, returning to the Gubelmann Auditorium always feels like coming home. The Auditorium is really a gem: the perfect size for chamber music, great acoustics, an elegant setting. An experienced concert artist could not ask for more.
What sort of programs can our audience look forward to over the next few seasons?
Wu Han: Designing a concert program is like being the curator in the world’s largest musical museum. It takes a curatorial point of view to organize the vast repertoire of classical music and ensure that the audience has the most satisfying journey of great performances and cohesive programs. The highest quality artists and carefully crafted programs will guarantee our discriminating Four Arts audience an enriching experience. I can promise that they will experience the best that classical music can offer, as well as some adventurous journeys that will deepen their knowledge and appreciation of this amazing art form.
Tell us about your upcoming Beyer Artist-in-Residence festival, “Around Dvořák.”
Wu Han: In this stressful pandemic year, I know that music will definitely uplift our spirits, and I could not find a more appropriate three programs to do just that. In the chamber music world, Dvořák has to be one of the most beloved composers. The diverse programming during the residency week will bring you some of the most world’s most beloved and glorious music. Dvořák had the most amazing talent for writing music that both sings and elevates. In the three programs that I designed for you, not only will you enjoy great music, but you also will learn about Dvořák’s life and times, from his emerging as the greatest Bohemian composer to his friendship with Brahms, and his consequential visit to the United States. These are the most enjoyable programs, filled with surprise, drama, and delicious
Photos by LISA-MARIE MAZZUCCO
Wu Han and David Finckel
The Beyer Artist-in-Residence festival’s concerts on Feb. 7, 10 and 14, are currently full, but please check www.fourarts.org for updates. The programs below remain available for a $100 series package:
CHAMBER MUSIC 201, WITH WU HAN Monday, February 8, 2021 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
MASTER CLASS, WITH DAVID FINCKEL AND WU HAN Tuesday, February 9, 2021 from 5 to 7 p.m.
AN AFTERNOON BEHIND THE MUSICAL CURTAIN Friday, February 12, 2021 from 2 to 5 p.m. Includes a rehearsal at 2 p.m., a musical discussion at 3 p.m., and a private reception with the musicians from 4 to 5 p.m. Generously supported by Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Beyer
melodies. Just like in our 2019 residency, I also look forward to spending time with our community through master classes at Lynn University, musical discussions, and open rehearsals. I simply cannot wait.
We look forward to having you here in Palm Beach. Anything else you would like to add? elevate and to inspire. With this stressful pandemic year, we all understand music can bring us beauty and hope. To have art and music in our lives is what makes a civilized society. I am extremely honored to be associated with this distinguished organization and I look forward to many more opportunities to bring the best music to Four Arts and to serve this organization. I feel very privileged and grateful. Winter 2021 Folio 11
FILM SERIES
Tickets are $10 • No charge for Four Arts members • Reservations required For tickets and reservations, call (561) 655-7226 or visit the O’Keeffe or Dixon box offices All programs are in the Walter S. Gubelmann Auditorium
What They Had
Friday, January 8, 2021 at 2 & 5:30 p.m.
In this moving, beautifully acted film, a woman (Hilary Swank) deals with her ailing mother and her father’s reluctance to let go of their life together.
American Ballet Theatre: A History
Friday, January 22, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. only
Delve into the rich, 75-year history of one of the world’s preeminent ballet companies.
The Good Liar
Friday, February 12, 2021 at 2 & 5:30 p.m.
Ian McKellen’s con man sets his sights on Helen Mirren’s widow worth millions, but his swindle escalates into a cat-and-mouse game with the ultimate stakes.
Maria By Callas
Friday, February 26, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. only
An intimate look at the life and work of Greek-American opera singer Maria Callas, as told in her own words.
The Peanut Butter Falcon
Friday, January 15, 2021 at 2 & 5:30 p.m.
This divine modern Mark Twainesque adventure features two men on the run as they wind through deltas, drink whiskey, find God, and catch fish.
Pavarotti
Friday, February 5, 2021 at 2 & 5:30 p.m.
A look at the life, works, and achievements of opera legend Luciano Pavarotti.
NEW PROGRAM!
Red Joan
Friday, February 19, 2021 at 2 & 5:30 p.m.
Judi Dench, as brilliant as ever, stars as a British civil servant who remains undetected as a Soviet spy for over 50 years.
The Divine Order (Die göttliche Ordnung)
Friday, March 5, 2021 at 2 & 5:30 p.m. In German with English subtitles
A Swiss housewife organizes the women of her town in this true modern-day suffragette story.
Inside The Four Arts
Barrett, Gubelmann star in finding gems for Film Series
Chances are that Dr. Diana Barrett and Mrs. Shelley Gubelmann have seen a lot of good films lately.
Barrett is the Chairman of the Film Committee at The Society of the Four Arts, where she is assisted by long-time committee member Gubelmann. Both are dedicated to ensuring that the Four Arts’ Film Series features entertaining selections, including second-run hidden gems, documentaries, and screenings that complement the season’s programming.
“We are so fortunate to have Diana Barrett and Shelley Gubelmann on our Film Committee,” said Director of Programs Sofia Vollmer Maduro. “They each screen many films a season to find the best choices. Our audiences can rest assured they will be entertained in the Walter S. Gubelmann Auditorium!”
