ON THE ROAD: End of season thoughts on Tanglewood 2024

The Berkshires Summer is almost over?

www.tanglewood.org

by Shera Cohen

My introduction to the Berkshires was at, what I realize now, is the epicenter: Tanglewood. In fact, I had thought that this region of MA had two wonders going for it: the natural beauty of the landscape, and Tanglewood.

This young thespian in grade school knew nothing about Berkshire Theatre, Williamstown Theatre, or Shakespeare & Company. I omit the rest of the current theatres because they didn’t exist at that time.

To me, the Berkshires is over with the final wave of the conductor’s baton at Tanglewood’s perennial finale; Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, complete with five soloists, the Tanglewood Festival Chorus, and full Boston Symphony Orchestra, all beneath the giant white, acoustically excellent shed. This year's epic performance will be Sunday, August 25, 2024.

The Gift of Music

Through the courtesy of Tanglewood, I recently gifted special friends something that could never be regifted: two tickets to “John Williams’ Film Night” to help them check an item off their Berkshire bucket-list. This specific concert is one of the venue’s top, fill-the-tent, crowd-the-lawn, best sellers. Even without Mr. Williams (unfortunately, ill and recovering from a hospital stay), the draw of movie music always makes for a winning concert.

Comments from my giftees were: the audience reacts to the conductors like they are rock stars, with their mere entrances on to the stage eliciting whoops of delight.The Lawn People are dedicated, many just hunker down in the pouring rain to enjoy the whole evening, layered up in raincoats, ponchos and bucket hats, with no discernible effect on their enthusiasm. Pops concerts automatically include multiple encores. Hmm? Why not include such well-known music in the program listing, especially when everyone knows that the encores are coming.

Violinist Midori

Mementos of the season

I’m a saver… program books and/or ticket stubs from every concert, play, dance, museum, festival, historic home, lecture, etc. since the 1960’s. They fill at least 5 large baskets. Admittedly, I don’t remember all of these events. Yet, among the standouts drumming in my memory include Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana” performed by the BSO and Chorus at Tanglewood.

As of this posting date, Tanglewood’s 2024 Summer is not over, with 25 music events still on its calendar: BSO concerts, Chamber Music, Rehearsals, Talks & Walks, Chorus. concerts, and the Boston Pops.

ON THE ROAD: The Mount, Lots of Talking in the Berkshires 2024

The Mount, Lenox, MA

www.edithwharton.org 

by Shera Cohen

Nearly every performing and visual arts venue in the Berkshires provides the opportunity tolearn about the particular genre’s history, techniques, and personal stories. For me, this was the “Summer of Talks”. I felt, and still do, that I had to spend most of my awake vacation hours watching the part of the art with physical movement: dance, music, theatre. I’ve learned that I can appreciate even more.

Summer Lecture Series

In its 30-years, the Mount (home of prolific author Edith Wharton) has hosted its Summer Lecture Series. On average, one author speaks on his/her book, twice each week. All lectures include Q&A.

With attendance bursting the proverbial seams of the original Barn venue, the series has moved to the grounds under a huge tent. 

Authors of fiction or nonfiction discuss the writing process, research, publishing, and other aspects of making the piece complete.

Oftentimes, the books’ focus is on historical figures. Upcoming are authors: Jonathan Eig, Deborah Cohen, Charlotte Gray, and Brenda Wineapple.

Masters Series

In its second year, author Andre Bernard, former VP of the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation, interviews well-known, much-published authors.

My latest “to do list” now includes reading any Lauren Groff novel. This prolific, young writer juggles writing  at least three books at a time. Groff’s most recent, “The Vaster Wilds,” has consistently received excellent reviews since published in 2023.

This series is an introduction to authors who are favorites of Bernard. I suspect that Groff’s works are as fascinating, colloquial, and unflinching as her personality. Without going into particulars, Groff was not afraid to step on toes in her not-so-subtle comments on the banning of books.

Next up in the series: Rosanne Cash’s “Composed,” Jonathan Alter’s “His Very Best: Jimmy Carter, a Life,” and Michael Pollan’s “This Is Your Mind on  Plants”.

Wharton Revisited Series

For over a century, authors, performers, and artists have been drawn to Edith Wharton’s writing. This latest series of talks explores recent adaptations on the page and for the stage.

The opening talk, titled “The Shadow of a Doubt,” discussed the long-lost, hidden away Wharton play of the same name, written in 1901 and discovered by two scholars in 2016. Director Peter Hinton-Davis and designer HAUI explained the concerns, complexities, and character development in mounting the world premiere at the Shaw Festival in Canada. The audience heard about every nuance and detail of behind-the-scenes work to make this Wharton-penned play into an ultimate production.

Future speakers are: Joan Ross Sorkin, Mariah Fredericks.

It certainly makes sense that Wharton’s home has become the venue for discussions on authors.

ON THE ROAD: Some of my favorite things & other stuff in the Berkshires

by Shera Cohen

Gift Shops, everywhere – Years ago, I wrote an article on performing art, museum, and historic home gift shops. Why? Because I am a souvenir store fanatic. My mug collection can no longer fit in my kitchen. But everyone sells mugs. Unique in variety, quantity, and themes related to the particular venue are: The Mount’s Book/Gift Shoppe, Tanglewood’s Glass House, and Ventfort Hall’s Parlor of period items.

Jacob’s Pillow Visitors Center, Becket – There’s more to the Pillow than dance. Guests can enjoy art shows, videos, talks, displays, and one-shot seminars all free. Films and photos about the Pillow’s founding as well as snippets of dance to take the stage in upcoming weeks are always on display. Suggestion --  arrive early.

Museum Outlets, Pittsfield – Around the corner from Berkshire Museum is this attractive store aesthetically jam-packed with mid-range and unique chachka. It never fails that I don’t purchase a gift for someone and a gift for myself. The store’s primary business is framing book binding images of antique novels. 

