The holidays and “The Nutcracker” are inseparable in our “Nutcracker Nation.” The latter is actually the title of a book by Jennifer Fisher, who traces the path of this Russian ballet based on a German story, as it crossed the Atlantic Ocean and ultimately conquered North America. At this time of the year, a version of “The Nutcracker” is performed …
By JASMINA WELLINGHOFF, Editor Is this musical, which ran in New York City annually for quite some time, the first musical version of the old tale?No. I know there was a 1970s’ version with Albert Finney, which was a film. I am not sure if there was a stage adaptation as well. But this version, that we are doing now, …
Thanksgiving weekend is for family gatherings and relaxation, so many arts organizations skip the holiday weekend altogether. Even Ballet San Antonio that used to present its annual “Nutcracker” right after Thanksgiving, has moved its shows into December this year. Hardly any concerts are scheduled for this Friday, Saturday or Sunday. But San Antonio theaters have risen to the occasion. In …
By BERIT MASON, Contributing Writer On a night of deadly snowstorms on the American east coast, San Antonio art lovers braved rainy temperatures in the low 40s to see the Luminaria Contemporary Arts Festival. Touted as a “magical night of art,” Luminaria has found its niche in our culture. A simple map explained the many works, from stand-up …
UNDUP, 11/17/2022 There’s always lots of good music in San Antonio, ranging from classical to mariachi. And this weekend is a good opportunity to hear both. Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlan will conclude the 28th Annual Mariachi Extravaganza Friday at the Lila Cockrell Theater. The concert is the final event of the Extravaganza weekend, which also includes vocal and original songwriting competitions …
By JASMINA WELLINGHOFF, Editor Until a few months ago, most San Antonians had never heard of La Malinche, but that changed recently thanks to the San Antonio Museum of Art’s current exhibit, Traitor, Survivor, Icon: The Legacy of La Malinche, which focuses on a girl born on the Yucatan Peninsula in the Aztec Empire, centuries ago. This girl, first known …
By JASMINA WELLINGHOFF, Editor When did you see your first Luminaria?Oh! I don’t remember what year it was but it was one of the early ones, when they closed off Alamo Street all the way to La Villita. I was living in Los Angeles at the time but I went to the festival with friends from high school. San Antonio …
San Antonio art lovers and collectors always look forward to the Contemporary at Blue Star’s annual Red Dot Show and Art Sale, a major fundraiser for the oldest contemporary art organization in town, featuring the work of nearly 100 San Antonio artists. The event raises funds for the organization’s exhibitions, education programs and outreach initiatives. The proceeds from Red Dot …
By JASMINA WELLINGHOFF, Editor How do you define Fiber Arts?It is art that’s made from some form of fibrous material. It could be yarn, it could be fabric, it could be wire, hand-made paper; it can even be small sticks of wood. It’s a very broad field in many ways. Are we talking about practical things like clothing and ornamentation …
BY JASMINA WELLINGHOFF, Editor Love, jealousy and betrayal are timeless themes in life and in art. In one form or another, they frequently pop up in opera, usually “wrapped” in beautiful music and grand arias. This is certainly the case with Ruggero Leoncavallo’s 1892 opera “Pagliacci” – “The Clowns” – that Opera San Antonio chose as its season opener. It …
