Newton Cultural Alliance

Theatre Ink presents: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
2021-12-11 19:30 (America/New_York) | Newton North High School, 457 Walnut St, Newton, MA, 02460, United States
An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves! At least the losers get a juice box.
Purchase in-person tickets HERE. For virtual tickets, click HERE.

Newton Free Library presents: Paul-André Bempéchat Performs Beethoven Sonatas
2021-12-15 15:00 - 16:00 | Facebook Live, United States
Paul-André Bempéchat will return to the Facebook Live stage to perform a selection of Beethoven’s sonatas!
(You do not need to have a Facebook account to attend.)
Paul-André Bempéchat is Music Fellow at Harvard’s Cabot House. A Juilliard and Sorbonne graduate, he has enjoyed a forty-year performing and teaching career on both sides of the Atlantic, having performed at venues as prestigious as Berlin’s Konzerthaus, the Vienna Festival, Jordan Hall and Alice Tully Hall.
Registration for this program will end two hours before the start time. The login information will be sent just after registration closes. Please be sure to check your spam folder in case it lands there.

Newton Theatre Kids presents: Fall Classes - Devising Ensemble
2021-12-16 18:30 - 20:00 | First Unitarian Universalist Society in Newton, 1326 Washington St, Newton, MA, 02465, United States
Join NTK’s all new Devising Ensemble! Our first program for middle schoolers gives participants the opportunity to explore new forms of performance and hone their artistic skills, all while creating an original piece of theatre as an ensemble. Specifically tailored to the interests of the students, this class is an excellent opportunity for young performers to expand their artistic horizons and learn more about their craft. ​Open to Students in Grades 6-8. ​Tuition: $385
Thursdays from 6:30-8 pm
September 9th through December 16th
​Taught by Abby Lass
Location for all classes: FUUSN – First Unitarian Universalist Society in Newton
1326 Washington St, Newton, MA 02465
We follow closings for all Newton Public school holidays and snow days.
We want theatre to be accessible to everyone.
If you are interested in learning more about Newton Theatre Kids scholarships, please email Melissa.

Zamir Chorale of Boston presents: Hanukkah Happens
2021-12-23 19:30 | Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Mark your calendars for our Hanukkah Happens concert featuring a full orchestra. Gala concert with Zamir orchestra, Josh Jacobson and Cantor Elias Rosemberg joining us for many old and recent favorites. The program will include Machtenberg’s “Shehecheyonu,” Bloch’s “Kedushah” (from the Sacred Service ), Jagoda’s “Ocho Kandelikas,” and a medley of melodies by Debbie Friedman arranged by Jeremiah Klarman.

Newton Free Library presents: A Night in the Amazon with Erica Ferencik
2022-01-11 19:00 - 20:00 | ONLINE, United Kingdom, E16 2DQ
Join Erica Ferencik for a night in the Amazon! Thirty-foot anacondas; puppy-sized spiders; SUV-length electric eels that can kill you with a glancing blow – these are some of the creatures that Erica encountered on her month-long journey of survival in the Peruvian rainforest while researching her book, Into the Jungle. Her incredible story is sure to thrill all!
There is nowhere on earth Erica Ferencik won’t go to take you out of your head and into the great wild world. An award-winning novelist, Ferencik writes adventure stories featuring women who brave not only internal struggles, but face extreme challenges in their environment: remote forests, steaming jungles and desolated icescapes.
If you wish to own a copy of Into the Jungle, it is available at Newtonville Books here.
Registration for this program will end two hours before the start time. The login information will be sent just after registration closes. Please be sure to check your spam folder in case it lands there.

Newton Free Library presents: Creating Public TV Shows with Roberto Mighty
2022-01-18 19:00 - 20:00 | ONLINE, United Kingdom, E16 2DQ
Join filmmaker, Roberto Mighty, for a session in which he will talk about the process of creating and producing his three new TV shows that are airing nationwide on public television. Learn why World’s Greatest Cemeteries, getting dot OLDER and Legacy of Love are all labors of love for this former college professor who is a former Newton resident!
Roberto Mighty, MFA, is America’s first Artist-in-Residence at a National Historic Landmark cemetery, where he produced 29 short films about diverse historical figures, horticulture, landscape and funerary iconography. Roberto is also Host/Producer of getting dot OLDER, his new 13 episode, half hour public television series about baby boomers across America — slated for release by APT in January, 2022 . Roberto’s historical documentary about Martin Luther King and Coretta Scott King, Legacy of Love, was broadcast on WGBH in 2020. He is Founder and Principal of Celestial Media LLC, a new Film/TV/Multimedia studio specializing in creative, inclusive content for today’s audiences. Visit Roberto’s website. Image ©2021_Roberto Mighty. Credit: Shawn Read
Registration for this program will end two hours before the start time. The login information will be sent just after registration closes. Please be sure to check your spam folder in case it lands there.