Signage, everywhere – Realizing that a huge percentage of Berkshire art lovers reside elsewhere and realizing that the Berkshires is not just one dot on a map (do they still make maps?) but large in geographic land mass, it would be extremely helpful to see more signage. I don’t mean highway signs and arrows, but location markers once near or at the venue. Great Barrington Public Theatre, located on a college campus, is a tough site to navigate.

St. Francis Church Gallery, Lee – I would change the name of this art show/gallery to one less clerical. Yes, the location is an old church, but a whimsical metal sculpture of Jack Benny at the violin stands by the front door. Nearly three-quarters of the art is that of local professionals. The balance are artifacts from Kenya. Annually, the gallery’s owner travels to African to help educate and promote the talents of young people in pursuit of expressing their artforms. Eclectic best describes this venue.

Rehearsals, Tanglewood, Lenox – What once seemed like a secret, has become the best secret that everyone knows – Tanglewood’s Saturday morning rehearsals. Tix are far less expensive, dress is ultra-casual, lots of kids on the lawn, and sometimes the music unexpectedly stops. The reason is that the conductor, with his deft ear, needs to make changes during rehearsal so that the end product is perfection.

Shakespeare & Company’s Outdoor Theatres, and any other outdoor venues, Lenox – One of my least favorite things on the planet are mosquitos, although the Berkshires seems to have been taken over by gnats this year. Patrons at S&Co. tented plays must deal with the elements. As for me, my jewelry of choice are yellow twisty bracelets on each arm. I’m not sure if they are loaded with DEET, but it works. 

Ice Cream, everywhere – I once read that MA is one of the highest per capital ice cream devourers’ states. Seems odd, but apparently, we eat the treat in all seasons; even winter. Whether in a cone, a dish, as a sundae, or a drink, downtown Lee, Lenox, and Stockbridge have small stores selling locally churned ice cream. Yummy.

Explore these and more Berkshire destinations at: https://berkshires.org

ON THE ROAD: Berkshires Summer Vacation 2024 or, what to do in 5 straight days at 90+ degrees

by Shera Cohen

Each day predicted rainfall was over 60% with strong winds, thunderstorms, lasting for hours, even potential hail. Not that I’m complaining that none of this did occur, although it might have given a bit of reprieve from the heat. But then, I had no choice but to manipulate my plans and try to be spontaneous – yes, an oxymoron. 

The following were the “go to” and “stay home” programs on my “How I Spent [part of] My Summer Vacation” agenda.

"Mornix"

Jacob’s Pillow, Becket www.jacobspillow.org – I won’t pretend to be a connoisseur of dance.
Yet it’s a pleasure to learn about art genres that are not my bailiwick, while explaining to readers that, perhaps like them, I know what I like and no more. One professional, international dance company takes the Ted Shawn Stage for a week. Good to know: the barn-like theatre has AC. In many cases, young girls fill the seats; wannabee dancers. It’s obvious that they love the programs.

Since the horrible fire of a few years ago which destroyed the Pillow’s second stage, JP’s summer program is atypical, yet it works. The Pillow utilizes its Outside Stage more often than ever to showcase numerous smaller dance companies or individual artists proving their talents for one-shot gigs. What an excellent opportunity for many who might not have had on a stage, let alone the prestigious JP stage.

Switzerland’s Ballet du Grand Theatre de Geneve has been prominent throughout Europe for over 60-years. The term “ballet” seemed to be a misnomer, as the three pieces were not indicative of my expectations. “Noetic” created full-company modern dance tableau images. “Faun,” developed a growing love story between a male and female faun. Not that the Each dancer’s nuance from head to toe transformed themselves into two lovely animals. The final piece, “Strong,” was the epitome of a 40-minute flawless program of mesmerizing, synchronized movements; a nonstop performance that required incredible strength, focus, and stamina.

Argentina-based Social Tango Project combined equal parts: dance, live music, still images, and video documentary. This genre of dance brings tango to the concert stage in a way that audiences have not seen before. The dancers had been primarily based in Argentina. The essence of the South American culture is at the core of “the project”. 

Fragile Beauty Exhibit

Clark Art Institute, Williamstown – www.clarkart.edu/museum From various readings, I believe that Clark is considered one of the finest museums in the country. I am thrilled that this large, multi-faceted building which is home to the “A List of Artists” of the past two centuries is here in MA, and a “must” on my Berkshires vacation calendar. Only by coincidence on my part, did we visit Clark on opening day of the Edgar Degas exhibit (through 10/6/24). This artist’s name is synonymous, along with that of others, with Impressionism.

The large billboard signs depicting Degas throughout the Berkshires are, however, a bit of a misnomer. I was mistaken that Clark had mounted a Degas exhibit of many of the artist’s genres; these were works on paper only, such as sketches and essentially first drafts.

The star of Clark’s 150th Anniversary of the First Impressionist Exhibition (through 10/14/24) is Guillaume Lethiere. Who? This man, whose skills to my untrained artistic eye, are equal to those whose names we all recognize. At least one-half of the Clark Center’s lower level is devoted to Lethiere as well as his followers in the same era; late-18th/early 19th centuries. 

Usually, I pace myself too quickly when viewing galleries. I do not give the artist his due. Yet, Lethiere’s images and accompanying stories alongside grabbed me, in a sense, as if he would say, “Hey, 21st century woman, I realize that my name isn’t Cassatt, Renoir, or Manet, but I’m damn good. Just take a look.”

Shakespeare & Company, Lenox – www.shakespeare.org If you like, or even love, the Bard, this is a must. If you like (primarily) contemporary theatre, S&Co. is still a must. “A Body of Water” is a contemporary play about a senior couple and a young woman who invades their privacy. The Roman Theatre is a snug alcove adjacent to one of the property’s buildings. The site is intimate, sound is flawless, yet mosquitos are aplenty. Spray and/or a bug bracelet will pretty much cure that problem. See review.

