1987–1988 Festival Series
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Richard Stoltzman
Saturday, September 26, 1987
Join Grammy award-winning clarinetist Richard Stoltzman, hailed by Time Magazine, The New York Times and Downbeat as one of today’s most remarkable instrumentalists and the versatile pianist/bassoonist/composer Bill Douglas, as they inaugurate the 1987–88 Festival Series in a program the Washington Post calls “Out of this World!” Performing works from Bach, Brahms and Debussy to jazz improvisation, be-bop and pop, Stoltzman and Douglas “play what they want to play for reasons of sheer pleasure,” and the result is fascinating and delightful. Don’t miss this exceptional beginning to a dazzling season!
Theater Chamber Players of the Kennedy Center
Thursday, October 22, 1987
Share in a program of music that stimulates the imagination as the Theater Chamber Players of Kennedy Center join in the celebration of the 8th Annual New Music Festival. Presenting the best of the old, the brightest of the new and always exploring the unexplored, the players delight in performing programs of new music in the company of music of other periods. Formed in 1968 by Leon Fleisher and Dina Koston, the ensemble’s roster includes internationally renowned instrumentalists and singers. This group of extraordinary musicians combines unusual programming with performance of exceptional musicality. This promises to be an evening you’ll long remember.
The Waverly Consort
in “The Christmas Story”
Friday, December 4, 1987
Premiered at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1980 and recorded on CBS Masterworks, The Waverly Consort’s The Christmas Story is a holiday production based on some of the most important medieval manuscripts detailing the story of Christmas. In the timeless tradition of the medieval church dramas and mystery plays, the consort enacts the message of the archangel Gabriel, the journey of the Magi, the scene at the manger in Bethlehem, and the intrigue of Herod and his court. Kobacker Hall will be aglow with the “spirit of Christmas past” as we celebrate this glorious season in drama and song with the legendary Waverly Consort.
Modern Jazz Quartet
Tuesday, February 23, 1988
With over 30 years of playing together and more than 30 albums to their credit, the Modern Jazz Quratet: John Lewis, Milt Jackson, Connie Kay and Percy Heath, are truly the Aristocrats of Jazz! Pioneers of the jazz ensemble crossover into the classical concert hall, these dynamic artists will provide an exciting evening of entertainment. Their unique style and sound “not only represents a lofty standard musically, but projects an image of the highest class within and beyond the jazz world.” Delight in the swinging sounds of the MJQ as they join the Festival Series’ distinguished alumni.
Pilobolus Dance Theater
Saturday, April 9, 1988
Described as “six of the most extraordinary people now performing” Pilobolus Dance Theater, the final event of the 1987–88 Festival Series, provides a fantastic finish to the special season. “The mysterious world of Pilobolus exists in the shadowy realm between dance and movement. Borrowing from both but identifying with neither, the dancers flaunt their athleticism at the same time they seem to be rolling in androgynous sensuality.” The intimacy of Kobacker Hall and the magic of Pilobolus…an intoxicating combination!