Historic Newton presents: Boston's Great Innovations
2022-01-27 19:00 - 20:00 | ONLINE, United Kingdom, E16 2DQ
What makes Boston one of the world’s top innovation centers? Join Robert Krim and Alan Earls, co-authors of Boston Made: From Revolution to Robotics-Innovations that Changed the World, as they reinterpret Boston history through the lens of innovation. Trace four centuries of this history to learn about scientific discoveries, groundbreaking social policies, and other innovations – some with Newton ties – that made a lasting impact. Part of the Newton History Series co-sponsored by Historic Newton and the Newton Free Library. Register here for this Zoom program.

Newton Free Library presents: Celebrating Voices of Color - Poetry Reading & Open Mic
2022-02-08 19:00 - 20:00 | ONLINE, United Kingdom, E16 2DQ
Join us for virtual readings in this year’s poetry series. This month we will feature the voices of black and brown poets. An open mike follows with a limit of one poem per person, limited slots are available. Sign ups for the open mic will happen during the actual session. The series is facilitated by Doug Holder of Ibetston St. Press. Check back for the names of this month’s featured poets.
Registration for this program will end two hours before the start time. The Zoom login information will be sent just after registration closes. Please be sure to check your spam folder in case it lands there.

Historic Newton presents: Half American - The Epic Story of Black Americans Fighting WWII
2022-02-10 17:00 - 18:00 | ONLINE, United Kingdom, E16 2DQ
For Black Americans World War II was about not only America’s standing in the world but also about how much actual freedom would exist in the United States. Black troops fought bravely in combat and they formed the backbone of the U.S. military’s supply effort, all while fighting in a segregated military. Black veterans returned from the war and kept fighting white supremacy at home. Drawing on his upcoming book, historian Matthew Delmont explains how World War II raised questions regarding race and democracy that remain unanswered more than seventy years later. This is an inspiring history of bravery and patriotism in the face of unfathomable racism. This event is part of the Newton History Series co-sponsored by Historic Newton and the Newton Free Library. Register here for this Zoom talk.

Pro Arte's Salon Series - Salon 3
2022-02-13 15:00 | The Allen Center, 35 Webster St, WEST NEWTON, MA, 02465, United States
Pro Arte’s unique cooperative is comprised of musicians equally at home as soloists and chamber musicians as they are within the chamber orchestra. The Salon Series presents an opportunity for members of the cooperative to showcase their craft in various chamber groups performing a variety of exciting works.
For Salon 3, one of Pro Arte’s regular string quartets joins forces with the Janelle Gillchrist Dance Troupe for an interdisciplinary exploration of Wynton Marsalis’s first string quartet. Purchase tickets here.

Newton Art Association presents: Demo with Marjorie Kaye | Sculptural Painting
2022-03-10 19:00 - 21:00 | MA
Marjorie Kaye has lived in the Boston area for most of her life, with stops along the way in Syracuse, NY to earn her BFA in Painting, as well as New York City in the 80s.
She is a painter and sculptor. Her work has been an exploration of opposites: form and color; organic and geometric; precision and chaos. Colorful and bold, her gouache paintings and sculptures are kinetic and energetic. Her work has been reviewed in many publications including the Boston Globe and ArtScope Magazine and has been shown extensively both locally and nationally, including galleries such as Galatea Fine Art in Boston, Atlantic Works Gallery in East Boston, Harbor Gallery, UMass Boston, and the Walter Wickiser Gallery in NYC. She was a 2016 winner of the Lillian Orlowsky/William Freed Foundation Grant from the Provincetown Art Association and Museum and was included in a group exhibition in their galleries. Also, Ms. Kaye was named a finalist in the Massachusetts Cultural Council Fellowship Awards in Painting.
Kaye is the founder of Galatea Fine Art in Boston, MA, a large artist-run gallery featuring over 39 artists from Boston and beyond. She was the director of that space from 2009 – 2017, as well as the owner. The gallery has transitioned into a non-profit and Ms. Kaye is remaining as Director. Some past projects also include the web-based Caladan Gallery, which ran for 10 years and exhibited hundreds of artists from all over the world, and the Lawrence, MA Gallery 181, which enhanced the community with the exhibition of local, national, and international artists.
The Zoom link is found here.

