With the beginning of a new semester, comes the beginning of many things to look forward to in the world of arts. From new art exhibitions to concerts and theatrical productions- here are a few things to look forward to as our spring semester unfolds:
In Music:
Having a music department as well-rounded as Longwood University’s is quite the blessing, given the endless possibilities to experience live music of all sorts of styles.
To begin with, for the month of January, the James String Quartet with Lisa Kinzer on piano will be performing in the Molnar Recital Hall on Jan 27 at 7:30 p.m.
On Friday, Feb. 3 in Longwood's own Jarman Auditorium, the music department will present to us a performance by the Richmond Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. As an added bonus, if you're one of the first 200 Longwood students, you can be admitted for free. Otherwise admission is $20.
Later in the month on Feb. 23, there will be a Black History Month Recital at 3:30 p.m. The location is pending, and on Feb. 28 at 7:30 p.m. The Chamber Music Concert will be performed along with Caladh Nua, Irish Ensemble in Jarman Auditorium.
On March 2 at 7:30 p.m., there will be a Wind Symphony Concert with the Randolph Henry High School Band in Jarman as well as a Choral Pyramid Concert on March 17 at 7:30, also in Jarman.
A few concerts to look out for include the Wind Symphony & Jazz Ensemble Concert on April 18 at 7:30 p.m. and the Men's & Women's Choirs Spring Concert on April 24 at 7:30 p.m., both in Jarman.
Finally, be sure to stop by the Farmville United Methodist Church at 7:30 p.m. on April 27 to see the Camerata Singers & Chamber Singers Concert.
In visual arts:
With the Longwood Center for Visual Arts (LCVA) right in the heart of downtown Farmville, there are, as always, several exciting events coming up at this home for art.
For starters, after a long and turbulent election season, the original work of students that attended various campaign events is currently on display. From being present at more informal gatherings such as rallies, to the first presidential debate at Hofstra University and of course, the vice presidential debate that Longwood played host to- students were able to gain a firsthand look at the workings of documenting democracy; thus inspiring the exhibitory title, “On the Campaign Trail.” Though the exhibition will only be up until Sunday, Jan. 29, so make plans this week to stop in and view your student’s, peer’s or friend’s work.
As for upcoming exhibits- new displays will be coming to the LCVA this spring beginning with a reception for the first of two on Feb. 19 at 2 p.m. for the new exhibition entitled “Start with Art, Learn for Life: The Annual Area Youth Art Exhibition.” The second is entitled “Point of Departure” with an opening reception on Saturday, April 8 at 5 p.m.
In Theatre:
If there is one form of art that Farmville is flourishing in, it’s theatre. With the recently established Illyria Theatre Company, Waterworks Players and the many productions from Longwood’s theatre department, there is an abundance of theatre to look forward to.
IIllyria Theatre Company (ITC) in tandem with Waterworks Players brings to us the romantic drama, “Last Train to Nebroc.” The production will star Illyria’s co-founder and Longwood Professor, Lacy Klinger as May and Peter Surace- a professional touring actor from Scotch Plains, NJ as Raleigh for one night only on Saturday, on Feb. 18 at 8 p.m.
Then the following week will open Longwood’s sole musical of the season: “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” directed by Ronda Scarrow, staring senior theatre education major, Allen Coates as the one and only Charlie Brown.
In the next month of March, Farmville will see Longwood’s underground theatre- meaning student designed, directed and presented- yearly production of “Zero to Zixty,” a performance of the 11th annual playwrighting festival beginning on March 23.
Following this will be yet another popular musical coming to the area, but this one will be produced and performed by the Waterworks Players. “Legally Blonde: The Musical," a sure hit among all crowds in the area will be directed by Longwood’s Director of Web & Social Content Mary Jo Stockton and will open the weekend of March 31.
In April ITC will bring “Miss Electricity," a family-friendly show about a ‘sparky’ ten-year-old named Violet who gains extraordinary powers after being struck by lightning, to Longwood’s Jarman Auditorium on April 4 at 9:30 a.m. and again at 11:30 a.m.
Finally to finish off the school year, Longwood’s theatre department brings to us the comedy, “Table Manners” directed by Bruce Speas to be performed beginning on April 12.
