Art + Auction From February 2015

February 6, 2015, Kauai, Hawaii: Under a 6000 sq. ft. pavilion, Taj Mahal assembled a score of musicians and members of his red-hot traveling band next to lapping waves of the Pacific. Some were friends from the Hula Blues Band, others, jazz legends who, like himself, are at the top of their game. Two sold-out concerts packed with ecstatic audiences who swayed, danced and rocked out with that sweet, powerful aloha spirit brought yet another wonder. The acoustics of the open tent pitched there next to the ocean, created an extraordinary sound quality. The recordings were terrific! Two CDs are necessary to share the harmony of those events.

Thomas Adès is among the brightest young stars in contemporary composition, and a musician of broad achievement and influence. His complex and appealing music exhibits a flair for drama, humor, and personal expression and is notable for the creative use of instrumental color. Adès was Music Director of Birmingham Contemporary Music Group 1998–2000, Artistic Director of Aldeburgh Festival 1999–2008, and in September 2016 becomes Boston Symphony Orchestra’s first Artistic Partner. His many awards include the 2015 Sonning Prize and the 2000 Grawemeyer Award. He coaches piano and chamber music annually at the International Musicians Seminar.

Expert historian, yet novice rider, Lucy Worsley learns the 17th-century art of horse ballet leading up to a public performance. Along the way, she explores the origins of this peculiar pastime, witnesses spectacular displays abroad and discovers its surprising legacies.