Arts and Society Series | Beacon to the World: A History of Lincoln Center

Juilliard’s president emeritus, chief China officer, and author Joseph W. Polisi joined President Damian Woetzel for a discussion of Polisi’s new book, Beacon to the World: A History of Lincoln Center, and Juilliard’s role at the heart of this complex institution. The evening featured performances by Juilliard students reflecting artistic milestones that have shaped the landscape of the performing arts and that celebrate the evolution of music, dance, and drama at Lincoln Center.

Art as Service: The Artist’s Responsibility to Self, to Process, and to the Community

Musician, composer, and Creative Associate Rhiannon Giddens gave the 10th annual MLK Speaker Series talk, on the theme of artists’ responsibility to themselves and the world. The talk was followed by a Q&A with Weston Sprott, dean and director of the Preparatory Division.

Community Cadence

Created in partnership with National Sawdust, Community Cadence is a student-driven initiative to thank essential workers in the pandemic with original artistic creations. The virtual platform has evolved to amplify student voices on issues like anti-racism and inequality.

A Presentation With Philip Glass and the Spiritual Voice of the Wixárika Music

Juilliard alum Philip Glass brought in Wixárika musicians Daniel Medina de la Rosa and Erasmo Medina Medina for an evening celebrating the culture and music of their indigenous community in Santa Catarina Cuexcomatitlán, Jalisco, Mexico.

Visit by Dr. Clarence B. Jones

In celebration of Martin Luther King week, Juilliard hosted a multiday visit—which included conversations, luncheons, a lecture, a dinner, and the awarding of a President’s Medal—with Clarence B. Jones, a Juilliard alumnus and a confidante of and draft speechwriter to King.

Music and the Mind: Improvisation and the Brain and Renée Fleming Residency

Soprano and alumna Renée Fleming returned to Juilliard for a residency including performances, master classes, and a free Music and the Mind event connecting the arts and health through improvisation.

Nothing Personal, but…

Creative Associate Colman Domingo and director Patricia McGregor presented their live virtual iteration of James Baldwin’s Nothing Personal with Creative Associates Jon Batiste and Lil Buck and featuring works by JuilliART artist Julie Mehretu. A conversation with the artists was moderated by faculty member Fredara M. Hadley.