Newton Cultural Alliance

Karen Walwyn at The Allen Center
2026-03-22 15:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | The Allen Center, 35 Webster St, WEST NEWTON, MA, 02465, United States
Steinway pianist Dr. Karen Walwyn returns to The Allen Center for an illuminating lecture-recital celebrating the incredible life and works of Florence Price. A leading expert on Price’s music, Dr. Walwyn recorded the world premiere of Price’s Concerto in One Movement with the New Black Music Repertory Ensemble at the Center for Black Music Research in 2011. Her April 9, 2022 release of Price’s complete solo piano works garnered two five-star reviews from Fanfare, with critics praising her as “perfectly attuned” to the composer’s voice and describing the recording as “a marvelous release.” Dr. Walwyn serves as a Mellon Faculty Fellow and Professor of Music at Berklee College of Music. We hope you’ll join us for this special opportunity to hear Walwyn’s brilliant and exciting interpretations of Florence Price.
Click here to reserve tickets.

Next-Arts Presents the Newton Piano Summit
2026-03-22 15:00 - 17:00 | Second Church in Newton, 60 Highland St., West Newton, MA, 02465, United States
Grammy-winning New York jazz pianist David Kikoski is a blazing improviser whose fearless harmonic imagination, deep swing, and lyrical touch have made him a legend among musicians worldwide.
Alexei Tsiganov is a world-class jazz pianist and vibraphonist known for his virtuosic improvisation, genre-blending compositions, and deep impact on New England’s creative music scene. He returns for his third Summit performance, teaming up with Kikoski and playing on his first love, the vibraphone.

New Art Center presents Teen Build Your Art Portfolio class
2026-03-23 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-03-30 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-04-06 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-04-13 17:30 - 19:30 | New Art Center, 61 Washington Park, Newton, MA, 02460, United States
Teen Build Your Art Portfolio class // All Levels // GR 8-12 // Mondays with Mattea Weinberg
This all-levels class is perfect for teens looking to build strong skills and prepare a competitive portfolio for college art programs. Students will draw from life, experiment with materials, and create meaningful, finished pieces—all with the support and guidance of an experienced instructor. Whether applying to art school or simply wanting to grow as an artist, this class offers the structure and feedback teens need to succeed.

Newton Art Association and New Art Center present Demo: Monotype Printmaking with Lynda Goldberg
2026-03-24 18:00 - 20:00 | New Art Center, 61 Washington Park, Newton, MA, 02460, United States
Hosted by Newton Art Association at New Art Center, Lynda Goldberg will demonstrate her process, from initial idea to pulling the first original print, and the second “ghost” print. She’ll share what she loves most about monotype printing and walk through the inks, papers, and materials she uses. She has exhibited widely throughout New England, with work held in corporate, private, and nonprofit collections in the U.S. and abroad. She currently teaches at the New Art Center in Newtonville, MA and the Eliot School in Jamaica Plain. Visit her website here: Lyndagoldberg.com.

West Newton Cinema presents Cosmic Coda
2026-03-25 19:00 - 21:00 | West Newton Cinema, 1296 Washington Street, West Newton, MA, 02465, United States
Join West Newton Cinema for the Local Spotlight screening of Cosmic Coda with a post-film discussion with the Filmmaker MJ Doherty and Senior Research Scientist Peter Fritschel. COSMIC CODA is about the in-between moments of scientific discovery – how it feels going to work each day on a machine that tests both the limits of our universe and our ability to comprehend this mind boggling goal.

9/11: Reclaiming Ground Zero
2026-03-26 19:00 - 21:00 | West Newton Cinema, 1296 Washington Street, West Newton, MA, 02465, United States
9/11: Reclaiming Ground Zero
To inaugurate the We the People: Finding Our Voices speaker series, we invite you to a special VIP private screening of the newly created film 9/11: Reclaiming Ground Zero. The evening will continue with a forum with Carolyn Lukensmeyer, founder of AmericaSpeaks, Jerren Chang of Partners in Democracy, and community leader Marcy Crary. The screening will take place at West Newton Cinema. Admission is free, but registration is required. Join us for this powerful opening event as we come together to reflect, learn, and begin an important community conversation.

Theatre Ink presents 9 to 5 The Musical
2026-03-26 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-03-27 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-03-28 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-03-29 14:00 - 16:00 | Newton North High School, 457 Walnut St, Newton, MA, 02460, United States
Get ready to clock in for big laughs and even bigger heart with Theatre Ink’s production of 9 to 5 The Musical! Featuring music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, this high-energy comedy follows three determined coworkers who take control of their office—and their futures. Presented by Theatre Ink, Newton North High School’s Teaching and Working Theatre, this production showcases a student-centered community dedicated to artistic collaboration and a disciplined work ethic. 9 to 5 The Musical will be presented at Newton North High School Performing Arts Center, 457 Walnut Street, Newtonville, MA 02460.

