News Roundup, May 28, 2020
It’s official! The museums are all reopening, one by one. The Briscoe, the Witte and the San Antonio Museum of Art have already opened their doors, first to members, and a few days later, to the general public. And now, The McNay Art Museum has finally come out of its self-imposed silence to announce it, too, has plans to reopen but not before June 24-25. All the exhibits that were there before the quarantine are still in place and will be once again accessible to visitors. (More about the McNay later.)
Artpace has joined the trend, announcing a “by appointment” access to its premises, starting on June 2. We urge you to make that appointment. From what we have seen so far, the current exhibits by the last trio of artists-in-residence are standouts, visually and conceptually. Artpace will be open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. It’s located downtown at 445 N. Main Ave, and there is a dedicated parking on Flores nearby. Call 210-212-4900.
And there’s at least one brave private gallery that’s also opening. An-Arte Gallery in Alamo Heights will reopen on June 3 with a show and reception for artist Lucy Peveto, complete with champagne, “vino,” music, and an art talk at 6:45 p.m. The theme of the exhibit will probably speak to many, right now. “As a mixed media artist, my paintings explore how an intentional respite from the world can sharpen our life’s journey and purpose,” said Peveto in a statement. June 3, 5:30-8 p.m.; 7959 Broadway #202; www.anartegallery09.com
All the above-mentioned institutions are emphasizing safety and all have devised safety protocols which include face masks and social distancing.
On the performing arts front, events are still mostly virtual as it’s pretty much impossible to implement social distancing in a small theater, or even in a larger one. But one dance company has found a way to perform live for willing audiences.
The always inventive flamenco dancer/choreographer/producer Tamara Adira of Arte y Pasion, wants to bring the beauty and excitement of flamenco to a location near you, turning parking lots and side streets into concert stages. Calling their project, the Quarantine Series, Adira and guitarist Randy Cordero are open to invitations by homeowners’ associations, condos, neighborhoods and even private homeowners, to perform outdoors at a safe distance from the audience and each other. An under-the-balcony serenade and concerts for the immunocompromised who can enjoy the performance from their window, are all possible.
They deserve a chance to entertain you, not only for being so enterprising, but, above all, because they are accomplished flamenco artists that you are going to enjoy more than anything on TV. You can trust us; we have seen Adira and her group many times and they deliver- passion, power, eloquent choreography, the whole package! For bookings and information contact Arte y Pasion at 210-241-2771 or via www.arte-y-pasion.com. Audiences are asked to contribute based on ability.
The Cactus Pear Music Festival is not going to happen in concert halls this summer but plans are under way to turn the fest into an e-event for two weeks this coming July. Right now, the leader and founder of Cactus Pear, Stephanie Sant’Ambrogio, wants you to enjoy one very special Musical Moment featuring her friend, Polish violinist/violist Katarzyna Bryla, performing Kaprys Polski (the Polish Caprice) by Polish composer Grazyna Bacewicz. We watched the captivating video recorded in a park tunnel, and we absolutely loved the music. To listen go to https://www.cpmf.us/musical-moments-11
And the always up-to-the-task Agarita Chamber Players has a new fun offering: “Living Room Lyricism,” a concert featuring the Agarita quartet and rising-star soprano Kristina Bachrach. No word on what exactly they will be playing except the composers’ names, including Chopin, Messiaen, Schubert and Perotinus Magnus, a 12th century composer, not many people are familiar with. That makes u curious. Friday, May 29th at 7:30 p.m. To listen, go to www.agarita.org/media or Facebook.com/agaritachamberplayers.
Opera San Antonio can’t stage any live operas at present but it’s doing a great job connecting with audiences online. In addition to continuing its “Beyond the Production” interviews with artists, it always has at least one wonderful performance video posted for everyone to enjoy. Right now, you can see an aria from OSA’s past production of “La Traviata” with Amanda Woodbury singing the part of Violeta and San Antonio Native David Portillo as Alfredo. “La Traviata” is probably the only opera – or certainly one of the very few – that has absolutely no musically wasted moments. It’s melody after gorgeous melody throughout. You can also listen to “O Dieu! De quelle ivresse” from “The Tales of Hoffmann,” beautifully sung by Piotr Beczala, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YmsmNTT34c
For the poets out there, VOICES DE LA LUNA, San Antonio’s only independent literary journal, is issuing a reminder that the deadline for entering the Inaugural Harold Rodinsky Memorial Poetry Contest is fast approaching. Send up to five poems to Voices de la Luna, Attn: Carla Pineda, 5150 Broadway #149, San Antonio, TX 78209. Submissions should be accompanied by a $10 reading fee. Poems will be judged by Carol Coffee Reposa, the 2018 Texas Poet Laureate. All winning poems will be published in the magazine.
Our special treat this week is this marvelous video of ballerinas from around the world, dancing Swan bits to dazzle you and generate donations for dancers: https://vimeo.com/418674679