MODFEST

a celebration of the arts of the 20th and 21st centuries

https://alums.vassar.edu/news/features/2013-2014/140129-adene-wilson.html

Here are the schedules of the last three years of the festival established and run by us from 2003 through 2016.

MODFEST 2014

Vassar College

CALENDAR OF EVENTS  JANUARY 23 – FEBRUARY 7, 2014

All events are free and open to the public. No reservations are necessary, unless otherwise noted. All seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Note that all events are subject to change.

For additional information, call (845) 437-5370 or visit arts.vassar.edu

Ongoing Exhibits at Vassar during MODFEST

Teen Visions 2014.

January 23 through February 13

An exhibition featuring traditional and digital photography, paintings, drawings, and mixed media created by students ages 11 to 19 in the Art Institute of Mill Street Loft in Poughkeepsie.

James W. Palmer III Gallery, College Center, Main Building

Malick Sidibé: Chemises

January 24 – March 30, 2014

Malick Sidibé is a West African photographer celebrated internationally for his portraits and candid photographs from the early 1950s to the mid-1970s that bear witness to the social, cultural, and political transformation of Mali, which gained its independence from France in 1960. The youth culture of music, dancing, and fashion exploded in this once-conservative nation and Sidibé’s ubiquitous lens chronicled this rapid shift. Photographing in nightclubs and at parties in the capital city of Bamako, Sidibé developed a uniquely loose and improvisational style that reflected the liveliness of the events and his stylish subjects.

This exhibition includes various forms of Sidibé’s output including 2 party photographs from the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center collection, 53 recent enlargements of studio portraits, 50 small vintage prints displayed in hand-painted frames, and numerous small proof prints of party scenes mounted on colored office folders, the chemises of the exhibition’s title. This show was organized by diChroma Photography in collaboration with the DePaul Museum of Art.

(See January 24 listing for exhibition special event.)

The Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center

The Architect's Library: A Collection of Notable Books on Architecture at Vassar College. On view second semester, beginning January 22, in the Thompson Library, the Art Library, and the FLLAC. Exhibition catalogue edited by Mary Conover Mellon Professor in the History of Architecture Nicholas Adams.

Thompson Memorial Library

Music Library Display

January 22-February 8

The Vassar College Music Library presents a display highlighting Modfest musicians, curated by Sarah Canino, music librarian. Open daily.

Skinner Hall of Music, First Floor

JANUARY

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23

5:00–9:00pm

Late Night at the Lehman Loeb.

Lounge Night and Coffeehouse. Late Night Coffeehouse brought to you by the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center Student Committee. Lounge music in a coffeehouse atmosphere during this evening's Late Night. Late Night at the Lehman Loeb is made possible by the generous support of the Jane W. Nuhn Charitable Trust

The Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center

4:30pm

Teen Visions.

Opening reception of an exhibit of original artwork, featuring a wide variety of

paintings, drawings, mixed-media, photography, and sculpture by students ages 11 to 19 of The Art Institute of Mill Street Loft.

James W. Palmer III Gallery, College Center Main Building

6:30pm  

Presentation. Teen Art, Music, Dance and the Spoken Word.

Features middle and high school students from arts programs in the Mid-Hudson Valley: Mill Street Loft’s LitClub, an outreach program for girls in the Poughkeepsie Middle School, the Vivace ensemble of the Stringendo Orchestra School of the Hudson Valley, and dancers from the New York Academy of Ballet.

Villard Room, College Center, Main Building

FRIDAY, JANUARY 24

5:30 pm

Exhibition Special Event: Lecture and Reception for Malick Sidibé: Chemises.

The evening begins with a lecture on Sidibé's work by Michelle Lamunière, specialist in fine photography at Skinner, auctioneers and appraisers in Boston, and author of You Look Beautiful Like That: The Photographs of Seydou Keïta and Malick Sidibé (Yale, 2001). Lamunière has published widely on portrait photography in West Africa. Prior to her work at Skinner, she was the Assistant Curator of Photography at the Fogg Museum/Harvard Art Museums. She received her Ph.D. in Art History from Boston University, holds an M.A. in Art History from the University of Oregon, and has a B.A. in Art History and French from Vassar College. A reception and exhibition viewing follows in the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center.

