Stimulate your senses with this semester's fine arts lineup
By Staff | October 2, 2014
"To send light into the darkness of the heart—such is the duty of the arts." -Robert Schumann
October is National Arts and Humanities Month in America, a coast-to-coast collective recognition of the importance of culture—and the perfect opportunity to showcase the Arts at Virginia Wesleyan. From intriguing installations in the Neil Britton Art Gallery, to main stage productions in Hofheimer Theatre, and exhilarating vocal and instrumental concerts, VWC is a thriving place for arts lovers. Here’s a look at the visual and performing arts events planned for the remainder of the fall 2014 semester.
Theatre
The VWC Theatre Department hits the stage during Homecoming & Parent Weekend for its fall production of Patrick Barlow’s “The 39 Steps” (October 1-5). A comedic tale of spies and murder, this melodrama is adapted from the 1915 novel by John Buchan and the 1935 film by Alfred Hitchcock. Directed by VWC Associate Professor of Theater Travis Malone. Performances take place in Hofheimer Theatre with public ticket prices ranging from $10-15; free to the VWC community with ID. Reservations recommended—call 757.455.3381 or email tdhority@vwu.edu. Showtimes: Oct. 1-3 at 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 4 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Oct. 5 at 2 p.m.
Virginia Wesleyan College Concert Series
The VWC Concert Series begins with Jewels of the Baroque (October 13) as Virginia Symphony Orchestra musicians Sherie Aguirre (oboe) and Jorge Aguirre (violin) perform with VWC Professor of Music and Artist-in-Residence Lee Jordan-Anders (piano) and Jeffrey Phelps (cello). Additional performances include Eastern Virginia Brass (November 3); Red Priest (November 13); and Project Images (December 1). All performances take place at 7:30 p.m. in Hofheimer Theatre with public ticket prices ranging from $5-15; free to the VWC community with ID. Made possible in part by the Dougherty Visiting Artist Fund and the Virginia Commission for the Arts.
A World of Music
A World of Music, a daytime series exploring the sounds around us, continues with Eve Watters (October 30). With Celtic harp, storytelling and an array of instruments, Watters celebrates timeless tradition with new spirit and style. A discussion and demonstration on the cutting-edge topic of therapeutic music will follow the concert. This series also includes a performance by Abhik Mukherjee and Ranendra Das (November 6). All performances take place at 11 a.m. in Hofheimer Theatre. Free to all; reservations not required.
Student Music Performances
The Virginia Wesleyan Chorale and the Wesleyan Singers begin their 2014-2015 season with The Lens of Time (October 6), featuring chorale music spanning the millennia, from chant through the 21st century. Fall performance schedule also includes Handel’s “Messiah” (December 5-6). All performances take place at 7:30 p.m. in Hofheimer Theatre and are free to all. For more information, call 757.455.3282.
Center for Sacred Music
CSM will hold its annual Fall Hymn Festival “Enter By the Narrow Gate” (October 26). In a service exploring the Christian journey, VWC Director of Choral Music Michael Trotta will lead the Wesleyan Worship Choir with Sharon Foxwell (organ). Singers from all churches are invited to join the chorus. To sing, call 757.455.3376 or email sbilly@vwu.edu. Event takes place at 4 p.m. at Virginia Beach United Methodist Church (212 19th St., Virginia Beach).
Neil Britton Art Gallery
“Dragging” by Tracy Spencer-Stonestreet (October 16–December 11) explores the layers of signals and desires extant in the American Home, striving to expose the personal struggle to find an authentic and earnest self within the clutter of expectation. An artist lecture will take place October 16 (6 p.m., Blocker Auditorium), followed by an artist reception (7 p.m., Neil Britton Gallery). Featured Winter Session exhibition: “Musicians Create Images” (January-February 2015). Admission to the Neil Britton Gallery, located inside Hofheimer Library, is free and open to the public.
Barclay Sheaks Gallery
This display of works by Barclay Sheaks, the late Distinguished Artist-in-Residence at Virginia Wesleyan, is an expression of the value of liberal and lifelong learning. Admission to the Barclay Sheaks Gallery, located inside Godwin Hall, is free and open to the public.