FAU recently released its 2012-2013 schedule for visual arts, music, theater and dance, from symphonic showcases at the Kaye Auditorium to introspective photography exhibitions at the Wimberly Library. Here’s a look at my top seven FAU picks of the upcoming season, one for nearly every month. Mark your calendars now. For a full schedule of events and activities, visit fauevents.com, fau.edu/music and fau.edu/galleries.
Sept. 30: This is a noteworthy Sunday afternoon for FAU’s Jazz Rats Big Band, which will present a selection of jazz tunes accompanied by two special guests: rising vocal sensation Chloe Dolandis, a talented FAU graduate who has appeared several times on national television; and Larry McKenna, a legendary and versatile jazz saxophonist from Philadelphia who has played and recorded with Tony Bennett, Rosemary Clooney, Frank Sinatra and Woody Herman. Free, with $10 suggested donation.
Dec. 7-9: Billed as “possibly the smallest live performance in the world,” The Icebook is a revolutionary art project from British artists Davy and Kristin McGuire. Combining literature, cinema and theater, the artists enact an epic fairy tale on the miniature scale of a pop-up book, turning the pages to create a three-dimensional narrative with paper and light. Each entrancing, 50-minute performance can only be viewed by a dozen people at a time, inside the Jaffe Center for the Book Arts at the Wimberly Library. $15.
Jan. 19-March 2: One of the highlights of FAU’s art season is the touring exhibition “Papercuts.” It’s a meditation on the art and possibilities of paper cutting, a skill that dates back to sixth century China. The eight artists participating in the international exhibition explore historical, cultural or personal identity through their interplay of light, shadow and their dramatic designs, creating works brimming with both social commentary and structural abstraction. Free.
Feb. 2-6: With five Oscars and 21 Grammys to his credit, John Williams has been composing some of the most memorable film scores of all time since 1958, including this December’s must-anticipated “Lincoln.” In February, thePalm Beach Pops will pay homage to the maestro on what will be his 81stbirthday. Expect to hear familiar, movie-defining music from “Jaws,” “Star Wars,” “Superman,” “Schindler’s List,” “Jurassic Park” and others. $29-$89.
Feb. 15-24: FAU’s theater department will embark on one of its most ambitious productions to date: Peter Schaffer’s “Equus,” a disturbing psychological study about a young man’s uncomfortable relationship with horses. For college theater, this is controversial stuff, containing nudity and suggesting untoward perversions. It’s known for two very demanding performances, from the boy and his psychiatrist, as well as its avant-garde scenic design, complete with mechanical horse heads. $20.
March 3: Klezmer Company Orchestra, the klezmer fusion band formed by maestro Aaron Kula, enters its 16thseason in 2013 with this concert at the Carole and Barry Kaye Auditorium. Titled “2ndAvenue Jazz ‘n Jive,” the concert will feature new arrangements that marry classic Second Avenue Yiddish theater compositions with the sounds of Harlem’s jazz clubs. Once again, Kula looks both to the past and the future in an effort to redefine what klezmer music can be. $18-$43.
May 3-Sept. 27, 2013: During the spring 2012 semester, FAU junior Maria Mor embarked on a unique project that was equal parts sociological inquiry and photography exhibition. Working from the theory that people’s footwear is a window into their souls – or, as she put it in her initial artist statement, an “archive for people’s personalities” – Mor stalked the shoes of FAU students and faculty for a solid month, interviewing her subjects and exploring their brains as well as their decisions for crocs over loafers, high heels over running shoes. The result is the much-anticipated exhibit “The Souls of Our Shoes,” which runs at the Wimberly Library. Free.
