LENOX, Mass. — The Mount, Edith Wharton's Home  announced its 2021 summer programs and events. 

 

Highlights include a variety of outdoor performances, lectures, and the return of the SculptureNow outdoor sculpture exhibit. Additional details on all programs, including advanced registration, can be found at EdithWharon.org.

 

"We knew we wanted to do as much outdoors as possible," said Susan Wissler, executive director at The Mount. "We envisioned different locations throughout the estate as unique performance venues and tried to match the performances to the space, making each site-specific. We will be presenting live music on a newly built stage below the stable, hosting lectures in an open-air tent in the field at the top of the property, and using the entire estate for roving readings and performances." 

 

The Mount is continuing to finalize its season and will be announcing additional programs in the coming weeks, including the return of the in-person Summer Lecture Series and a new music series on Thursday evenings in August. Bird walks and outdoor yoga started in early May and will run through the end of summer.

 

"We are excited to be presenting a full season of programming," said Patricia Pin, public programs director at The Mount. "With the regulations and mandates changing so quickly, we had to be flexible and agile in our planning. I am amazed at what we have put together in such circumstances and look forward to welcoming everyone back on property to our programs."

 

 

2021 SEASON

 

SculptureNow 2021 at The Mount

 

June 1-October 13

 

SculptureNow returns to The Mount with a brand new exhibition of 30 large-scale contemporary sculptures. On Sunday, June 20, there will be an opportunity for visitors to meet and speak with the artists. Monthly artist-led tours will be given July-October.

 

 

The Summer Lecture Series

 

Mondays, July & August at 4:00 PM

 

Tuesdays, July & August at 11:00 AM

 

Members $25, General $30

 

Line up to be announced in early June.

 

 

Concerts in the Dell

 

Thursdays, August 5:00 – 8:00 PM

 

Members $15, General $20, 18 and under free

 

Line up to be announced in early June.

 

StoryWalks at The Mount

 

Monthly

 

Free with reservation

 

 

Close Encounters with Music at The Mount

 

Sunday, June 13, 5:00 PM & 7:00 PM

 

Members $20, General $25, 18 and under free

 

West Side Five, the award-winning New York-based vocal jazz ensemble, brings their  take on jazz standards to The Mount. 

 

 

Banderole with Ian Spencer Bell

 

Wednesday, June 30, Thursday, July 1, & Friday, July 2, 6:30 PM

 

Free with reservation

 

Choreographer and poet Ian Spencer Bell returns to The Mount along with dancers Joshua Tuason and Vanessa Knouse to perform Banderole, a site-specific dance inspired by the architecture of The Mount. Audience members will follow the dance through the grounds and gardens.

 

 

Jazz and Classics for Change

 

Sunday, July 11, 4:00 PM & 6:30 PM

 

Members $20, General $25, 18 and under free

 

Armen Donelian Trio and vocalist Dominique Eade bring their lyrically charged works and distinctive interpretations of well-known Jazz standards to The Mount.

 

 

Poetry for the Birds with Peter Filkins & Sidney Wade

 

Thursday, July 15 at 4:00 PM

 

Free with reservation

 

This afternoon of bird-themed poetry will include original works by Filkins and Wade as well as classic poems by beloved poets such as Elizabeth Bishop, Derek Walcott, Emily Dickinson, and Robinson Jeffers.

 

 

WordxWord Festival at The Mount

 

Tuesday, July 20 – Thursday, July 22

 

Free with reservation

 

It's a three-day spoken word festival! Each evening is a doubleheader starting with Walkin' with WordXWord, in which poets present short pieces in response to works in the 2021 SculptureNow exhibition, followed by poetry and storytelling events. Details to be announced in June.

 

 

True Conversations with Meg Wolitzer & Heidi Pitlor

 

Wednesday, August 4 at 4:00 PM

 

General $20, Members $15

 

A conversation as Heidi Pitlor, editor of The Best American Short Stories, delves  into the writing life of best-selling author Meg Wolitzer.

 

 

Much Ado About Shakespeare

 

Wednesday, August 11, 6:00 PM

 

Free with reservation

This concert will feature texts by William Shakespeare sung by members of Berkshire Opera Festival's cast of Falstaff. Artistic Director Brian Garman will explore how different composers were inspired by the words of the man largely regarded as the greatest writer of the English language.

 

 

True Conversations with Martha Hall Kelly & Heidi Pitlor

 

Tuesday, September 7 at 4:00 PM

 

General $20, Members $15

 

An conversation as Heidi Pitlor, editor of The Best American Short Stories, delves deep into the writing life of best-selling author Martha Hall Kelly.