Taylor Hall, Room 102

9:00pm

Concert. Vassar Jazz Combos.

The student ensembles present a colorful variety of jazz styles. James Osborn, director of the jazz groups.

Villard Room, Main Building

SATURDAY, JANUARY 25

8:00pm

Concert: Poetic Realizations.

This program consists of works by Susan Botti and Richard Wilson. Botti’s “The Journey without Her” and “Dido Refuses to Speak,” from Gates of Silence, derive their theme from Virgil’s Aeneid. The first is for piano trio; the second is for soprano and piano trio and will be sung by the composer. It is a setting of poetry by the noted American poet and Pushcart Prize winner Linda Gregerson.

Wilson’s The Cello Has Many Secrets is a new scoring for ten players of his work from 2008 for cello, mezzo-soprano and orchestra. The three poems set are by Adam Zagajewski, one of the major figures of the Polish New Wave literary movement. Soloists will be Vassar faculty members Sophie Shao and Mary Nessinger.

Skinner Hall of Music

SUNDAY, JANUARY 26

2:30 pm

Film Screening: Dolce vita africana.

This 2008 documentary (Tigerlily Films) by Cosima Spender on Malick Sidibé's life and work will be shown in conjunction with the Chemises exhibition of Sidibé's photographs at the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center. There will be an introduction to the film by Professor of History Ismail Rashid, and an opportunity to view the exhibit during gallery hours, 1–5 pm.

Taylor Hall, Room 203

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29

4:00pm 

Readings. Translation as an Art.

Readings of Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Hebrew, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish texts in their original tongue and in translation by Vassar students. Hosted by Susan Correll, director of international programs and associate dean of studies. Translations and performances have been prepared with the help of the language fellows from the participating departments. Presented by the departments and programs of foreign language study at Vassar. Coordinated by Lioba Ungurianu, adjunct assistant professor of German.

Villard Room, Main Building

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30

5:00–9:00pm

Late Night at the Lehman Loeb. Seventh Anniversary Celebration.

Please come celebrate Seven Years of Late Night. Enjoy Anniversary cake and coffee.

Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center

6:00pm

Modfest Presentation at Late Night at the Lehman Loeb: Mali Disco Night.

Come dressed disco!

An evening of music and literature with sounds from the Mali discos of the 1950s, ‘60s, and ‘70s includes a presentation at 6:45 by Post-Doctoral Fellow of Music Justin Patch. At 7:15 students of Patricia-Pia Célérier, associate professor of French, present readings in French and English about Mali and its disco culture during these decades.

Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center

FRIDAY, January 31

4:30pm

Open Class/Presentation.

Jamie Christopherson ‘97, award-winning composer of music for film, video games, television and documentaries, will discuss his career making music for the new media.

Music Library Classroom, Skinner Hall of Music

8:00pm

Cabaret Night.

A sampling of the Great American Songbook: Gershwin, Kern, Porter, Berlin, Rodgers, Sondheim, and others. Featuring students from the Vassar College Music Department. At the piano will be David Alpher.

Rose Parlor, Main Building

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1

11:00am

Open Rehearsal. Mahagonny Ensembles.

Conducted by Julia Boscov-Ellen ‘15 and Samuel Plotkin ‘15. Composers Diana Hill ‘07 and Jamie Christopherson ‘97 coach the student-run contemporary groups in the preparation of their new works. Following the rehearsal, there will be a lunch with an opportunity to speak with the composers in room 303 of Skinner Hall.

Skinner Hall of Music

8:00pm

Concert by the Vassar Ensembles.

The Vassar College Orchestra performs works by Charles Ives and Lennie Niehaus; the Vassar College Women’s Chorus presents a program of works by Jocelyn Hagan, David Lang, Arvo Pärt, Judith Shatin, and Eleanor Daley; and the Mahagonny Ensemble performs new works by alumnae/i composers Diana Hill ’07 and Jamie Christopherson ’97. Eduardo Navega, Christine Howlett, Julia Boscov-Ellen ’15 and Samuel Plotkin ‘15, conductors.

Skinner Hall of Music

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2

3:00pm

Concert: Light in Winter.