Back home, South Lee – Scrabble. We play a mean game. Suggestions: bring a game or book, watch HBO, or all 3. 

Great Barrington Public Theater, Great Barrington - www.GreatBarringtonPublicTheater.org GBPT is a relatively new group, located on the campus of Simon’s Rock.  I couldn’t have written a better review of “Survival of the Unfit,” a drama/comedy than that of In the Spotlight’s reviewer. One important suggestion: this is a college campus with many buildings, we spent a half-hour to find the theatre. SIGNAGE please. 

Mass MoCa, Williamstown – www.massmoca.org While looking forward to the Plastic Bag avant guard exhibit we couldn’t fit in the time; this unique static show is featured hand-in-hand with a movie specific for the exhibit. Just because I missed it, doesn’t mean you have to. 

Emanuel Ax

Tanglewood, Lenox – www.bso.org/tanglewood The coolest day in July, at 78 degrees, was ideal for a trip to the best-known attraction in the Berkshires. Many don’t realize that Saturday mornings offer music on the pristine acreage of Tanglewood. All rehearsals are open, whether sitting in the shed or on the lawn, for the BSO musicians to prep for Sunday afternoon’s concert. In most cases, the schedule is performed in its entirety with a few notes to artists from conductor Andris Nelsons. Those onstage are dressed in casual summer wear, as is the audience.

The program’s highlight was pure excellence to listen to pianist Emanuel Ax play Beethoven’s  Piano Concerto No. 3 in C. minor. Opus 37. Not being familiar with the music, my focus was on Ax, who always appears to be one of the unassuming geniuses of this era.

Richard Strauss’ sprach Zirathustra, a very long, powerful symphonic poem for full orchestra seemed to reach the sound panels of the shed to ricochet throughout the tent. This could be wrong, but quick research on my part implies that composer Gustov Holst borrowed some sections of Zirathustra for his own The Planets. Even later still John Williams used several portions of this same music. I was convinced that I was listening to Star Wars. I googled to check if all this borrowing was legal and kosher. Yes. 

Back home – More Scrabble. By this point it was nearly 100 degrees; even too hot to walk to the pool.

Don Quixote at TurnPark

TurnPark, West Stockbridge – www.turnpark.com Not so long ago, I visited TurnPark the year it opened. There wasn’t much to see, except huge, whimsical sculptures of Einstein and Don Quixote. Both still reside on the boulders and shrubbery of the large expanses of land. The owners are a Ukrainian family from who traveled through Russia, Europe, and finally the U.S. to pick the exact location they wanted for their sculpture showcase. By chance, TurnPark’s address is Moscow Road. New this summer is “Lost and Found,” a series of homes for gnomes; sweet, charming, and small. Hikers would be especially interested in this art venue.

Back home – Scrabble, yet again. 

--------------

However, yet to come as my Berkshires Vaca continues are the following. 

The Mount, Lenox – www.edithwharton.org The ongoing, amazing, huge sculptures throughout the  acre of Edith Wharton’s home. Plus, a summer of weekly or bi-weekly author talks. I’ll be there at least twice. 

"Boeing" photo by David Dasheill

Barrington Stage Company, Pittsfield – www.barringtonstageco.org Earlier in the summer, I had seen the marvelously entertaining “La Cage aux Folles”. See review here. Next up will be Boeing, Boeing starring 3 of my favorite actors in the Berkshires.

Berkshire Museum, Pittsfield – www.berkshiremuseum.org On my docket for next week is to see three new exhibits: The Wild Indoors paintings, Black Woman as Muse photography, and Imaging Women in the Space age multi-media program. For a relatively small museum, it’s packed with a lot. 

Berkshire Theatre Group, Stockbridge & Pittsfield – www.berkshiretheatregroup.org The week prior to my vaca, I spent 2.5 hours laughing at “Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein”. See review at inthespotlightinc.org. It seems to me that BTG has put a lot of effort in mounting its best season in many years; I want to attend everything! A good mix, more musicals, small plays, and casts of thousands, or less.

On the Road: Thoughts from the Tanglewood Lawn

Celebration of Stephen Sondheim Music

www.bso.org/tanglewood

August 18, 2022

by Erica Schutz

Photo courtesy BSO.ORG/TANGLEWOOD

Upon arrival to Tanglewood's grounds, the parking attendants were warm and kind with big smiles. Getting out of my car, we observed many people serving a kind of tailgate picnic. Others were walking in quite early, as I was. It's rare to experience an all-Stephen Sondheim concert.

Walking straight to the tix booth for directions I observed the press porch. The young attendants pointed the way and made me, what I would call a “hall pass” to bring until I got the real thing. The porch was actually an old grey house surrounded by lovely little hills of grass. Also, the Pepperidge Farm cookies were welcome goodies.

I noticed a father and small son playing frisbee in a large section of the lawns that was unoccupied. They were in matching shirts and having a great time. This is not unusual, as generations mix in joyful activities, pre-concert.

Many parties had set up their lawn seating areas further away from the larger group at the front. Some had basic picnic blanket arrangements, others dined elegantly, defining their areas as if the lawn created small living rooms complete with coffee table, throw pillows, flowers, and candelabra. Everyone appeared well prepared to be comfortable in their own ways.

I chose a central spot on the green closer to the shed and set up my own space. The people around welcomed me and offered to share snacks and wine. I declined but was glad to feel part of the group. I've heard that Tanglewood audience members are a pleasant and generous group. It's true.

I settled in to enjoy my picnic that I had brought and review the lengthy playbill. I was about an hour early, but it seemed as if little time had passed before the bell rang to announce the concert was about to begin. The weather cooperated, and the camaraderie of concert goers was evident. The lights dimmed and the digital screens stopped looping the commercial ads. The live feed of the stage filled the screen, and the applause began for the entering musicians. Even though we couldn’t see the actual stage, the lawn audience, which included me, behaves as if we were in the shed.