Dr. Barrett has served on the committee for nearly five seasons and is Founder of the Fledgling Fund, an organization that works at the intersection of film and social change with the mission of championing stories to inspire a better world. Her goal at The Four Arts is to “curate the exceptional.”
She notes that many streaming services are helpful in finding selections. Due to her professional involvement with the Sundance Film Festival, Dr. Barrett has also the privilege of prescreening films and documentaries and often keeps them in consideration to be
Dr. Diana Barrett
shown at The Four Arts.
Most interested in “story arcs” and films that educate as well as entertain, Dr. Barrett fondly remembers when the Four Arts screened the documentary “Obit”, which follows New York Times Obituary writers and their working lives. The film’s director was present at the screening and was able to talk with the audience. She is also interested in following the span of an actor’s career, such as Nicole Kidman or Julianne Moore.
This season, Dr. Barrett’s standout recommendation is “Song of Lahore,” on March 26, which follows Pakistani musicians on a journey to perform with Wynton Marsalis at Lincoln Center.
Mrs. Shelley Gubelmann
film committee in 1985 and has noticed several trends during her service. She has found that Helen Mirren and Judi Dench always generate large audiences, and viewers who may be less inclined to read subtitles at home often find them easier to enjoy when presented on the big screen.
Her formula for a successful season includes a variety of films across several categories. She believes viewers occasionally like to see classic movies, but secondrun films, independent selections, and popular European titles tend to be the most well-received.
This season, Mrs. Gubelmann’s top recommendation is the January 15 sleeper hit “Peanut Butter Falcon” because it is “poignant, funny, and a must-see.” Winter 2021 Folio 13
HD SCREENINGS
Documentary: In Search of Mozart
Saturday, January 23, 2021 at 2 p.m. 2 hours, 14 minutes with no intermission Tickets: $15 Directed by Phil Grabsky
Without resorting to docu-drama or visual re-enactment, In Search of Mozart traces the composer’s life through his music and extensive correspondence. From K1a to K626 (Requiem), over 80 works are featured in chronological order, revealing striking parallels between the music and Mozart’s own experiences.
42nd Street – The Musical
Saturday, February 6, 2021 at 2 p.m. 2 hours, 13 minutes with one intermission Tickets: $25 or $15 for students with valid ID Book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble Music & Lyrics by Harry Warren and Al Dubin Directed by Mark Bramble
One of Broadway’s most classic and beloved tales comes to cinema screens in the largest-ever production of the breathtaking musical, featuring iconic songs “We’re in the Money,” “Lullaby of Broadway,” “Shuffle Off to Buffalo,” and “I Only Have Eyes For You.” Set in 1933, 42nd Street tells the story of Peggy Sawyer, a talented young performer with stars in her eyes who gets her big break on Broadway.
King Lear
Saturday, February 20, 2021 at 2 p.m. 3 hours, 47 minutes with one intermission Tickets: $25 or $15 for students with valid ID Written by William Shakespeare Directed by Jonathan Munby
Considered by many to be the greatest tragedy ever written, King Lear sees two ageing fathers reject the children who truly love them. Their blindness unleashes a tornado of ambition and treachery, as family and state are plunged into a violent power struggle with bitter ends. Ian McKellen stars in this production from Chichester Festival Theatre, a contemporary retelling of Shakespeare’s tender, violent, moving and shocking play.
Tickets are $25 or $15 for students with valid ID All screenings have been previously recorded
The Magic Flute
W. A. Mozart
Saturday, January 16, 2021 at 1 p.m. 1 hour, 56 minutes with no intermission
This abridged English-language version of Die Zauberflöte was the Metropolitan Opera’s first Live in HD transmission in December 2006. Julie Taymor’s enchanting production of this delightful fairy tale returns in a special encore presentation with its eye-popping puppetry and stunning visuals.
ANDREW ECCLES GREGOR HOHENBERG
Met Stars in Concert: Renée Fleming & Jonas Kaufmann
Saturday, January 30, 2021 at 1 p.m. 2 hours with no intermission
Two of operas greatest artists star in back-to-back recitals from the Met Stars Live in Concert series. Beloved American diva Renée Fleming performs an intimate concert from the historic Dumbarton Oaks estate in Washington, D.C., recorded live in August 2020, and superstar tenor Jonas Kaufmann gives a thrilling recital of popular arias from the Polling Abbey in Bavaria, recorded live in July 2020.
MARTY SOHL
Madama Butterfly Giacomo Puccini
Saturday, February 13, 2021 at 1 p.m. 2 hours, 41 minutes with one intermission
Anthony Minghella’s beautiful, atmospheric production of Puccini’s tragedy stars soprano Kristine Opolais as Cio-CioSan and tenor Roberto Alagna as Pinkerton. Karel Mark Chichon conducts.
CORY WEAVER
Cavalleria Rusticana & Pagliacci
Pietro Mascagni & Ruggero Leoncavallo
Saturday, February 27, 2021 at 1 p.m. 2 hours, 51 minutes with one intermission
Opera’s favorite double bill returns in an evocative production by Sir David McVicar, who sets the action in the same Sicilian village. Marcelo Álvarez plays the dual tenor roles of Turiddu in Cavalleria Rusticana and Canio in Pagliacci.
