LOOKING at Charleston ©
Looking at Charleston is a unique perspective of the homes, churches, and buildings on the peninsula. Rather than the standard historical tour, it provides a glimpse into how these buildings were built, by whom, and with what purpose in mind. Of particular note is that so many of them were designed by “gentlemen architects” during the period before architects received formal training in the United States. Read more ~>RECOMMENDED
Digital Nation: a PBS video. If you have kids or are yourself knee-deep in email, messaging, cell phone, and computer use, you will benefit from this insightful video about the pervasiveness of technology in our lives. There is no conclusion on the matter, but this video casts light on it and gets you thinking. ~> watch the video
Music
The Piano, Students, and Teaching
AS PROMISED, below is part 2 of our interview with Enrique Graf, Artist in Residence at the College of Charleston, who will be performing next Tuesday night at the Sottile Theatre. The interview speaks for itself, but here are a few more interesting things you might want to know about Enrique’s background. He was born... Read »
Enrique Graf at the Piano
THE INTERNATIONAL PIANO SERIES at the College of Charleston just keeps getting better—largely due to its founder and chief nurturer, Enrique Graf, who will perform next week in the series’ fourth solo concert this year. CharlestonToday sat down recently with Enrique (see the video below) to get more insight into his upcoming concert and... Read »
Landscapes for Music
THIS IS JUST ONE of the stunning photos by Michael Kahn (it’s huge) at Martin Gallery on Broad Street. And the serenity of his work could hardly have been better complemented than by a recent performance in the gallery by Chamber Music Charleston. I had heard four of the five... Read »
A Living, Wine-loving Composer
IN HIS WORDS, Edward Hart “loves to write music and loves to drink wine.” No wonder then that he combined his two loves into a one-of-a-kind wine tasting called Amori Vini (see the video below) to feature some of the wines he enjoys and the compositions he has written about them—three movements entitled Bordeaux,... Read »
Music Medley at Martin Gallery
THERE IS SOMETHING about combining classical music and fine art that brings out the best in both. The syncopation of visual and audio impressions. The mutual sharpening of eye and ear. And simply the elegance of two rich experiences at the same time that enables you to savor the moment in a deeper way. That’s... Read »
Micah Mania
THE EVENING of Wednesday, Feb. 10 started with a buzz of of anticipation. Outside, the sidewalk was overflowing. Inside, the Sottile Theatre was filling to the brim—a first for the International Piano Series this season. On the stage, a solitary grand piano stood passively in front of a large sound board. The much awaited... Read »
Melding Music & Wine
HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT about what red Bordeaux sounds like? Did you know that Madeira was Thomas Jefferson’s favorite wine, or that it was used to toast the signing of The Declaration of Independence? How about a Charleston Madeira party with 6 men and 6 bottles? Ever been to one of those? And speaking... Read »
A Prodigy Among Us
ANY FAN OF THE PERFORMING ARTS is fascinated by a “prodigy”—a word that my dictionary defines as “a person endowed with exceptional qualities or abilities, especially a precocious child.” Close enough, I suppose—but I think the Germans have a better word for it, namely “Wunderkind,” translatable as “wonder-child.” This term implies a miraculous level... Read »
Keyboard Wizardy at The Simmons Center
YOU’LL BE ONE OF THE LUCKY ONES if you catch this article in time to hear Jory Vinikour play harpsichord tonight at the College of Charleston Monday Night Series at the Simmons Center. Jory, who performed at last year’s Bach Festival Charleston (read that review here), will perform two dazzling keyboard works: J. S. Bach’s... Read »
School of the Arts now State-of-the-Art
WALKING PAST the cistern at the College of Charleston, I am struck by the sense of time and place at one of our country’s oldest colleges. Spanish moss hangs from grand oaks that frame the columns and fading pink walls of colonial architecture. It is a scene of southern tradition and charm. As I turn... Read »