Photo courtesy of BSO.ORG/TANGLEWOOD

The music began. It became clear that most people around me were huge fans of Sondheim. Many heads bobbed along to the rhythm and a few danced in their seats. Partway through the first section of the program, an older gent next to me commented to his group that he didn’t know any of the music that he just heard. However, when intermission came, he began humming and singing "A Weekend in the Country" over and over. Apparently, he had been caught by a Sondheim earworm for sure! This lasted through intermission. 

Children of all ages were snuggled on laps, had seats of their own, and I noticed a few had little camp beds set up in wagons, or strollers. There were a few small playpens, too. To my surprise, I never heard crying or fussing the entire night.

The concert was amazing, as to be expected. The audience on the lawn stayed to applaud until the last moment. I was right there with them. We made for the gates together, but there was room for all and only a short wait to cross the street to reach the parking lots.   The environs had a different feeling that night. It could be I was just paying more attention. It was a joyous energy. I found myself singing as I drove, thinking about all the friendly people I had met and the experience we shared together listening to Sondheim. 

ON THE ROAD: Berkshire Highlights, Summer 2022

by Shera Cohen

Jacob's Pillow, Becket, MA

www.jacobspillow.org

We almost missed Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble due to an error on our clock. We made it from Lenox to Becket in record time, arriving just as a young intern musician happened to be parked in a white golf cart. We are finding more and more mini carts on the campuses of numerous performing art venues in the Berkshires. 

Cleo Parker Robinson brought her 14 or so young, accomplished, professional dancers to present modern, folk, ballet, and jazz footwork. Robinson narrated each piece prior to each to performance. In hiring dance troupes for its summer season, the Pillow has nothing but the best. Parker Robinson's company recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.

For those in the dance field, the Pillow offered classes, community workshops, annual art exhibits in the barn, and Pillowtalk; the latter usually given by Pillow dancers or dance historians. Nearly all of these ancillary programs are free.

Shakespeare & Company, Lenox, MA

www.shakespeare.org

"Measure for Measure"

"Hymn" was a study in character of two men who, later in life, discover that they are half-brothers. That was not a spoiler, as this knowledge comes early in the play. Not surprisingly, the men first met at their father's funeral. They are complete opposites in beliefs, demeanor, family issues, and dreams. Director Regge Life, kept the play and the actors' bodies and minds working constantly. Dance and song spoke to camaraderie as well as feigned joy between the brothers. The audience could see the end coming. This was the only way to properly complete the play. 

Two important facts to know about Shakespeare & Company: the campus has many theatres, both indoors and outdoors. Check the location before you go. Also, the venue's title might be confusing since only 50% of the plays are Shakespearian; the balance are relatively new works. 

"Hymn" finished its run  on August 28th. "Measure for Measure" runs through September 18th, and "Golden Leaf Rag Time Blues" will be produced September 23-October 30, 2022.

TurnPark, West Stockbridge

www.turnpark.com

TurnPark, perhaps the newest venue on my Berkshire journey, is a mecca for sculpture. Always on the lookout for new art venues in the Berkshires, two years ago I discovered TurnPark by chance. My Plus 1 friend and I traversed the uneven ground and rocks high and low. It's a hiker's dream location. TurnPark's indoor exhibitions of art and sculpture are often unique. A lovely Russian couple showed us the terrain and the many professional huge sculpture pieces throughout the park. It was happenstance that their 16-acre location was on Moscow Road, West Stockbridge. 

No longer in its infancy, TurnPark has coupled architecture studies, performances in numerous genres, and nature. What was once a marble quarry has been recreated into a sculpture park. A natural rock formation on several layers of the ground looks as if it was already designed as seats in an ancient Roman theatre. TurnPark has grown incredibly since my last visit, hosting performances such as modern dance, stand-up comedy, poetry readings, as well as a Ukraine Fundraiser Event.

TurnPark's current exhibit is "New Works - New Walls," through October 31, 2022.

Norman Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge, MA

www.nrm.org

Illustrating Race through October 22, 2022

"Love is Wise"

The exhibit examines the role of published images in shaping attitudes toward race and culture. Over 300 artworks and objects produced from the late-18th century to today fill five exhibition rooms. The mission of the exhibit is to show the impact on public perception about race in the U.S. The exhibition explores stereotypical racial representations that have been imprinted through mass publication. It culminates with the creative accomplishments of contemporary artists and publishers who have shifted perspectives through the creation of positive, inclusive works of art, emphasizing equity for all.

Divided into three segments, the first is Historical Perspectives, which examines the history of racial stereotypes in illustration. The power of the images shaped opinions of many White Americans not only against African-Americans, but also Native, Asian who did not fit into the norm of the 18th - early 20th centuries.

The second section looks at the Harlem Renaissance through WWII. The study from Jim Crow laws to Black Pride to The Great Depression to NAACP. Oftentimes specially published magazines printed minority issues for all to read. Women became a large and intelligent force to recon with. 

The final selections of art, posters, images, and cartoons focuses on the 1950's to the present, including Civil Rights, racial unrest, emphasis of mass media. Coupled with these derogatory visual statements is the effort of noted illustrators who have worked to push a sense of hope and cultural pride for the next generation.

Note: Some text excerpts from NRM promotional material.

Clark Art Institute, Williamstown, MA

www.clarkart.edu

Rodin in the U.S. through August 18, 2022

Who do you think is the most well-known sculptor of the ages? Probably Auguste Rodin (1840-1917), creator of his famous piece of art -- The Thinker. 

Rodin is considered the most innovative, influential, celebrated, and controversial sculptors of the late 19th/early 20th centuries. For 20 years, he worked for jewelers and masons. He honed his skill as a modeler of clay in other sculptors’ studios, taking evening art classes, and eventually setting up his own studio where he worked from live models. Rodin was interested in expressing human emotion, celebrating classical beauty of real human bodies. Some works expressed sexuality with an unapologetic frankness that was considered scandalous.