Cappella Festiva Chamber and Treble Choirs present Kodaly's Ave Maria, Chilcott's Peace Mass, Roueché's Lux Aeterna, and Lauridsen's Mid-Winter Songs. Christine Howlett, associate professor of music and Susan Bialek ‘86, conductors, James Fitzwilliam, piano.

Skinner Hall of Music

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3

7:00pm

Drama Reading. Beyond the Wall. Written by Jack Eubanks '17 with co-writers Alexandre Buffington and Alivia Tagliaferri. Based on the book Beyond the Wall: The Journey Home by Alivia Tagliaferri.

The Streep Studio

Room 110 inside the Vogelstein Center for Drama and Film

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4

7:00pm

Drama Reading. Beyond the Wall.

For description, see February 3.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5

3:30pm

Presentation. Music, Words and Images.

Chamber music and readings of original prose and poetry by students from classes of Eduardo Navega, lecturer in music and director of the program in chamber music, Michael Joyce and Amitava Kumar, professors of English. A display organized by Alden Rose ’14, Emily Whicheloe ’14 and Oliver Tell ’14 will present work by students from Phocus, Vassar College’s photography club. There will be a reception with time to view the exhibit.

Villard Room, Main Building

5:30pm

Film.

Broadway and film award winning producers Ron Simons and alumna April Yvette Thompson, from SimonSays Entertainment ("Night Catches Us," "Gun Hill Road," "Blue Caprice," and "Mother of George") will be screening one of their films. This will be followed by a Q&A.

Rosenwald Film Theater, Vogelstein Center for Drama and Film, room 109.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6

5:00–9:00pm

Late Night at the Lehman Loeb.

For description, see January 23

7:00pm

Modfest Presentation at Late Night at the Lehman Loeb.

Chamber music and readings of original prose and poetry by Vassar students from classes of Eduardo Navega, lecturer in music and director of the program in chamber music, and Amitava Kumar, professor of English.

The Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7

5:30pm

Presentation. A Screening of Original Short Films.

Vassar Filmmakers Club and the Film Majors’ Committee present a selection of student short films from the Vassar film community. Student filmmakers will be present for a Q&A afterward. Hosted by Vassar Filmmakers Club and the Film Majors’ Committee. Organized by Adam Buchsbaum ‘14.

Rosenwald Theatre, Room 109, Vogelstein Center for Drama and Film

8:00pm

Dance Performance.

Vassar Repertory Dance Theatre performs works from their current repertory.

The Frances Daly Fergusson Dance Theater, Kenyon Hall

MODFEST 2015

Vassar College

January 28 – February 14

Modfest, now in its thirteenth year, is Vassar College’s exploration of arts in the 20th and 21^st centuries. Art, dance, drama, film, literature, poetry, photography and music are highlighted in a parade of programs taking place across campus during the last week of January and the first two weeks of February. Participants in Modfest 2015 include Vassar students, faculty, alumnae/i, and guest artists as well as students from the Poughkeepsie area schools. All events are free and open to the public.

Vassar Library’s exhibition marking the 150th anniversary of the publication of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland lends a theme to a number of programs, especially the concert of works by Vassar composers Susan Botti, Jonathan Chenette, and Richard Wilson that will include a reading by the poet Edward Hirsch. Related events highlight treatments of that classic in choral music, film, dance, theater, improv and sound design. These events are designated A.

Adene Wilson ’69 is director of Modfest.

For additional information, call (845) 437-5370 or visit http://arts.vassar.edu.

Ongoing Exhibits at Vassar during MODFEST

Teen Visions 2015.

January 28 through February 14, 2015

An exhibition featuring traditional and digital photography, paintings, drawings, and mixed media created by students ages 11 to 19 in the Art Institute of Mill Street Loft in Poughkeepsie.

James W. Palmer III Gallery, College Center, Main Building

XL: Large-Scale Paintings from the Permanent Collection

January 30 – March 29, 2015

These larger-than-life canvases invite an extraordinary visual experience in which the viewer is immersed in the field of painting. XL, which includes work by Kevin Appel, Roger Brown, Nancy Graves, Joyce Kozloff, Alfred Leslie, Agnes Martin, Joan Mitchell, and Jules Olitski, is a testament to the enduring visual power of mural-sized painting.

The Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center

AThe Age of Alice: Fairy Tales, Fantasy, and Nonsense in Victorian England.

