Throughout South Asia, the Goddess Devi is an important cultural and religious symbol in both Hindu and Buddhist communities. The variety of her forms, both wrathful and peaceful, underscores the dynamic nature of this figure. This lecture examines the roots of the goddess tradition in ancient India and the contemporary aspects of Devi’s worship, addressing issues of gender, power, and authority. Particular attention will be placed on understanding the cultural contexts — religious, philosophical, and political — that motivated the creation of these art objects across the subcontinent by examining key works in the collection of the VMFA.
Archives
Buddhist Art and Pilgrimage
Shortly after the death of Buddha in the 5th century BCE, pilgrimage was promoted as a vital component of Buddhist practice and spiritual development. Subsequently, the art and architecture that developed at these sites have become intrinsic components of Buddhist visual culture. Utilizing objects in the permanent collection at the VMFA, this program examines the use of paintings, sculpture, and the built environment to facilitate Buddhist religious experience in the context of pilgrimage.
Latin American Perspectives
From the ancient to the contemporary, discover the Latin American connection to artworks from VMFA’s collection. Learn how these works were influenced by artists’ perceptions of Central and South America’s social, political, economic, and cultural world, and how these same perspective are relevant today.
World Beat Workshop
The World Beat Workshop, with drummer Robert Jospé and percussionist Kevin Davis, engages students in exploring the diaspora of West African rhythms in the Americas and their influence in current music styles. Using a map, percussion instruments and music charts, this interactive program brings musical, historical, cultural, and geographical information to life with the journey of clave. Join this musical journey from West Africa to Cuba, Trinidad/Tobago, the Dominican Republic, Brazil, and New Orleans, all the while learning about the evolution of dance through the blending of cultures.
The French Perspective
The D’Amore Duo brings together the outstanding young virtuosos: American guitarist William Feasley and Russian oboist Vladimir Lande. In performances marked by the distinct coloring of their contrasting instruments and musical heritage, they play with a musical vitality that sparkles with insight and originality. Winners of the 1990 Baltimore Chamber Music Awards and the 1993 Montpelier Recitalist Competition, The D’Amore Duo is quickly gaining recognition as a popular component of many chamber music series, and their workshops, master classes, and children’s programs are renowned. This ensemble concert features Feasley on the guitars and theorbo, and Lande on the oboe and baroque oboe. This concert includes works by composers including Napoleon Coste, Robert de Vissee, Claude Debussy, Gabriel Faure, Andreas Pfloger, Jean Francaix, and Jacque Ibert.
Michael Jefry Stevens and Friends: What is Jazz?
This introduction to jazz, geared toward non-musicians, involves the music of well-known American jazz composers, such as Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, and Miles Davis, and a historical perspective of the music. The role of various jazz instruments is examined. In addition, discussions of music as a language, and jazz as self-expression, are featured. The workshop can easily be combined with a mini-concert.
Note: For more information contact Jeffrey Allison, Paul Mellon Educator and Statewide Programs Coordinator, VMFA.
Kid Pan Alley
The initial inspiration for Kid Pan Alley came after a successful songwriting residency in Rappahannock County, Virginia. Since that time, Kid Pan Alley has shared the joys of songwriting with children around the country. The organization’s mission is not only to give children a hands-on opportunity to participate in the creative process, but also to help them develop a broader awareness of the world around them, including exposure to pertinent environmental, social, and political issues.
Note: For more information contact Jeffrey Allison, Paul Mellon Educator and Statewide Programs Coordinator, VMFA.
Jazz Concert: Fonda/Stevens Group
Performing together in various ensembles for more than 20 years , this powerful acoustic New York City-based jazz ensemble features the music of bassist Joe Fonda and pianist Michael Jefry Stevens, performing with master percussionist Harvey Sorgen and the brilliant modern jazz trumpet legend Herb Robertson.
Inner Rhythm Educational Program
The Inner Rhythm concert/lecture program explains the blues and standard song forms and performs compositions with the Inner Rhythm Quintet, which illustrates how West African rhythms are incorporated into swing, hip-hop, Afro-Cuban, Afro-Brazilian, and Caribbean styles. Historical, cultural, and geographical information is included as it pertains to the musical concepts presented.
Inner Rhythm
Jazz, Latin, funk, and Afro-pop come together in the Inner Rhythm Band. Groove out with drummer Robert Jospé and Afro-Pop vocalist, percussionist, and dancer Heather Maxwell, Jeff Decker on sax and percussion, Bob Hallahan on keyboards, Randall Pharr on bass, and percussionist Kevin Davis. Inner Rhythm performances can be paired with a lecture program which looks at music through a global lens, guiding audiences with the history of Tribal African music to New Orleans Jazz.