Rodin’s way of making sculpture was a blend of traditional and innovative techniques. He began by modeling clay, wax, or plaster to create three-dimensional works. Assistants then used the model to produce a mold, which would be cast in plaster. Rodin could produce multiples and even cut the plaster apart, recombining hands, legs, torsos, and heads to alter a composition, to form a completely new work. 

Surprisingly to me, Rodin never carved marble himself, but hired artisans who executed the carving.  He oversaw every aspect of the transition from clay model or plaster cast to stone. The copies in marble are not identical; the composition remains the same, but details differ, depending on the carver and on the shape of the marble block used.

Note: Some text excerpts from Clark promotion material.

Berkshire Quick-Takes

Artweek Berkshires, https://berkshires.org/artweek-berkshires, throughout the Berkshires, Annual, free events show off works Berkshire artists from 9/15-25.

Berkshire libraries: offer discounted tix to just about everything in the arts; some for residents, some for visitors. 

Berkshire Scenic Railroad, Lenox, www.berkshiretrains.org, takes passengers on a short, fun ride in an antique RR car, starts in Lenox.

Chesterwood

Chesterwood, Stockbridge, www.chesterwood.org, 2022 marks the 100th anniversary of the
 Lincoln Memorial by Daniel Chester French.

HighLawn Dairy, Lee, www.highlawnfarm.com, just up the street from Big Y, are calves, cows & fresh milk. Demos are offered to groups.

The Pillow's Pillowtalk, Becket, www.jacobspillow.org, enjoy free lectures by dancers and dance historians in the rustic Art Gallery Barn.

Red Lion Inn, Stockbridge, www.redlioninn.com, reopened, the ground-floor Lion's Den musicians perform for the local & guests. 

Tanglewood, Lenox, www.bso.org/tanglewood, evening concerts are now essentially bugless. I don't know what changed, but I'm happy. 

Williams College Art Museum, Williamstown, https://artmuseum.williams.edu, amazing college facility, free, open all year to the general public.

ON THE ROAD: Boston Symphony Orchestra, "A Week at Tanglewood"

Tanglewood, Lenox, MA

www.bso.org

August 19-23, 2022

by Shera Cohen

The numbers told the story of a single week enjoying the music of the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) at Tanglewood. In the Spotlight sent seven of its reviewers to cover five concerts led by four conductors playing the works of eight composers bringing 28 pieces to life. This list omits the dozen+ pieces for "Remembering Stephen Sondheim" and 14+ selections by John Williams in Tanglewood's prestigious honor for the maestro's 90th Birthday Celebration.

Our head Classical Music Reviewer, Michael Moran, has covered each of the concerts in the Recital Series. Over the years, these music events have displayed the talents of world-renowned soloist or ensembles. Pianist Garrick Ohlsson took the Ozawa Hall stage most of the evenings; each concentrating heavily on Brahms. 

The passing of composer Stephen Sondheim this year has left so many memories, particularly his instantly identified style on Broadway. Sondheim's cadre of groundbreaking, distinct contributions of "Follies" and "Company" and organic perfection of shows like "A Little Night Music" and "Sweeney Todd" celebrated the legacy of a true musical luminary. Boston Pops leader Keith Lockhart, along with four vocalists, took his baton as one Sondheim classic flowed into another. (See full review HERE)

It was my turn at the computer, reviewing Tanglewood's John Williams 90th Birthday Celebration. I have attended many of the John Williams concerts, whether Mr. Williams is conducting his own music and/or music of other composers. This was the first time for me to see this master composure/conductor not lift a finger, that is until the finale of the concert. A beautiful evening for an extraordinary show, was complete with guest video salutes from Steven Spielberg, and others, and a chronological documentary of John Williams life. Every season Tanglewood schedules at least one "must see". This was it. [See full review HERE) 

Over the decades, I have encouraged several friends and acquaintances who think that they don't like Classical music to have a taste; return if they appreciate the program, decide to occasionally take another bite, or never return. For those in the latter category, so be it. I tried. The best way to sample the experience of Tanglewood, the sounds of dozens of professional musicians at their instruments, and the grandeur of the landscape is to attend a Saturday rehearsal at 10:30am (9:30am to hear the pre-rehearsal talk). Rehearsals are less expensive than the "real concert," whether you sit on the lawn or in the Shed. The musicians are dressed just as casually as the audience members. Oftentimes, the music piece is rehearsed straight through, and only afterward does the conductor point out corrections to perfect. Other times, the conductor starts and stops several times. Remember, this is a rehearsal for the musicians to "get it right". I find the start and stop method extremely educational. Although, I admit that I never hear errors.

Saturday rehearsals prepare the musicians for Sunday afternoon performances. The grounds are also open on Thursday and Friday mornings for rehearsals. Just walk in and sit on the lawn. On these mornings, usually rehearsals of Friday night's 8pm concert takes place. Recommend calling ahead.

Photo Courtesy of Itzhak Perlman Images

Nearly every Saturday evening and/or Sunday afternoon performance features a special guest(s) either at the podium or seated with instrument in hand or both. The glorious sounds from violinist Itzhak Perlman were on the bill. I can't believe that I just now typed that sentence. Perlman's name is synonymous with violin, of course. However, I was not familiar with German conductor Max Bruch. Perlman's interpretation of Bruch's Violin Concerto in G minor was tender and loving. I would have been happy listening for hours.

On the Road: The Mount, “SculptureNow” Finds its Way Home

The Mount, Lenox, MA

www.sculpturenow.org

www.edithwharton.org

exhibit through October 19, 2022

Cecilia by Robin Tost

From a curtained bedroom window, looking out over the landscape of her home -- the pristine cut grass and shrubs, the square-shaped garden with fountain in the center, the little brook connecting one side of the dirt walkway to the other -- there is no doubt that author Edith Wharton found joy in what she viewed. Wharton, author of countless novels, short stories, poetry, and journals, titled her home "The Mount".