On view second semester, beginning February 12, 2015

An exhibition to mark the 150th anniversary of the publication of Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Drawing on the Special Collections Library, the show includes nearly 40 works, dating from 1837-1901. In addition to Carroll, authors represented include Dickens, Thackeray, Ruskin, Edward Lear, George MacDonald, Christina Rossetti, Frances Hodgson Burnett, Oscar Wilde, Rudyard Kipling, and Edith Nesbit--many of whose writings have influence today. A catalogue will accompany the exhibition.

Thompson Memorial Library

MODFEST Music

On view second semester, beginning January 28, 2015

The Vassar College Music Library presents a display highlighting Modfest music activities and musicians, curated by Sarah Canino, music librarian. Open daily.

Skinner Hall of Music, First Floor

January Events

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28

5:30-7:30pm

A Community Sing.

Led by Dr. Ysaye Barnwell, long a member of Sweet Honey in the Rock, the acclaimed all-woman a cappella group. Anyone who wants to sing, even if they don’t read music, will flourish under Dr. Barnwell’s enthusiastic direction. No musical background required. Participants will soon find themselves singing in four-part harmony and raising the roof of Main Building. Co-sponsored by the Office of Religious & Spiritual Life and partners in the Campus Life and Diversity Office (ALANA Center, Office of International Services, LGBTQ Center, RSL, and Women’s Center), Africana Studies, Carolyn Fay Grant Committee, Music Department, and Second Baptist Church, Poughkeepsie, NY.

Main Building, College Center, Villard Room

THURSDAY, JANUARY 29

4:30pm

Teen Visions.

Opening reception of an exhibit of original artwork by students of The Art Institute of Mill

Street Loft.

James W. Palmer III Gallery, College Center Main Building

6:30pm

Presentation. Teen Music, Dance and the Spoken Word.

Features students from arts programs in the Mid-Hudson Valley: Mill Street Loft’s LitClub, an outreach program for girls in the Poughkeepsie Middle School, the Vivace ensemble of the Stringendo Orchestra School of the Hudson Valley, and dancers from the New York Academy of Ballet.

Villard Room, College Center, Main Building

FRIDAY, JANUARY 30

5:30 pm

Exhibition Special Event: Lecture and Reception for XL: Large-Scale Paintings from the Permanent Collection.

Artist Joyce Kozloff will give the opening lecture “Maps and Patterns.” followed by a reception in the Art Center atrium.

Taylor Hall, Room 102, and the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center

9:00pm

Concert. Vassar Jazz Combos.

The student ensembles present a colorful variety of jazz styles. James Osborn, director of the jazz groups.

Main Building,Villard Room, second floor

SATURDAY, JANUARY 31

11:00am

Presentation: Creating Music Notation Software.

Patrick Litterst ‘07, outstanding percussionist while at Vassar, is now in software development, particularly with Notion 4, a music notation and score playback application of recent acclaim. He will give a workshop about his work, which includes continuing his performing career. Co-sponsored by the Career Development Office. Following the presentation, there will be a lunch with an opportunity to speak with the Patrick in room 303 of Skinner Hall.

Skinner Hall of Music, Thekla Hall, fourth floor

4:00pm

Poetry: Edward Hirsch in conversation with Paul Kane, professor of English.

Edward Hirsch, a MacArthur Fellow, has published nine books of poems, most recently Gabriel: A Poem, a book-length elegy, and The Living Fire: New and Selected Poems, which brings together thirty-five years of work. He has also published five prose books,among them A Poet’s Glossary, a full compendium of poetic terms, and How to Read a Poem and Fall in Love with Poetry, a national bestseller. He is president of the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation.

Sanders Classroom Building, Spitzer Auditorium (room 212)

Note: emergency snow date is Sunday, February 8 at 12 noon.

In the event of inclement weather, the poetry conversation will be rescheduled for Sunday, February 8 at 12:00pm. Please contact the Office of Campus Activities at (845) 437-5370 for the most current information regarding weather-related cancellations.

8:00pm

AConcert: ALICE IN OUR TIMES: Fantasy, Surrealism, and Nonsense.

Music by Vassar composers Jonathan Chenette, Susan Botti and Richard Wilson on texts by Lewis Carroll, Edward Lear, James Norman Hall, Joe Orton (somewhat), and Edward Hirsch, who will read as part of the program.

