THIS WEEK’S DAILY INSPIRATIONS MAKE MUSIC TOP OF MIND

Canceled concerts inspire new creativity

This week at Northrop I’ve been thinking a lot about our music programs, and our Daily Inspirations have reflected that focus. Whenever a day passes that we would have hosted a concert, we grieve a little. But this week our team used that energy to create some beauty to share with you.

On Sunday, our University Organist Dean Billmeyer sent out an archival recording of the opening work from his first concert on the Northrop pipe organ. It was exactly what many members of our staff needed in that moment, so in commemoration of Dean’s scheduled recital date on Apr 21, our Northrop design team edited together this beautiful video. It includes remarks from Dean in addition to his 1983 recording, accompanied by organ-inspired poetry and some gorgeous photos of the organ (as well as a cameo from yours truly). 

You can also still view the Apr 19 home concert of music and dance from Danny Diamond and Anna Lethert Dance hosted on the Celtic Junction Facebook page. It’s worth the scroll through their timeline to find it! Danny was an original member of the Dublin-based band Slow Moving Clouds, who performed as a part of our Walker Art Center co-presentation of Teac Damsa in November. We’re excited to hear him more often now that he’s based here in the Twin Cities.

Northrop Music on the Plaza artist and fingerpicking guitar phenomenon Tim Sparks provided a YouTube guitar recital for us to enjoy during self-quarantine. For any of you who are wondering, we at Northrop are still at work on reconfiguring our summer concert series. Stay tuned for more info as it develops.

We still want to help you keep moving and stay connected with Northrop dance artists. This week, I’m recommending a playlist of dance and movement classes from Mark Morris Dance Group. For those of you with young ones at home, they also compiled a playlist of classes for children and teens. 

Finally, heading into the weekend, you’ll find online content for days at Ailey All Access from Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. A couple times each week they post a new video playlist with a full-length dance and behind the scenes footage. The site also includes links to videos and diaries their dancers are creating from home, as well as a Revelations workshop and live-streamed online classes.

I hope these links help you stay inspired and engaged during our time apart. I’m sending you warm wishes for strength, peace, and abundance in the coming week.