Photographs show that the large white mansion, horse carriage barn, and land looked just as it did 100+ years ago. The Mount has also been the home of SculptureNow for the past 10 years. I have no doubt that Mrs. Wharton would welcome the sculptors with their enormous-scale pieces of ingenuity, perhaps sometimes with a quizzical look. These 30 art structures, each developed by a different professional artist, have found their way to The Mount for the next four months.

SculptureNow is a high-end exhibit. After some years trying to find its way in the process of selecting the perfect location in the Berkshires, The Mount and SculptureNow became an ideal match.

To carefully situate the sculptures throughout the property, it likely took the knowledge of an architect, arborist, landscaper, and meteorologist. 

Earth Arch by Joe Chirchirillo

These 30 giant pieces of art had to be distanced from each other to consider visitor trailways, types of ground needed to construct on with heed certainly paid to the aesthetics. Per federal rules for historic buildings, such as The Mount, nothing on the property would change. Taking this mandate into consideration, just a few sculptures are placed nearby, but not on, the author's Pet Cemetery. Wharton probably loved her many dogs and buried each on a hill solely for her pets.

Why hire an arborist? So that the materials used in the creation of the sculpture would be conducive to the land, and for practical needs that the art would not sink into the ground.

Why need a meteorologist? So that materials which depended on light and movement of wind were exactly where they should be in order to showcase the art.

Ann Jon, Director of SculptureNow since the endeavor began is justifiably proud of her work, the vetting process, site specific placement of the art, and partnership with the staff at The Mount.

SculptureNow is no ordinary art show. An important part is the make up the Vetting Committee. With hundreds of slides and descriptions sent from throughout the U.S., the selection process is one that is taken extremely seriously. Very few artists are included a second time, unless invited; this way more sculptors are able to be highlighted. Board members from both The Mount and SculptureNow ultimately make the selections.

This year's selected subjects included the usual and expected materials to create these special forms of visual art: i.e. steel, pigment, granite, stone, fabric, wood, bamboo, bronze, and wire. Oftentimes, material has been recycled from other art. The components of some structures were surprising: pine needles, deer & cow bones, hypertufa (I had to look this up), and fire, air, water, and prayers.

One aspect differing from those in the past are the small lawn signs with the artist's name and title of piece. As in most shows of this ilk, the cost is stated. Not now. This was a purposeful omission so that visitors would not necessarily see dollar signs first rather than the art itself. The prices are not secret, as they are listed in the SculptureNow map.

Aside from the creativity of building the structures, comes the title. Some are named logically, exactly what they look like; Fainting Couch by artist Sarah Peters, reflects something akin to Cleopatria's lounge, Hugh Lassen's Rhino was hard to miss because of its large chunk of granite chiseled into the shape of the animal. Tomer Ben-Ga's A-Frame Bench was exactly that, yet not for visitor seating.

No singular theme carried through the exhibit; just as each artist is unique, so are their styles
and creations. Our tour guide, SculptureNow Director Ann Jon, has triple duty as curator of the show, installation coordinator, and tour guide. Ours was a special treat, as Ms. Jon zipped us along in a golf for the entire route of 30 enormous structures, describing the piece and artist of each.

One Family by Anthony Garner

It is obvious that Jon's heart is in The Mount's exhibit. I would guess that one of her paramount missions is to show off the work of the 30 expert visual artists to the public. Actually, Jon's has another task, as she is a professional sculptor herself. Jon's work, called Bios44 was a mix of acrylic and mixed media with three sections under domes to represent the past, present, and future. I put a lot of thought into Bios44, although I admit that I didn't quite "get" the symbols, nor did I "get" Michael Cochran's Dublin or Binney Meigs' Ocean Swimmer, and many more. That didn't matter. I studied the domes of Jon's composition and the detail in the others' magical and sometimes mammoth visual art. That was all that I wanted to take in, and that certainly was enough.

The beauty of SculptureNow, with its individual parts and as a whole, underscores work of exemplary sculptors each with different formats and messages to be appreciated by The Mount visitors. SculptureNow and The Mount make for a fine duo. No doubt that Edith Wharton is happy.

On the Road: "What's In Your Wallet?", Crane Museum of Papermaking

"What's In Your Wallet?"
Crane Museum of Papermaking, Dalton, MA
www.cranemuseum.org 
by Shera Cohen

Nearly every person carries a Crane product daily. Hmm, "What's in your wallet?" Maybe a dollar bill? Or a $5.00. A $10. Even a nice crisp $20 from the bank. All, yes ALL, paper currency manufactured in the United States emanates from Crane in Dalton. Many years ago, the Federal government issued a bid competition to seek out the company that would manufacture the paper used for US currency.  After a few years of try-outs from other corporations, Crane was selected, receiving a monopoly on the manufacturing of this unique paper.

I had never heard of Dalton, MA, yet it is one of the towns that contribute to the splendid tapestry of places that makes up the Berkshires. Approximately 17 minutes from Stockbridge, Crane Museum of Papermaking is the landmark tourist attraction in this small hamlet. Not only a draw for visitors, it is a working mill, still with active employees, which started in 1844. Entrepreneurs Zenas Marshall and James Brewer Crane purchased the mill in 1844, following the retirement of the pioneer papermaker Zenas Crane.

The mission of the Crane Museum of Papermaking is to collect, care for, and exhibit the history of Crane Currency in order to create an entertaining and educational experience of Crane Currency’s unique story, as well as the art and science of papermaking with a special focus on currency paper and anti-counterfeiting technologies.

The Museum opened in 1930 after an extensive renovation, making it one of the oldest corporate museums in the country.  The grounds were designed by the F.L and J.C Olmsted firm. Exhibits in the Museum trace the 250-year history of Crane papermaking from The Liberty Paper Mill in Milton, MA., which operated from 1770 to 1793, to the present. 