Skinner Hall of Music

Note: emergency snow date is Sunday, February 8 at 3:00pm.

In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be rescheduled for Sunday, February 8 at 3:00pm. Please contact the Office of Campus Activities at (845) 437-5370 for the most current information regarding weather-related cancellations.

February Events

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1

3:00pm

Concert: Percussion and Viola.

Violist Ralph Farris and percussionist Frank Cassara, adjunct artist in music, in a program of works for this unusual combination. Among the composers are Farris and Cassara themselves as well as Janice Giteck and Linda Bouchard.

Skinner Hall of Music

MONDAY, February 2

8:00pm

APresentation: Hearing Wonderland: The Strange Sounds of Alice's Adventures.

In celebration of the 150th anniversary of first publication of Alice in Wonderland, this talk examines the sound worlds created by Lewis Carroll in his book and the various ways in which filmmakers have sought to present this classic tale through film score and sound design. Presented by Justin Patch, adjunct assistant professor in music.

Skinner Hall of Music, Music Library Listening Classroom, first floor

WEDNESDAY, February 4

5:15pm 

Readings. Translation as an Art.

Readings of Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Hebrew, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish texts in their original tongue and in translation by Vassar students. Translations and performances have been prepared with the help of the language fellows from the participating departments led by David Mentuccia and Olesia Elfimova. Presented by the departments and programs of foreign language study at Vassar. Hosted and coordinated by Lioba Ungurianu, adjunct assistant professor of German.

Villard Room, Main Building

THURSDAY, February 5

5:00–9:00pm

Late Night at the Lehman Loeb. Seventh Anniversary Celebration.

Come celebrate with cake and coffee as Late Night at the Lehman Loeb marks eight years of creative happenings on Thursday evenings at the Art Center.

The Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center

5:30pm

Gallery Conversation: Scale from the Artist's and Curator's Viewpoint.

Artist and Vassar College Associate Professor of Art Laura Newman and curator Mary-Kay Lombino bring their perspectives on matters of scale to this informal discussion.

The Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center

7:00pm

AChoralFest.

Cappella Festiva Treble Choir, Vassar College Choir and Vassar College Women's Chorus. Christine Howlett, conductor.

"ChoralFest" will begin with the young voices of the Cappella Festiva Treble Choir, celebrating the 150th anniversary of Alice in Wonderland with performances of Beautiful Soup by Tom Benjamin, Will you walk a little faster? by John Carter and Jabberwocky by David Brunner. The Vassar College Choir and Women’s Chorus will perform music of composers including Thomas Juneau, Tarik O'Regan, Timothy Takach, Maxim Vladimiroff, and others.

Skinner Hall of Music

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6

4:30pm

Presentation: Ambition, Adaptation, and Risk: Making Music Your Career.

Timothy Takach discusses his career as a singer, composer, and publisher, and the importance of being a “self-starter” to maintain a career in the arts. Co-sponsored by the Career Development Office.

Skinner Hall of Music, Music Library Listening Classroom, first floor

8:00pm

Cabaret Night.

Main Building, Rose Parlor, second floor

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7

11:00am

Open Rehearsal. Mahagonny Ensembles.

Conducted by Julia Boscov-Ellen ‘15 and Sam Plotkin ‘15. Composers Timothy Takach and Jesse Greenberg ‘13 coach the student-run contemporary groups in the preparation of their works. Following the rehearsal, there will be a lunch with an opportunity to speak with the composers in room 303 of Skinner Hall.

Skinner Hall of Music

8:00pm

AConcert by the Vassar Ensembles.

The Vassar College Orchestra performs works by Pete Hope and Osvaldo Lacerda; Vassar Madrigals, prepared by Drew Minter, performs works by Irving Fine and William Schuman; and the Mahagonny Ensembles perform a work by composers Timothy Takach and a première by alumnus Jesse Greenberg ‘13. Eduardo Navega, Julia Boscov-Ellen ’15 and Sam Plotkin ‘15, conductors.

Skinner Hall of Music

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8

12:00pm and 3:00pm

Snow date for the 4:00 and 8:00 events of Saturday, January 31.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9 Canceled

3:30pm

Drama: The Lion in Winter by James Goldman.

