Composer Joel Thompson’s work exposes the painful realities of life in the United States for men and women of color. His powerful multi-movement choral work “Seven Last Words of the Unarmed” is a timely, visceral and moving piece that speaks to racial inequities and violence against people of color. The work features the words of Michael Brown, Trayvon Martin, Oscar Grant, Eric Garner, Kenneth Chamberlain, Amadou Diallo, and John Crawford. These seven African-American men were each killed by police or other authority figures.
Stories at the Center
Comedy Night Returns to Midland Center, Pants Optional
At this rate, most of us have exhausted our entire wish list of those Netflix originals series, indulged in new thrilling tales through Amazon Prime, and left with the agony and anticipation of Hamilton’s arrival on Disney+. And while the options of what to do during these moments of self-isolation seem limitless between the piles of laundry, Zoom calls and children screaming for attention, there is something so comfortable, enlightening and freeing about sitting in the comfort of your own home with the option to not put on a pair of pants, let alone a face full of makeup.
Midland Center for the Arts Documents COVID-19 Stories and Events for Historical Archives
We have heard it and we have stated it, these are unprecedented times. A time that will be looked upon as a challenging moment in history, as a nation and as a global society. While Midland County has seen the effects of the coronavirus both in diagnosis of its residents and the daily routine of individuals, the virus has also affected businesses, schools, non-profit organizations, entrepreneurs, places of worship and more. This is not only happening in Midland County, but around the world.
Michigan Orchestra Creates a Cyber Symphony
Though separated physically by self-isolation, members of the Midland Symphony Orchestra have come together to present its spring concert as a virtual experience for ticketholders and season subscribers. “While we aren’t able to come together at this time, we know that our friends and audiences are at home, missing the concert we all planned to attend this week,” said Dr. Matt Travis, Director of Choral & Orchestral Programs. The Midland Symphony Orchestra was scheduled to perform Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 7 on Saturday, April 18, but will now present a virtual concert featuring a repertoire of music selected by principal musicians of the orchestra.
Summer Art Fair Goes Virtual
As the Stay Home Stay Safe executive orders have been extended to late May, leaving many events and festivals uncertain of their future for the summer, Midland Center for the Arts continues its mission to connect artists with the community. A virtual art festival will now replace the annual Summer Art Fair previously hosted along the streets of Downtown Midland and feature an array of juried artists in a variety of mediums.
Shortage of Blood Donations Prompts Blood Drive at Midland Center for the Arts
As the State of Michigan has taken precautions to slow the spread of the coronavirus, the nation is suffering with a shortage in blood donations, and organizations like Versiti Blood Center of Michigan have seen over 130 blood drives canceled over the next several weeks. In these uncertain times, when blood donations are vital for the continued health of our community, Midland Center for the Arts and the Midland Rotary Club have stepped up to host a blood drive on Wednesday, April 8 from 1 - 6 p.m. The blood drive will take place at Midland Center for the Arts, 1801 W St. Andrews, Midland, MI 48640.
Costume Goddesses Work Together to Create CDC Approved Facemasks Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic
As the State of Michigan continues to see a rise in cases of COVID-19, hospitals are seeing an exponential growth in visitors to be tested for the virus, treated for other health emergencies, and receive necessary treatments for ongoing health conditions. The demand for medical supplies is increasing while the ability to access these necessary tools is dwindling.
Midland Center for the Arts Engages 109 Youth Choir Students with Live Video Rehearsal
With over 120 youth enrolled in the Center Stage Youth Choirs at Midland Center for the Arts, the Center is working to bring art into the living rooms for local families amidst COVID-19 social distancing precautions. “In these challenging times we turn to one another for support, which is why we have created a virtual community,” said Terri Trotter, President & CEO. In order to accomplish this, the Center began a series of online video rehearsals as a direct extension of the #MakeArtVirtual initiative.
Midland Center for the Arts Launches New Virtual Community
As the cultural hub of the Great Lakes Bay Region, Midland Center for the Arts’ mission is to find meaning and connection. While the community will not be gathering in large groups over the next few weeks, the Center takes their mission very seriously. “In these challenging times we turn to one another for support, which is why we are introducing a virtual gathering place for our community,” said Terri Trotter, President & CEO.
Carousel Isn’t a Love Story
As we get ready to present our concert staging of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel at Midland Center for the Arts, it’s important to reflect back on our collective journey with this play, both here at the Center, and within the American community at large.