The Liberty Mill was indeed a cradle of the American Revolution, serving such revolutionary luminaries as Paul Revere, Henry Knox, John Hancock and a host of others responsible for today’s freedom.

Crane has continuously supplied banknote paper for U.S. currency. Anti-counterfeiting technologies have been developed, updated and implemented by Crane since 1844. The Museum was expanded in 2001 as part of the company’s bicentennial celebration, and again in 2014 to accommodate corporate archives and create an area for hands-on papermaking and paper arts. The museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Collaborations in the Berkshires: Where Genres & Geography Mix

by Shera Cohen

Summer marriages are now aplenty, especially in this post-Covid 19 year. No, these are not the weddings with tiered cakes and champagne, white garters and terrible toasts, chocolate strawberries and baskets of monied envelopes.

Ventford Hall,
photo by Berkshire Light Photography 

I use the words “marriages” and/or “weddings” to indicate, for the purpose of this article, true meaningful collaborations that become long or short-term connections. Summer, 2021 is no longer a time for art venues and individuals to continue the “me, me, me” isolationist mantra of survival of the fittest. Making things worse is the competition for: audiences, media space, big name stars, venues, and calendar dates. It seems that the paramount need for arts is the search for dollars. No surprise: there is not enough to go around, or even attempt to fulfill the obligations intended by donors, and anticipated by venues, in pre-pandemic 2019.

Who better to use as an example than myself? While not representing any particular class or color, economic or geographic distinction between me and the thousands of strangers who I see in the Berkshires, my guess that our common denominator is love of culture and arts. In the case of the Berkshires, these enriching experiences within a 45-mile radius of each other, not to mention encompassed by and set among the great natural landscape, are the epitome of the planet’s creation.

Some coupling was created during the height of the Pandemic and its continuation seems natural. The “ah-ha” moment. Why didn’t they think of that before? Like genres came together: music with music, theatre with theatre. Not a novel idea. Dance brought visual art, poetry, and youth theatre together where everyone is invited to participate. Hand-in-hand, the leaders of performing art venues in particular, put their heads together, rolled up their sleeves, and stood firm, facing the ravage and aftermath of Covid 19. It wasn’t just the art agencies that worked together physically and monetarily, but their boards and audiences did as well. The sounds of music, stomps of dancing feet, and hammering of sculpture were silent for over one year. The media responded; and patrons, many of whom never considered the opportunity to make meaningful donations, did so.

Having vacationed and written about the Berkshires for the past 25 years, I realized that in addition to like genres, location was a primary link. In the early years of my vacations my goal was to attend at least three activities each day.

What took me so long to realize was that within the matter of approximately 10 minutes, driving on only one street, we could hit the highlights of:

• Stockbridge; i.e. Red Lion Inn’s lunch on the porch rocking chairs
• to Berkshire Botanical Gardens at full bloom
• to Chesterwood’s home and sculpture of Daniel Chester French
• to the home of America’s paramount painter Normal Rockwell Museum

The return trip, off the same central road, took us to the Shrine of Divine Mercy, and Stockbridge Cemetery. This totals seven “must see” activities, all positioned in the heart of Stockbridge. Promotion of location, distance, and rest stops in this one small town could help all of these neighbors and visitors. 

photo courtesy Stockbridge Chamber 

The experience of being open-minded to examining and appreciating an art form, other than your personal favorite, is important. Who knows, there have been surprises for me and surely many others. The Stockbridge Chamber of Commerce is a good place to start: https://stockbridgechamber.org/things-to-do/whats-happening-here/. The same could be said about any town in the Berkshires. Let’s all get together in this natural collaboration. https://berkshires.org

THIS ARTICLE ON SUMMER IN THE BERKSHIRES CONTINUES AS WE EXPLORE "THERE’S MORE ART THAN WHAT YOU SEE ON THE SURFACE"

Collaborations in the Berkshires: There's More Art than What You See on the Surface

by Shera Cohen

This is the second part of a series on Summer in the Berkshires 2021. The first part can be read here: "Where Genres & Geography Mix"

Many of these venues double and triple as showcases for experiences historic, cultural, and artistic. This is all about collaboration. Examples are abundant; here are just some.

Arrowhead’s vista of mountain ranges is, not so coincidentally, the shape and likeness of a whale. In addition, Herman Melville’s home doubles as the site of Berkshire Historical Society.

www.mobydick.org

Berkshire Museum is the site of underwater mysteries in the Berkshire Aquarium, in a room solely devoted to sea life. Adjacent to the aquarium, the Little Cinema’s summer-long series of current independent films provides movies and documentaries that are difficult to find elsewhere.

https://berkshiremuseum.org

Chesterwood has been permanently designated as one of the well-respected sites in the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and several years ago partnered with Sculpture Now. What better location for modern sculpture to stand side-by-side with the Lincoln Memorial. This year, the Art School of the Berkshires joined the party.

www.chesterwood.org

photo by Rebekah Vesey Studio

Personal kudos to Hancock Shaker Village and Chester Theatre. Out of the lonely Pandemic came a marriage of equals; each a different genre which, at first, seem atypical. The small, old town hall building converted into a theatre in Chester simply could not accommodate the important spacing restrictions required for this summer. I don’t know who proposed to whom but it was decided to erect a tent with staging and seating on the grounds of the Village for Chester’s unique, primarily new plays. Audiences can not only patronize the theatre, but the village as well. Don’t be surprised to see sheep and cows en route to the box office. A shout out to these unique partners in what will hopefully be a successful summer.

https://hancockshakervillage.org and http://chestertheatre.org

Jacob’s Pillow has faced the worst set-back of any venue in 2020. Its second theatre was ruined in a conflagration that seemed irreparable. Yet, bravo to the management, staff, dancers, and audience which worked to temporarily rebuild, literally from the ashes. At the same time, the Pillow collaborated with film makers, visual artists, and lecturers. Dance continues this summer!

