Category: Arts

Tomorrow, the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra will be playing at Hill Auditorium lead by Semyon Bychkov. Beginning the performance will be Dvorak’s Cello Concerto in b minor, the composer who actually lead this Orchestra’s inaugural concert in 1894. This will be followed by Serenade for Strings and Francesca da Rimini, both by Tchaikovsky.

The Cello Concerto was written at the end of Dvorak’s career as part of his reflection on his time in America and to memorialize his sister in law who died while he was composing the piece. To solve the problem of the cello’s lower register against the orchestra he plays it against different combinations of wood soloists while also lowering the volume of the accompaniment.

The one piece by Tchaikovsky, Francesca da Ramini, is a piece meant to embody the character of the same name in Dante’s Divine Comedy. Called a “symphonic poem”, it is a musical telling of her and her married lover who were killed and condemned to hell because of their adultery.

As a dancer, I am very excited to listen to Serenade for Strings, the other piece by Tchaikovsky. It is very familiar to me as a renowned ballet, called Serenade, is choreographed to it. I look forward to being able to really sit back and just immerse myself in the music without having to dance to it, though no doubt I will be picturing the steps in my head.

The performance takes place at 7:30 p.m, and any tickets may be bought at ums.org

Passing Strange is a musical hosted by the U of M Department of Musical Theatre, with music direction by Jason DeBord. The Department of Musical Theatre describes it as: “A bitingly funny and outrageous rock ‘n’ roll musical about a young African-American man’s artistic journey through Europe.” It is a philosophical piece that explores themes like existentialism, metafiction, and an artist’s growth to maturity.

Throughout the musical, the main character grapples with topics like race, socioeconomic status, and identity. He utilizes music to express himself and rebel against his family and societal expectations. “Passing” perhaps alludes to the concept of ‘passing as white,’ the passage of time, and/or how the main character “passes” through different places and relationships.

Although the music score for the musical is mostly rock, it also contains elements of jazz, blues, punk, and gospel. It sounds like there’s thematic overlap between Passing Strange and the the movie A Star a Born. So if you enjoyed the movie, you may enjoy this musical as well.

Event Details

Dates 11/15-11/18

Location: Walgreen Drama Center – Arthur Miller Theatre

Tickets Details

General admission $30/ $12 with student ID

Tickets.smtd.umich.edu

Purchase online or at the Michigan League Ticket Office

University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA) is having a photo exhibit from 10/22 to 11/9, on the fantasies of childhood. The exhibit is specifically on display for the class English 313 on children’s literature, but it is also open to the public. I encourage everyone to check it out!

The exhibit explores how our society views and constructs the idea of “children” and “childhood.” What do these photographs say about how we think children should and shouldn’t behave? What childhood tropes have we taken for granted? How do these themes influence child labor laws and children’s rights?

The study cases are located in the lower level of the UMMA Frankel Family Wing (the new wing, entrance at 525 S. State St.)

UMMA’s hours

11am-5pm daily

Except for Mondays which are closed. Sundays 12pm-5pm.

This Friday at 8pm, the G-Men is having their annual parent’s weekend show, featuring guest performances from Photonix, Revolution, Midnight Book Club, and others.

I don’t know what G-fest is going to be like, but I’ve heard the G-Men in concert. They are a super talented all-male a cappella group, and they’re always enthusiastic and have a sense of humor. Tickets are selling out fast, so pick them up at the Angell hall posting wall soon.

Event details: Friday, November 2nd at 8pm @ Rackham Auditorium

Ticket Prices:

Presale price (Students: $5, General: $10)

At the door (Students: $7, General: $12)

Their other concert is December 7, 2018  – FALL CONCERT @ Rackham Auditorium… more details to come!

Their website: http://www.thegmen.org/home

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/michigangmen/

G-Fest event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1861418277308430/

An adaption of the stunning and New York Times bestselling young adult novel of the same name, this dramatic movie unflinchingly takes on themes of police brutality and racism. The movie looks like a promising representation of the book, which displayed a powerful and honest representation of the lives, relationships, and struggles of Starr Carter, a young woman growing up in a predominantly black neighborhood and attending a private school. The division between her two worlds– a mostly white school and the “hood”– are shattered when her friend is shot by the police. She is the sole witness. The movie explores themes of power, privilege, and taking a stand for what’s right, while building a world of goodness and love through struggle. The Hate U Give is in theatres now.