New Art Center Presents Winter Student & Faculty Pop-Up Show
2026-03-27 17:00 - 19:00 | New Art Center, 61 Washington Park, Newton, MA, 02460, United States
New Art Center winter term students and instructors display their work at this end-of-term pop-up show! View wonderful new works of art and meet the artists, students, and instructors at New Art Center. This event is free and open to the public.

Historic Newton presents Revolutionary Newton
2026-03-28 10:00 - 16:00 | Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds, 286 Waverley Ave,, Newton, MA, 02458
Historic Newton celebrates the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution! Join us in exploring what life was like in 18th-century New England. Reenactors will scatter the museum exhibits and grounds to create an immersive experience of revolutionary life. Guests can participate in hands-on period-specific activities and listen to reenactors debate politics, describe daily life, reminisce on military service, and much more. A scavenger hunt will guide visitors through interactive spaces where they can ask questions and engage with the exhibits and the people who once occupied them. View special 18th-century artifacts from the collection on display for the first time this decade. Shop new and exclusive merchandise and see what your local museum can do for you! This event is free and open to the public.

The Scandinavian Cultural Center & Library presents Takeshi Nagayasu
2026-03-28 13:00 - 15:00 | Scandinavian Cultural Center, 206 Waltham St, Newton, MA, 02465, United States
The Scandinavian Cultural Center & Library and The Leroy Anderson Foundation present an afternoon of piano music with internationally acclaimed pianist Takeshi Nagayasu. Nagayasu has performed in major concert halls across New York, Europe, and Asia, and is the recipient of numerous international honors. Takeshi has degrees from Juilliard, Yale and the University of Michigan. The program will feature works offering a vibrant journey from Scandinavian folk-inspired piano pieces to virtuosic Romantic etudes and compelling modern works.

Curtain Up Hits the Road! at The Allen Center
2026-03-29 15:00 - 17:00 | The Allen Center, 35 Webster St, WEST NEWTON, MA, 02465, United States
Cherry Street Music at The Allen Center presents an unforgettable afternoon of fresh, original musical theater! Experience brand-new songs written and performed by the talented students of Berklee College of Music, featuring standout pieces from the winners of Berklee’s annual Curtain Up competition. This wonderful showcase will be hosted by Julius P. Williams, III, Berklee professor and featured artist on Britain’s Got Talent. Be among the first to hear the next generation of musical theater come to life in an intimate, up-close performance you won’t want to miss!

All Newton Music School presents Alex Thomas Faculty Recital- Discovering Grieg
2026-04-04 16:00 - 18:00 | All Newton Music School, 321 Chestnut St, West Newton, MA, 02465, United States
All Newton Music School Piano faculty Alex Thomas invites you to an inspiring concert of Edvard Grieg’s most captivating piano works. From tender lyricism to fiery Nordic passion, each performance captures the essence of Grieg’s genius. Immerse yourself in a concert where artistry and imagery blend in perfect harmony.

The Allen Center presents A Scottsh Cèilidh
2026-04-04 19:00 - 21:00 | The Allen Center, 35 Webster St, WEST NEWTON, MA, 02465, United States
The Allen Center
April 4, 2026, concert information
Day: Saturday
Date: April 4
Time: 7 pm
Title: A Scottish Ceilidh
Artists: Summer McCall and band
A Scottish Cèilidh is an evening of Gaelic folk music and dance led by caller Summer McCall and
her band. Pronounced “KAY-lee,” a cèilidh is a traditional Scottish (and Irish céilí) social
gathering centered on lively, inclusive group dancing. Guided by a caller who explains each
step, the event welcomes dancers of all ages and experience levels — no prior experience
necessary.
Summer McCall has been an active member of Boston’s Celtic music community since 2019 and is a
regular session musician on fiddle and cello. She serves as the director of the Boston Celtic Music
Festival, presented annually by Club Passim. Her band features Elizabeth Anderson

Lydian String Quartet at The Allen Center
2026-04-10 19:30 - 21:00 | The Allen Center, 35 Webster St, WEST NEWTON, MA, 02465, United States
The Naumburg Award-winning Lydian String Quartet, Ensemble in Residence at The Allen Center, will present an evening of exceptional chamber music. The program features Schubert’s Quartettsatz (Quartet Movement) in C minor, D. 703, Lembit Beecher (b. 1980) Juniper and Birch (2024, commissioned by the Lydian String Quartet), and Benjamin Britten’s String Quartet No. 2 (1945). We invite you to join us for this intimate and engaging concert, followed by a reception and an opportunity to meet the artists.

