Sure, Mozart created some of the most beautiful music ever written, but he also was a master of comic theatre. New York City Opera dramaturg Cori Ellison will talk about the composer’s collaborations with some of the funniest guys in the (18th century) business when she presents All Things Mozart, a lecture and discussion at The Yard, on Tuesday, August 3, from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
You know it’s summer in Edgartown when you hear the music ringing out from the porch of the Eisenhauer Gallery. This is the gallery’s 10th year, and it continues its summer concert series with the Mike Benjamin Band’s return to the courtyard on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m.
All are invited for a special shabbat today, April 2, when Rosalie Gerut, musician, singer, songwriter, cantor, recording producer and director leads a joyful and spiritual musical service at 5:30 p.m. at the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center on Center street in Vineyard Haven.
Experiment: Put 17 teenagers together under one roof. Take away their cell phones and send them to their rooms at 10 p.m., lights out at 11. Sketch out a detailed daily itinerary that includes intense workouts, short breaks for meals and absolutely no beach time.
What might they do? Throw temper tantrums? Band together and stage a full-scale revolt?
In this case, they sing. Arias.
This is OperaFest, a two-week, summer camp-like program for some of the youngest and most dedicated opera enthusiasts in the country.
The Tisbury School fourth graders are getting set to take you inside the minds of the ant and grasshopper and also up the beanstalk with dear Jack as he tries to search for his missing cow. The results are not your grandfather’s well-worn fables.
The kids have written the story, built the sets, created the music; heck they have done everything but fill the seats. That’s where you come in.
For those on the Vineyard who have witnessed the past two summer productions from the PigPen Theatre Company you know what it means to be completely transported, body and soul, to, without gilding the lily one bit, a place of imagination so powerful adults have been known to become toddlers on the spot: mute, with finger outstretched and prone to falling down in fits of giggles and wonderment. Kids, well, they simply become transfixed, the feeling so strong they refuse to watch television for weeks afterwards. It just doesn’t compare.
Back in 1996, yes that is now a long time ago, the Island Community Chorus sounded its first note. Since that time the choral group, led by director Peter Boak, has performed year-round on the Island. The group has gained a loyal following and by staying true to its roots as a group open to anyone with no auditions required, it has remained an Island institution.
The Martha’s Vineyard High School Minnesingers are coming and, well, the holiday season on the Island wouldn’t be complete without them. Go hear the concert this weekend or go one better and hang out with high schoolers at the Martha’s Vineyard Preservation Trust soiree held tonight, Dec. 9, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Dr. Daniel Fisher House in Edgartown.
The concerts take place at the Old Whaling Church today, Dec. 9, at 8 p.m. and tomorrow, Dec. 10, at 4 p.m.
As A Witness, a Christmas pageant for the 21st century, will be performed at the Old Whaling Church on Sunday, Dec. 18, and Monday, Dec. 19.
The production features music ranging from medieval carols such as The Angel Gabriel Came Down, and O Come All Ye Faithful to modern gospel music including Rise Up Shepherd and Follow, and He Had Done Great Things for Me.