Sibling rivalry, adultery and dungeons: The Lion in Winter is a modern-day classic. Comedic in tone, dramatic in action, the play tells the story of the Plantagenet family who are locked in a free-for-all of competing ambitions. The queen, and wealthiest woman in the world, Eleanor of Aquitaine, has been kept in prison since raising an army against her husband, King Henry II. She is let out only for holidays. The play centers around the inner conflicts of the family’s fight over a kingdom during the Christmas of 1183, a struggle further complicated by King Henry’s paramour. Performed by Darrell James, adjunct assistant professor of drama and Shona Tucker, associate professor of drama.

Open to the Public, Very Limited Seating

Reservations Required

Contact the Box Office: boxoffice@vassar.edu or (845) 437-5599

Vogelstein Center for Drama and Film, The Streep Studio, Room 110

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10

7:00pm

Film: Watch Out for the Car (Берегись автомобиля)

A visually stunning example of Krushchev’s “Thaw” cinema. Owing to its depiction of criminal activity, this film, directed by Eldar Ryazanov, was shelved by the authorities at the time of its production but became an instant hit when released in 1966. With commentary by Rita Safariants,visiting assistant professor of Russian Studies

Rockefeller Hall, room 300

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11

3:30pm

APresentation: Music, Words, Dance and Images.

Dance choreographed by Bella Kosmacher ‘14, chamber music and readings of original prose and poetry by students from the classes of Eduardo Navega, lecturer in music and director of the program in chamber music, Jean Kane, associate professor of English and Michael Joyce, professor of English. A display organized by Zoe Lemelson ‘17, Sam Schwamm '16 and Daniel Bialer '15 will present work by students from Phocus, Vassar College’s photography club. There will be a reception with food, jazz by Matt Mendoza ‘15 and time to view the exhibit.

Main Building, Villard Room, second floor

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12

5:00–9:00pm

Late Night at the Lehman Loeb. For general description, see January 23.

4:00 pm

Curator's Gallery Talk: XL: Large-Scale Paintings from the Permanent Collection

Curator Mary-Kay Lombino explores the XL exhibition on a walk through the galleries, providing insight into the exhibition as a whole and into how the works on view fit into the historical context of large-scale painting.

The Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center Temporary Exhibition Galleries

5:30pm

AVassar College Improv.

Vassar's longest running improvisational comedy group will present long form scenes and short form games (using characters, themes and lines from Alice in Wonderland). Featuring Patrick Brady '15. Sarah Traisman '15, Shira Mizel '16, Samuel Rebelein '16, Albert Muzquiz '17, and Carinn Candelaria '18

The Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center

7:00pm

Modfest Presentation at Late Night at the Lehman Loeb.

Chamber music and readings of original prose and poetry by Vassar students from the classes of Eduardo Navega, lecturer in music and director of the program in chamber music, and Jean Kane and Michael Joyce, professors of English.

The Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13

4:30pm

Presentation. A Screening of Original Short Films.

Vogelstein Center for Drama and Film, Rosenwald Theatre, Room 109

6:30pm

Film: Amour (2012) Written and directed by Michael Haneke, starring Jean-Louis Trintignant,

Emmanuelle Riva and Isabelle Huppert, this film is part of the Tournées Film Festival, a program of the FACE Foundation in partnership with the Cultural Services of the French Embassy. With an introduction by Matthew Amos, visiting professor of French studies at Bard College, and a post-screening discussion led by Shane Slattery-Quinanilla, assistant professor of film. Organized by Anne Brancky, visiting assistant professor of French.

Vogelstein Center for Drama and Film, Rosenwald Theatre, Room 109

8:00pm

Performance: Vassar Repertory Dance Theatre

John Meehan, director. The program will feature selections from Doug Varone's’s Chapters from a Broken Novel to a score by David Van Tieghem; Steve Rooks’ new work Mosul to the music of Hans Zimmer; Katherine Wildberger's new work entitled Shimmer to the third movement of the piano suite of Igor Stravinsky's Petrushka and Abby Saxon’s work I Don't feel like Dancin' to music by The Scissor Sisters. Student choreography may also be included.

For Modfest tickets please write to dancetix@vassar.edu; put Modfest in the subject window. For information please call the Dance Office at (845) 437-7470.