Suzuki School of Newton Presents 40th Anniversary Gala
2026-04-11 18:00 - 21:00 | American Legion Hall, Nonatum, MA
Join the Suzuki School of Newton as they celebrate 40 years of inspiring young musicians, nurturing talent, and sharing the joy of music. An elegant evening of music, fine dining, and celebration awaits commemorating four decades of artistic excellence and dedication. All proceeds benefit SSN’s need-based James Thornblade Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Suzuki School of Newton Grand Ball
2026-04-11 18:00 - 22:00 | Post 440, 295 California St., Newton, M, 02468-1507, United States
We are gearing up for a very exciting event at the Suzuki Grand Ball! Feel free to invite a few friends and alumni! Maybe you can work together with another family and share a table. The more the merrier.
Your invitations should have arrived in your mailboxes yesterday or will arrive today.
We will be honoring Gwendoline Thornblade, our founding director at this event. Please feel free to invite anyone who you think might know her including our former faculty, accompanists, staff, etc.! It will be fun to reconnect. We are also collecting photos which you can share with us at info@suzukinewton.org.
We are also organizing a Bach Double Violin and Vivaldi Double cello–for any alumni who want to brush up on these pieces!
Thank you so much for your support of the Suzuki School of Newton!

Historic Newton presents Naughty Newton at Night: Hamilton's World
2026-04-11 19:00 - 22:00 | Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds, 286 Waverley Ave,, Newton, MA, 02458
Join the historic cocktail party of the year on Saturday, April 11 from 7-10pm at the Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds. The theme for this year will be the smash musical Hamilton.
Enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres while exploring the more scandalous topics of the 18th-century through the life of Alexander Hamilton.
What were the favorite drinks of the day? What did people do for fun? How were topics like sex and pregnancy out of wedlock handled? Were there really rules to dueling?
This event is 21+ only. Wear your favorite cocktail party outfit or a historically-inspired outfit.

Pro Arte presents Signs of Life
2026-04-12 15:00 - 17:00 | Second Church in Newton, 60 Highland St., West Newton, MA, 02465, United States
SIGNS OF LIFE

April 12, 2026

3:00PM

Second Church in Newton

60 Highland St, West Newton, MA 02465, USA

DIRECTIONS

Musical Program

ANTONIN DVOŘÁK Notturno for Strings, Op. 40
DMITRI SHOSTAKOVICH Chamber Symphony, Op.110a.
ADOLFUS HAILSTORK Sonata da Chiesa
EDWARD ELGAR Introduction and Allegro, Op. 47

TICKETS

Conductor Paul Polivnik returns to Pro Arte in April for a powerful program of music for string orchestra. Antonín Dvořák transformed an early Andante religioso for string quartet into the luminous Nocturne. Dmitri Shostakovich’s Chamber Symphony was also originally scored for string quartet, but its later orchestration conveys his personal anguish with even greater intensity. Inspired by Latin liturgical texts, Adolphus Hailstork’s Sonata da Chiesa is a contemporary American take on the 17th-century church sonata. Edward Elgar fashioned his rich Introduction and Allegro after another Baroque form, the concerto grosso, which assigns a solo role to a group of players—in this case, a string quartet.

Boston Landmarks Orchestra presents From the Podium: Who Invented Beethoven?
2026-04-13 19:00 - 20:30 | The Allen Center, 35 Webster St, WEST NEWTON, MA, 02465, United States
Join Boston Landmarks Orchestra for the first installment of From The Podium Talks featuring Music Director Christopher Wilkins.

Long before Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony came knocking, the sinfonia was a modest introduction to operas and theatrical evenings. But over time, it grew into a vehicle for the grandest visions of instrumental music. Join the Maestro on a listening tour to hear how this transformation took shape, culminating in Beethoven’s nine symphonies—works that forever altered the symphonic landscape.
The talk will begin at 7:00 with a reception to follow.
Click here for tickets.
For more information about the orchestra, visit www.landmarksorchestra.org or follow @LandmarksOrch on all social media.

The Allen Center Presents An Uncommon Education
2026-04-16 19:00 - 21:00 | The Allen Center, 35 Webster St, WEST NEWTON, MA, 02465, United States
The Allen Center and Historic Newton present a special screening of An Uncommon Education, a documentary exploring the legacy of Nathaniel T. Allen—right here where his groundbreaking work took place. Learn about Allen’s English and Classical School, a forward-looking program of study at a time when slavery was still the law of the land and women’s suffrage yet a distant goal.