Pro Arte's Salon Series - Salon 4
2022-03-13 15:00 | The Allen Center, 35 Webster St, WEST NEWTON, MA, 02465, United States
Pro Arte’s unique cooperative is comprised of musicians equally at home as soloists and chamber musicians as they are within the chamber orchestra. The Salon Series presents an opportunity for members of the cooperative to showcase their craft in various chamber groups performing a variety of exciting works.
Salon 4’s program will feature members of Pro Arte’s string section. Full program details to be announced soon. Purchase tickets here.

Cappella Clausura presents: Her Story
2022-03-19 20:00, 2022-03-20 16:00 - 17:00 | MA
This year, we are proud to crack open the classical canon with a variety of new works by women. With vibrant performances of music spanning continents and centuries, Artistic Director Amelia LeClair will lead our ensemble in a celebration of live, in-person performances. Learn more about the four programs we have planned for this season.
Tickets for each concert will become available one month ahead of the opening performance.
Her Story:
Celebrate Women’s History Month with music by women! A cappella quartets by Fanny Hensel, Clara Schumann, Florence Price, Joan Tower, Gabriela Frank.
March 19th @ 8 PM: Eliot Church in Newton
March 20th @ 4 PM: Emmanuel Church in Boston

Newton Art Association presents: Learning to Look / Looking to Learn – Critique and the Creative Process
2022-03-24 19:30 - 21:00 | MA
Based on years of teaching college art students, Ellen Schön’s passion for teaching critique as an essential part of the creative process has only grown. Join Schön as she guides us through her philosophy and essential practices of looking, describing, and responding to what a piece evokes. Schön characterizes the goal of critique as “learning to look and looking to learn.”
Ellen Schön is Adjunct Faculty in Fine Arts and former Ceramics Studio Supervisor Lesley University College of Art and Design in Cambridge, MA since 2002. She received a BA from Marlboro College (Ceramics and Perceptual Psychology) and MFA in Ceramics from Boston University’s Program in Artisanry.
Schön has organized and co-curated interdisciplinary group exhibitions in non-profit venues in Boston and internationally. She has fostered international artist collaboration and exchange through participation in artist symposia and residencies in eight countries.
Schön was a recipient of The Artist Foundation Fellowship from MA Council on Art and Humanities and past Artist Fellow at the St. Botolph Club in Boston. She is a member of the Boston Sculptors Gallery. Schön has exhibited widely in the US. Her work is in the permanent collections of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and the Fuller Craft Museum, Brockton, MA.
The zoom link will be found here.

New Philharmonia Orchestra presents: Classics III
2022-03-27 15:00 | MA
The New Philharmonia Orchestra continues its exciting 27th season filled with celebratory spirit, incredible music, and exciting guest performances. Join them for their Classics III program featuring works by Mozart and Brahms. Tickets are $10-$50. For more information visit newphil.org.

Zamir Chorale of Boston presents: A Choral Rainbow Part 3
2022-04-04 19:30 - 21:00 | MA
Part III – Monday, April 4,7:30 pm EST, REGISTER HERE.
This season, in response to the alarming rise in racism, antisemitism, and other forms of prejudice, we are even more committed to using our resources to expose our audiences (and ourselves) to music representing different cultures, ethnicities, and ways of thinking. With that in mind, we are presenting an online series called “A Choral Rainbow,” featuring video performances and conversations with the conductors of choruses from diverse and under-represented communities.
We were thrilled with the global turnout for parts I and II. Part III will spotlight three choruses:
The Chorosynthesis Singers, which is committed to fostering innovation, sustainability, collaboration, and excellence in and among the choral arts and its communities through both a bottom-up and top-down approach; Wendy Moy, conductor.
Nashirah, a community-based chorale in the Greater Philadelphia whose musical programming embodies the broadest possible range of Jewish repertoire; bringing together choral music of many lands, languages, and cultures; Julia Zavadsky, conductor.
Voices 21C, an artists’ collective that is devoted to exercising the choral art in pursuit of human rights and justice and dedicated to a mission of global understanding through music; André DeQuadros, conductor.