Kenyon Hall, Frances Daly Fergusson Dance Theater

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14

3:00 pm

ADrama: Melancholy Play.

The Philaletheis Society performs a semi-staged reading of Sarah Ruhl's Melancholy Play. In this contemporary farce, Tilly's melancholy causes people to fall in love with her. But one day, when sadness turns to joy, Tilly must help those around her who are negatively affected by her happiness. When her friend Frances turns into an almond, it becomes Tilly's job to get her back. Shades of Alice? Organized by Madie Oldfield '15 and Thomas Lawler '15.

Main Building, Rose Parlor, second floor

8:00pm

Concert: My Funny Valentine; Jazz for Valentine’s Day.

The Brian Mann Trio.

Brian Mann, associate professor of music, piano; with Sean Smith, double bass; and Craig Wuepper, drums.

Skinner Hall of Music

MODFEST 2016

Vassar College

MODFEST marks its fourteenth year as Vassar College’s annual exploration of arts in the 20^th and 21^st centuries—a cornucopia of offerings including poetry, film, dance, writing, music and art. Events take place on campus and begin the last week of January. They extend into the first two weeks of February.

Once again Cabaret features in the series, with a master class as well as a public performance.

Unusual among this year’s offerings is a presentation by violist Nathan Schram, who will discuss MUSICAMBIA, an initiative bringing music programs to prisons and jails.

In its first appearance, the Vassar College Percussion Ensemble, consisting of both students and faculty, will render both established and brand-new works in this unusual repertoire.

Noted soprano Lucy Shelton will perform a work by Vassar composer Susan Botti. Countertenor Eric Brenner, ’92, will sing two unaccompanied works by Richard Wilson, also of the music department.

A most successful event in past festivals, Translation as an Art will bring together many Vassar language departments and programs in a lively collaboration.

The composer Robinson McClellan, ’99, will make two appearances: one to discuss the facets of his career after Vassar; the other to hear the Mahagonny Ensemble rehearse and then perform his newly-commissioned work.

Besides Vassar students, Alumnae/i, faculty, and guest artists, MODFEST 2016 includes as performers students from the the Poughkeepsie area schools. All events, except Cabaret Night on February 5, are free and open to the public.

Adene Wilson ’69 is director of Modfest.

Music Library Display: Modfest.

On view second semester, beginning January 27, 2015

The Vassar College Music Library presents a display highlighting Modfest music activities and musicians, curated by Sarah Canino, music librarian. Open daily.

Skinner Hall of Music, first floor

JANUARY

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28

4:30pm

Teen Visions.

Opening reception of an exhibit of original artwork, featuring a wide variety of

paintings, drawings, mixed-media, photography, and sculpture by students ages 11 to 19 of The Art Institute of Mill Street Loft.

Main Building, College Center, James W. Palmer III Gallery

6:30pm  

Presentation. Teen Music, Dance and the Spoken Word.

Main Building, College Center, Villard Room

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29

4:30pm

Presentation: Robinson McClellan ‘99

The composer discusses his career ‘after Vassar,’ including ComposerCraft, his seminar for young composers at the Kaufman Music Center; his online theory course at Rutgers; and the online music notation company Noteflight, where he works developing the notation editor and helping composers and teachers to use the software

Co-sponsored by the Career Development Office.

Skinner Hall of Music, Music Library Listening Classroom, first floor

9:00pm

Concert. Vassar Jazz Combos.

The student ensembles present a colorful variety of jazz styles. James Osborn, director of the jazz groups.

Main Building, Villard Room, second floor

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30

11:00am

Master Class: The Art of Cabaret Performance

Jennie Litt and David Alpher will coach student performers in the art of cabaret performance, with a particular focus on microphone technique, subtext, intimacy, authenticity, patter, and the conventions of cabaret as distinct from classical singing, pop, and musical theater.

Main Building, Villard Room, second floor

8:00pm

Concert: Music by Vassar Composers--Plus

Vocal works by Susan Botti, Richard Wilson and Igor Stravinsky along with piano works by David Alpher, Yehudi Wyner, Bernard Rands, and Claude Debussy, will be performed by singers Lucy Shelton and Eric Brenner, ‘92 and pianists Gregg Michalak and Todd Crow.

