Tina Barney: The Ancestor
Why? Because Barney’s “Family Portraits” of European families are definitely visions of the so-called “one-percent,” but Barney isn’t necessarily interested in polemic social commentary. They are meticulously constructed and beautifully composed, just as any classic “portrait” should be. On Wednesday, she’ll present a talk about her work in association with the exhibit.
#4: Conservatory Sundays at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music.
Why? Because it used to be Sunday afternoons were spent in the “parlor,” listening to mom or your sister, Florence, tickling the ivories and perhaps singing along. We don’t expect sing-alongs at this edition of the WCM’s monthly faculty concerts, but we do expect some dazzling playing by some of the area’s finest musicians. There are both solos and duets on the agenda, so there will be some familiar pieces and some surprises as well.
#3: Glen Campbell Goodbye Tour at the Pabst Theatre.
Why? Because this is a different kind of “goodbye tour,” not the kind your average hair band takes, only to repeat at a “reunion tour” five years later. Country-pop legend Glen Campbell – the original Rhinestone Cowboy – announced in June that he had Alzheimer’s Disease, and was touring one last time and releasing a final album. While “Ghost on the Canvas” doesn’t measure up to Johnny Cash’s similar, end-of-life recordings, it’s a welcome tribute to Campbell, whose string of hits and associations are hard to match.
#2: The Milwaukee Symphony at the Marcus Center.
Why? Because former MSO Music Director Andreas Delfs needs some love. His appointment as conductor of the Honolulu Symphony went bust last year when, well, the Honolulu Symphony went bust, one of the American orchestras that fell victim to the economic downturn. Still sought after as a guest conductor, Delfs has returned to Milwaukee several times since his departure, but this one is, as they say, a doozy. The complete Carmina Burana by Carl Orff, a setting of 24 Gothic poems on every subject, spiritual and erotic. The MSO Chorus will be there, along with Milwaukee Children’s Choir.
#1: Danceworks Performance Company’s The Sequel at Danceworks.
Why? Because following their fabulous 2009 cinematic showcase, the DPC returns to movies for inspiration. Each of tonight’s choreographers builds a dance around a movie genre or idea. Simon Eichinger gets out his Colt 45s for a tribute to Westerns. Melissa Anderson hears the beat of the Mumbai streets in her tribute to Bollywood. And Holly Keskey relives those moments when dancing took center stage in a non-musical movie – Flashdance, anyone?