Pro Arte's Salon Series - Salon 5
2022-04-10 15:00 | The Allen Center, 35 Webster St, WEST NEWTON, MA, 02465, United States
Pro Arte’s unique cooperative is comprised of musicians equally at home as soloists and chamber musicians as they are within the chamber orchestra. The Salon Series presents an opportunity for members of the cooperative to showcase their craft in various chamber groups performing a variety of exciting works.
Pro Arte’s principal winds and principal horn come together for Salon 5 to present a colorful concert for wind quintet. Purchase tickets here.

The Newton Free Library Presents: How Art Reflects Adversity
2022-04-11 19:00 - 20:00 | Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St, Newton, MA, 02459, United States
Michael Frank, Curator-in-Chief of the Museum of Bad Art (MOBA), will examine key works from their collection to discern how art reflects adversity. The Museum is the only institution in the world that is dedicated to the collection, preservation, exhibition, and celebration of bad art in all its forms.
This program is supported in part by a grant from the Newton local cultural council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
Registration for this program will end two hours before the start time. The login information will be sent just after registration closes. Please be sure to check your spam folder in case it lands there.
Image: Greenscape by Anonymous

Historic Newton presents Exploring 'Defective Delinquency' Laws
2022-04-12 19:00 - 21:00 | MA
Between 1911 and 1971 the Commonwealth of Massachusetts – and dozens of states like it – passed a series of laws that empowered officials to indefinitely imprison people with intellectual disabilities who the state believed were “likely to commit crimes.” These people were designated as “defective delinquents,” and, in Massachusetts, most were sent to the Bridgewater State Prison. At our Zoom program, students from Gann Academy share what they learned about the law and the personal stories of many of those imprisoned under this law. They will also discuss a museum exhibit and website that they designed to teach about this little-known but vitally important chapter of American history. Register here.

Pro Arte's Ensemble Series - Ensemble 3
2022-05-01 15:00 | MA
Pro Arte’s full ensemble takes to the stage to present treasured works and brilliant contemporary compositions celebrating their forty-four year history as one of Boston’s most vibrant orchestras.
Paul Polivnik makes a return appearance in the spring to conduct Pro Arte in a powerful program of Ravel, Bernstein, and Mendelssohn. Read more about the program and purchase tickets here.

Cappella Clausura presents: Psalms and Requiems
2022-05-14 20:00, 2022-05-15 16:00 - 17:00 | MA
This year, we are proud to crack open the classical canon with a variety of new works by women. With vibrant performances of music spanning continents and centuries, Artistic Director Amelia LeClair will lead our ensemble in a celebration of live, in-person performances. Learn more about the four programs we have planned for this season.
Tickets for each concert will become available one month ahead of the opening performance.
Psalms and Requiems:
Lili Boulanger’s outstanding Psalm 130 with string orchestra and harp, plus works by Florence Price, Elena Ruehr, and Amelia LeClair.
May 14th @ 8 PM: Eliot Church in Newton
May 15th @ 4 PM: Emmanuel Church in Boston

New Philharmonia Orchestra presents: Classics IV
2022-05-22 15:00 | MA
The New Philharmonia Orchestra wraps up its exciting 27th season filled with celebratory spirit, incredible music, and exciting guest performances. Join them for their Classics IV program featuring works by Jose Elizondo and Tchaikovsky. Tickets are $10-$50. For more information visit newphil.org.

Amherst Early Music presents Music Festival 2022
2022-08-07 08:00 - 2022-08-21 17:00 | MA
Northampton Community CollegeBethlehem, PA