Skinner Hall of Music

SUNDAY, January 31

3:00pm

Concert: Vassar College Percussion Ensemble Debut

Vassar faculty members Frank Cassara and Trey Files join Lauren Workman, ‘17, Robert Nikolai, ‘19, and Ilan Korman, ‘19, in this newly formed group to present music by John Cage, Henry Cowell, Steve Reich, Askell Masson and James Romig.

Skinner Hall of Music

WEDNESDAY, February 3

5:15pm 

Readings: Translation as an Art.

Readings of Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Hebrew, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish texts in their original tongue and in translation by Vassar students. Translations and performances have been prepared with the help of the language fellows from the participating departments led by Lea Espinoza and Yaroslava Abramova. Presented by the departments and programs of foreign language study at Vassar. Hosted and coordinated by Lioba Gerhardi, adjunct assistant professor of German and coordinator of the Self-Instructional Language Program

Main Building, Villard Room, second floor

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5

4:00pm

Nathan Schram: Music in the Prisons

A presentation by violist Nathan Schram about MUSICAMBIA, a New York-based initiative working toward establishing a network of music programs within prisons and jails in the United States. The program is currently active in Sing Sing.

Co-sponsored by the departments of Education, Hispanic Studies, Music, Political Science, and Sociology, as well as the Africana Studies Interdisciplinary Program and the Career Development Office.

8:00pm

Cabaret Night.

Main Building, Rose Parlor, second floor

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6

11:00am

Open Rehearsal. Mahagonny Ensembles.

Conducted by Jaylin Remensperger ‘17 and Joseph Sopchak ‘16. Composer Robinson McClellan ‘99 coaches the student-run contemporary groups in the preparation of his new work entitled Abraham and Isaac.

Skinner Hall of Music

2:00pm

ChoralFest

Cappella Festiva Treble Choir performs in a joint concert with the Vassar College Women’s Chorus in a celebration of music for treble voices. Music of Jim Papoulis, Eleanor Daley, Carson Cooman, and the regional premiere of a new work by Moira Smiley.

Skinner Hall of Music

8:00pm

Concert by the Vassar Ensembles.

The Vassar College Orchestra performs music by Norman Dello Joio, Charles Ives, and Prokofiev. The Mahagonny Ensembles perform a première by alumnus Robinson McClellan ‘99 . Eduardo Navega, Jaylin Remensperger ‘17 and Joseph Sopchak ‘16, conduct.

Skinner Hall of Music

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7

3:00pm

Concert: Attacca Quartet

The prize-winning, internationally acclaimed young ensemble, The Attacca Quartet, in works by Haydn, Richard Wilson, and John Adams.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10

3:30pm

Presentation: Music, Words, Dance and Images.

Dance, featuring students of Alessia Santoro, adjunct instructor in dance; chamber music; and readings of original prose and poetry; by students from the classes of Eduardo Navega, lecturer in music and director of the program in chamber music, Jean Kane, Paul Kane and Michael Joyce, professors of English. A display organized by Sam Schwamm ‘16 and Lucas Kautz ‘17 will present work by students from Phocus, Vassar College’s photography club. A reception with food accompanied by jazz provided by students of Peter Tomlinson, adjunct artist in music, will give the audience time to view the exhibit.

Main Building, Villard Room, second floor

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11

7:00pm

Modfest Presentation at Late Night at the Lehman Loeb.

The Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12

4:00pm

Presentation. A Screening of Original Short Films.

Vogelstein Center for Drama and Film, Rosenwald Theatre, Room 109

7:00pm

Performance: Vassar Repertory Dance Theatre

Steve Rooks, Acting Director. The program will feature selections from Sean Curran’s Social Discourse to a score by Thom Yorke; Miriam Mahdaviani’s as yet untitled new work to the music of Jeff Beal; Katherine Wildberger's new work entitled Home to a commissioned score by Vassar Adjunct Artist Howard Kilik and Abby Saxon’s work Smooth Over to music by Ella Fitzgerald and The Orchestra from New York, New York. Student choreography will also be included.

For Modfest tickets please write to dancetix@vassar.edu; put Modfest in the subject window. For information please call the Dance Office at (845) 437-7470.

Kenyon Hall, Frances Daly Fergusson Dance Theater