www.jacobspillow.org

Mass MoCa is not just your usual art museum. Its collaborations date back over a century, as this museum grew from the literal bricks and mortar of what had been factories in the northern Berkshires.

https://massmoca.org

The Mount was the home of author Edith Wharton. I am guessing that she would be delighted and overwhelmed that her estate is now abundant with concerts, dance, gardens representing those of Europe, lectures by today’s famous authors, not to mention writing classes, and even yoga groups. She would take special pride in becoming the home of Sculpture Now. For several years (omitting last year’s Covid pandemic), world-renowned sculptors collaborated with the Mount to create an exhibit worthy of awe. The pieces are all for outdoor display. To me, Sculpture Now is a charming window-watching show of art on an enormous scale.

www.edithwharton.org

Shakespeare & Company has spawned numerous indoor and outdoor theatres, collaborating with nature. Who needs the forests of many Shakespeare tales, when the trees surround the stages? By the way, Shakes rents its site in the off months to the smaller but amazing WAM Theatre. Don’t forget the Farmers’ Market, perhaps not unlike those of the 1500’s. Other Shakes co-partners are this summer’s drive-in movies as well as the Berkshire International Film Festival.

www.shakespeare.org

Tanglewood’s pristine campus doubles, triples, and quadruples as the homes of Boston Symphony Orchestra, BUTI Boston University Tanglewood Institute (BUTI), Tanglewood Learning Institute, the Boston Pops Orchestra, Boston Symphony Chamber Music, and forgive me as I unknowingly have forgotten other notable music groups. PS: yoga on the lawn adds to the personal peace of Tanglewood.

www.bso.org

Turn Park’s

photo courtesy Turn Park.com

 creators, a family from Russia, have created a unique outdoor setting for
sculptures by artists throughout the world. Oftentimes, Turn Park works with music and theatre groups for its outdoor programs.

www.turnpark.com

THIS ARTICLE ON SUMMER IN THE BERKSHIRES CONTINUES AS WE OFFER  "SHERA'S BERKSHIRE TIDBITS"

Collaborations in the Berkshires: Shera's Berkshire Tidbits

by Shera Cohen

THIS IS THE THIRD PART OF A SERIES ON SUMMER IN THE BERKSHIRES 2021. 

THE FIRST PART CAN BE READ HERE: "WHERE GENRES & GEOGRAPHY MIX"

As much as theatre is my first love in the arts, I believe that the touch of the leaves of the Lamb’s Ear plant is mesmerizing. Berkshire Botanical Garden’s “ears” grow throughout its many acres. www.berkshirebotanical.org
I doubt if most know the story of Mum Bett, aka Elizabeth Freeman, the Black servant of the
Sedgwick family. She was buried in the midst of the circular family plot of the entire clan. She was certainly among her peers at the Stockbridge Cemetery. The year was 1829. www.nrm.org/2013/10/stockbridge_cemetery_tour/

Unicorn Theatre, BTG

Berkshire Theatre Group has morphed over the decades to become better, bigger, and
brilliant. Starting with one white building just off the main road in Stockbridge, grew to an additional barn-like theatre called the Unicorn. Plays are performed simultaneously, so any patron has his/her choice. As if there wasn’t enough for staff, crew, and actors to accomplish, but the powers that be decided to collaborate with the Colonial in downtown Pittsfield. As I understand it, once a flourishing theatre venue was eventually abandoned to become an auto-repair store. Decades later, along came Berkshire Theatre, added the word “Group” to its marquee and an art lovers’ dream came to be. Once was one, are now three. www.berkshiretheatregroup.org

Ventfort Hall Mansion, other than the lush hotels in the Berkshires, Ventfort offers a delightful step into old London at its weekly tea parties, complete with scones and cucumber sandwiches. https://gildedage.org

Photo courtesy andrewdevries.com

Great Barrington Theatre is the newest art venue among the many. In fact, I received their press release a few days ago. Just when you think there might even be too much to do, there’s one more place to put on your calendar. Many of the “regular Equity actors” who frequent the Berkshires will be there, so here’s another chance to see fine performances. I look forward to going. www.greatbarringtonpublictheater.org

One can just walk in to Sculptor Andrew DeVries’ studio in downtown Lenox. but call first for
his hours. DeVries’ works seem to sprout up like dandelions throughout Stockbridge and other towns. All you need to do is turn your head left or right to see his exquisite, accessible, yet unusual pieces. As for Mr. DeVries, in many ways he is not unlike his work; extremely talented, overly friendly, with a contagious laugh to be heard throughout the Berkshires. https://andrewdevries.com/

THE ARTS BY GENRES

Theatre: Shakespeare & Company, Berkshire Theatre Group, Barrington Stage, Williamstown Theatre, Chester  Theatre, Great Barrington Theatre

Comedy: Mahaiwe, Berkshire Theatre Group, Whitney Center

Famous Homes: Ashley House, Mission House, Bidwell, Crane Museum, Susan B. Anthony, Arrowhead, Naumkeag, Chesterwood, The Mount, Ventfort Hall, Norman Rockwell

Sculpture: The marriage of The Mount and Sculpture Now has stood the test of several years,   Chesterwood, Turn Park, Norman Rockwell Museum

Dance: Jacob’s Pillow, Mahaiwe

Music: Tanglewood, Mahaiwe, Guthrie Center, Closes Encounters with Music, Aston Magna, Berkshire Opera

Museums: Clark Institute, Williams College, Mass MoCa, Berkshire Museum

THIS ARTICLE ON SUMMER IN THE BERKSHIRES CONTINUES AS WE EXPLORE "MAKE YOUR SUMMER JOURNEY EASIER, VISIT BERKSHIRE ARTS TOWN BY TOWN"