Directed by
Frances
Blaker

August 7-14 and 14-21, 2022

Our new location will be convenient for many who are driving. There are train and bus connections. Nearest airport is ABE, Lehigh Valley International Airport. Newark Airport is 1 hour and 15 minutes away.
While we hope it will be possible to have a normal Festival, we’ll follow Covid developments and will adjust if necessary. Proof of vaccination will be required. Plans are shaping up so stay tuned for more information!
The heart of the Festival is the Central Program. It is the largest and most varied program we offer, with classes available for most early music instruments, and music ranging from Medieval to Baroque. You can choose the combination of classes that works for you — perfect if, like some of our students, you sing or dance and play an instrument or two. Play in consorts of like or mixed instruments, investigate a new repertory, take a dance class, or begin a new instrument. We also offer a unique program in early notation for all levels starting with absolute beginner. Pitch: most classes will be at a=440. Viol-only and most Baroque ensemble classes will be at a=415. Detailed class descriptions and schedule will be available in May.
Schedule: Classes run Monday through Friday, with four class periods per day.
In the evening there are lectures, concerts, madrigal singing, English country dancing, drop-in playing sessions, the AEM Auction, and socializing with early music.
Festival Concert Series
Lipkin Theatre, Northampton Community College, Bethlehem, PA
All concerts are at 7:30 pm, except the opera, which begins at 8 pm.
Admission is $20 general admission. Tickets and subscriptions are available in advance or at the door before each concert.
Tuesday, August 9
With Breath and Quill
Thursday, August 11
Amherst Baroque Soloists
Friday, August 12
Baroque Academy Opera Project:
The Judgement of Paris by Daniel Purcell
Saturday, August 13
A Tapestry of Early Music: Amherst Early Music Faculty Concert I
Thursday, August 18
Portrait of a Lady
Friday, August 19
Choral Program Student Concert
Saturday, August 20
A Tapestry of Early Music: Amherst Early Music Faculty Concert II

Cones 'n Cars 2022
2022-08-24 17:30 - 19:30 | NewTV, 23 Needham St, Newton, MA, 02461, United States
It’s baaa-aaack! We’re so excited to announce the return of NewTV’s Cones ‘n Cars: the one ‘n only classic car show combined with an ice cream social. Enjoy sweets ‘n treats from Cabot’s, Bakers’ Best, Pizzi Farm, Volante Farms, JP Licks, and the Astound ice cream truck while you check out the sleek ‘n unique classic cars!
Admission is free, and all are welcome to join us!

Across Divides: A Benefit Concert for Doctors Without Borders
2022-09-18 15:00 - 16:30 | First Unitarian Universalist Society in Newton, 1326 Washington St, Newton, MA, 02465, United States
Eleuthera Trio (Lois Shapiro, piano, Francine Trester, violin, Julie Reimann, cello) perform at the First Unitarian Universalist Society in Newton, MA, in support of Doctors Without Borders, a nonprofit organization that brings medical humanitarian assistance to victims of conflict, natural disasters, epidemics and healthcare exclusion. The program includes Martin’s scintillating Trio on Popular Irish Melodies, Piazzolla’s exciting Otoño Porteño (Autumn), Ukrainian composer Myroslav Skoryk’s hauntingly beautiful Melody, and Ravel’s exquisite Trio in a minor. All proceeds will be donated to Doctors Without Borders.

New Art Center presents Lunar New Year Celebration
2023-01-22 12:00 - 15:00 | New Art Center, 61 Washington Park, Newton, MA, 02460, United States
Join us at the New Art Center for our Lunar New Year Community Cultural Day in collaboration with the Korean Cultural Society of Boston.
It’s the year of the rabbit! The sign of the Rabbit is a symbol of longevity, peace, and prosperity.
Art educators will lead participants through make-and-take activities: Hapjukseon (paper fans), rabbit origami, air dry clay rabbits, and Korean calligraphy bookmarks.
Hanna Lee, a traditional Korean dancer, performs at 12:15 pm. Kyungsun Kim, a gayageum player, performs at 1:30 pm.
The event is free and open to the public. The event is from 12 to 3 PM on January 22, 2023, at the New Art Center, 61 Washington Park, Newton, MA 02460. Doors open 15 minutes beforehand.

Playathon!
2023-03-26 12:00 - 18:00 | The Shops at Chestnut Hill, 199 Boylston Street, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, United States
Stop by anytime. Six consecutive hours of music of all genres performed by SSN students and faculty at the Shops at Chestnut Hill (inside the atrium area in front of Cheesecake Factory) – a marathon of playing, free to the public.

Faculty Concert & Reception, Suzuki School of Newton
2023-04-29 18:00 - 20:00 | Newton Presbyterian Church, 75 Vernon St., Newton, MA, United States
Suzuki School of Newton presents our popular Faculty Concert, followed by a reception for all. Featuring a variety of musical selections of diverse genres and on various instruments. Tickets benefit the James Thornblade Memorial scholarship fund. In-person event and online viewing also available via Facebook livestream.