West Newton Cinema presents Bending the Arc: The Journey Continues
2026-04-17 17:00 - 19:30 | West Newton Cinema, 1296 Washington Street, West Newton, MA, 02465, United States
Global Spotlight: Partners in Health
Partners In Health: The Journey Continues
In the 1980s, Dr. Paul Farmer, Dr. Jim Yong Kim, activist Ophelia Dahl, Todd McCormack, and investor Thomas White began a movement that changed global health forever. Treating patients who had been abandoned by the health establishment, they developed through Partners In Health (PIH) a community health model that saved millions of lives in the developing world. Their fight became a global battle in the highest halls of power for the right to health for all. Join PIH co-founder Todd McCormack, their CEO Sheila Davis, and Dr. Anatole Manzi to learn the challenges and opportunities for global health now and in the future. This event will begin at 5 pm with a pre-screening reception with PIH representatives. At 5:30 pm, we will screen Bending the Arc, the riveting documentary that shows how moral imagination, strategy, and sheer force of will can change the trajectory of the world. After the screening, our panelists will discuss the film and their work followed by an audience Q&A.
PANELISTS:
DR. SHEILA DAVIS
Dr. Sheila Davis is Chief Executive Officer of Partners In Health (PIH), where she previously
served as Chief of Clinical Operations and Chief Nursing Officer, overseeing global clinical and operational programs. She led PIH’s response to the 2014 West Africa Ebola epidemic and has spent more than two decades advancing global health, HIV/AIDS care, and nursing leadership worldwide. A nationally recognized speaker and Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, she holds doctoral and graduate nursing degrees from the MGH Institute of Health Professions.
TODD MCCORMACK
Todd McCormack is a co-founder of Partners In Health and has supported the organization
since meeting Paul Farmer at Duke University in 1978. He serves on PIH’s Board of Trustees
and Board of Directors, where he focuses on stewarding partnerships and mobilizing resources to advance the organization’s mission, and chairs the Governance and Nominating Committee. A Senior Corporate Vice President at IMG, he has been a pioneer in digital media strategy and continues to advise and invest in emerging media ventures.
DR. ANATOLE MANZI
Dr. Anatole Manzi is a global health leader advancing equity and excellence in healthcare
delivery and serves as Cluster Lead for Capacity Strengthening & Professional Development at the University of Global Health Equity’s LEAP Center. He previously served as Deputy Chief Medical Officer at Partners In Health, leading multi-country strategies to improve clinical quality and care systems. Born and raised in Rwanda, he holds academic appointments at Harvard Medical School, the University of Global Health Equity, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, grounding his work in social justice and accompaniment.

Newton Theatre Company Presents Oh To Be Pure Again
2026-04-17 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-04-18 14:00 - 16:00 | St. John’s Episcopal Church, 297 Lowell Ave, Newton, MA, 02460, United States
Newton Theatre Company presents Oh To Be Pure Again, winner of the Gene Gabriel Moore Playwriting Award, at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Newtonville. This tender ode to female desire, submission, rebellion, and growing up in a religious culture centered on purity comedically captures many niche Bible camp experiences and archetypes.

Director's Spotlight: Age Group Winner
2026-04-18 19:00 - 21:30 | West Newton Cinema, 1296 Washington Street, West Newton, MA, 02465, United States
In 1980 Jay Helgerson shocked the world, becoming the first person to run a marathon a week for a year – each race completed in under three hours. For the last ten years, his daughter, filmmaker Alexandra Helgerson, followed him with a camera in order to understand the eccentric man who raised her. What she gets are his projected anxieties, his struggles with physical age and emotional distress, all while he endlessly trains for the Boston Marathon. But as Jay trains, the film is nearly derailed by Alexandra’s encounter with a life threatening illness. Ultimately, AGE GROUP WINNER is an affirmation of the will to live.
Join us after the film for a discussion with the filmmakers:
Alexandra Helgerson is a filmmaker, actor and musician. She graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, where she played basketball her freshman year. After working in publishing in New York City, she began a career in acting. Notable roles include Viola and Rosaline for the American Shakespeare Center, Vivien in VIVIEN, and Brynne in the horror-comedy HAPPY ENDING. AGE GROUP WINNER, a ten year in the making cinema-verité documentary about her world record setting, marathon running father, is her directorial debut. A recent survivor of sarcoma, Helgerson chronicles her experiences of love, loss, and desire on her debut album Halcyon Days, to be released in the summer of 2026.
Jay Helgerson was born in Wichita, KS and served in the U.S. Marine Corps before earning a degree in History at the University of California, Berkeley. In 1980 he became the first person in the world to run 52 marathons in one year, each in under 3 hours. His feat earned him a place in the Guiness Book of World Records. He trains daily in Portland’s Forest Park, and at age 71 will run his 20th Boston Marathon in April of 2026. When not running, Jay enjoys eating pizza, reading the news, and talking pop culture, mostly with his three daughters and two granddaughters.
