Sigma Alpha Iota

P A N P I P E S Spring 2021 27 27 National Cultural Center Week in 1962 highlighted a country-wide effort to celebrate National Cultural Center Week in 1962 highlighted a country-wide effort to celebrate the project 's progress. Created via legislation in 1958, the center was designed to " tell the project 's progress. Created via legislation in 1958, the center was designed to " tell the world of the great accomplishments, strengths and values which have developed the world of the great accomplishments, strengths and values which have developed from our way of life." The building was named in honor of President Kennedy after his from our way of life." The building was named in honor of President Kennedy after his death the following year. death the following year. O n the banks of the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., ground breaking ceremonies for the [John F.]Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts were held December 2, 1964. With a gold spade used for the Lincoln Memorial, President Lyndon B. Johnson turned the first spadeful of ground, dedicating the site. In his remarks the President said: "The National Cultural Center, conceived under the administration of President Eisenhower, was inspired and encouraged and led by the imagination and purpose of President Kennedy. The Center will have a unique opportunity to bring together the worlds of poetry and power, to the benefits of each." Designed by Edward Durell Stone, the Center will provide a national stage for American Arts — Music, Opera, Drama, and Ballet. The late President Kennedy said: "The Arts are the spearhead of a nation's thrust toward greatness .... I see little of more importance to the future of our country and our civilization than full recognition of the place of the artist." — DEDICATION OF SITE, CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, MAY 1965 THE KENNEDY CENTER Additional commissions include two for the Sonic Portraits program, which "tells the story of legendary women through song in brave theatrical stagings." Iphigenia, co-commissioned by the Kennedy Center, is a new operatic collaboration between award winning composer and saxophonist Wayne Shorter, and award winning bassist, composer, and vocalist esperanza spalding. Yemandja is singer and storyteller Angélique Kidjo's work, inspired by her ancestors, her family, and Africa's resilience. In addition, eight works will be commissioned for the Kennedy Center's e Cartography Project, the classical Indian bharatanatyam group Ragamala Dance Company will present a world premier of Fires of Varanasi in September, and the Alvin Ailey American Dance eater, American Ballet eatre, and New York City Ballet join together for a number of new programs at the Center. Numerous live concerts, in addition to virtual options, are planned as part of this extravaganza. e Kennedy Center's 50th Anniversary will officially kick off live and in-person on September 14, 2021 with a 50th Anniversary Celebration Concert. Remembering "An American Pageant for the Arts," the 1962 event conducted by Leonard Bernstein, this special evening will be developed and conducted by Michael Tilson omas, bringing together the National Symphony Orchestra with guest artists to celebrate the Kennedy Center's performance traditions and its bright future. In the spring of 2022, the concert 50 Years of Broadway at the Kennedy Center will celebrate many of the great musical theater moments from throughout the Center's history. As the final event of the Center's 50th Anniversary season, Leonard Bernstein's MASS will return to the Center in September 2022. Directed by Francesca Zambello, the Artistic Director of the WNO, this tremendous work will be re-staged, featuring the NSO along with 2020 Marian Anderson Award winner Will Liverman as the Celebrant. For more information, visit: www.kennedy-center.org/our-story/kc50 From the 1965 Pan Pipes Archives The classical Indian bharatanatyam group Ragamala Dance Company will The classical Indian bharatanatyam group Ragamala Dance Company will present a world premier of present a world premier of Fires of Varanasi Fires of Varanasi in September. in September.

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