Clark Art Hosts Free Outdoor Classical Concert, Family Concert

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WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass.—Over Labor Day weekend, The Knights return to the Clark Art Institute to present two free concerts.
 
The first is an outdoor concert on Saturday, Aug. 30 at 4 pm on the Fernández Terrace. The second is an indoor, family-friendly concert on Sunday, Aug. 31 at noon in the Manton Research Center auditorium. Both performances complement the Clark's "A Room of Her Own: Women Artist-Activists in Britain, 1875–1945" exhibition, which spotlights women artists working in Great Britain who created spaces for themselves and others in a field that was dominated by men.
 
Outdoor Concert
Saturday, Aug. 30, 4 pm
In celebration of the A Room of Her Own exhibition, the orchestra's program includes a work by celebrated British female composer Dame Ethel Smyth and a piece written for and premiered by the acclaimed English female violinist, Marie Hall.
 
Dame Ethel Smyth
Scherzo: Allegro vivace from her Suite in E Major for String Orchestra op. 1a
 
Ralph Vaughan Williams
The Lark Ascending (string arrangement; written for and premiered by Marie Hall)
 
Felix Mendelssohn
Octet for Strings
 
Bring a picnic and your own seating. Rain moves the performance to Aug. 31 at 4 pm.
 
Family Concert
Sunday, Aug. 31, noon
Music lovers of all ages will delight in a family-friendly concert that celebrates world-class music and complements the A Room of Her Own exhibition. In this accessible afternoon performance, children and their parents/grandparents/caregivers discover the limitless imaginative possibilities that exist in classical music. This performance is designed specifically for younger audiences and is intended to provide a fun and engaging introduction to classical music.
 
Based in New York City, The Knights are a collective of musicians dedicated to transforming the orchestral experience and eliminating barriers between audience and music. Led by an open-minded spirit of camaraderie and collaboration, they seek to engage with contemporary culture through vibrant performances that honor the classical tradition and their passion for musical discovery.
 
Both concerts are free. For accessibility concerns, call 413 458 0524. 
 
These performances are presented through the support of the Sea Island Foundation.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

St. Stan's Students Spread Holiday Cheer at Williamstown Commons

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Students from St. Stanislaus Kostka School  in Adams brought the holiday spirit to Williamstown Commons on Thursday, delivering handmade Christmas cards and leading residents in a community caroling session.
 
"It honestly means the world to us because it means the world to them," said nursing home Administrator Alex Fox on Thursday morning. "This made their days. This could have even made their weeks. It could have made their Christmas, seeing the children and interacting with the community."
 
Teacher Kate Mendonca said this is the first year her class has visited the facility, noting that the initiative was driven entirely by the students.
 
"This came from the kids. They said they wanted to create something and give back," Mendonca said. "We want our students involved in the community instead of just reading from a religion book."
 
Preparation for the event began in early December, with students crafting bells to accompany their singing. The handmade cards were completed last week.
 
"It's important for them to know that it's not just about them during Christmas," Mendonca said. "It's about everyone, for sure. I hope that they know they really helped a lot of people today and hopefully it brought joy to the residents here."
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