This September, Academy students arrived on campus for the 48th year of Interlochen Arts academy. At the opening convocation, Jeffrey Kimpton, president of Interlochen Center for the Arts, announced that the theme of the year would be “the artist as revolutionary.” From the earliest known examples of art to the present, artists have been leaders in thought and culture and agents of change. Academic and arts faculty will incorporate this theme into their curricula throughout the year.
The Dance Ensemble will start their year by exploring the concepts that revolutionized the dance world. Their November performance will mark the 100th anniversary of Diaghilev’s Ballet Russes, a groundbreaking piece that combined dance, art and music. The performance will also explore other milestones in the dance world, from Nijinska’s groundbreaking Les Noces to Randy Duncan’s soulful, African-inspired Journey.
In December, the theatre department will present a musical production of A Christmas Carol. The enchanting holiday classic features a beautiful score by composer Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid) who will visit Interlochen and work with theatre students on the production.
In January, Interlochen alumna Carol Janstch will return to campus for master classes and a performance. Jantsch, Principal Tuba with the Philadelphia Orchestra, broke into new territory when she became the first female tuba player in a major symphony orchestra – before she even graduated from college. She will perform John Williams’ Tuba Concerto with the Arts Academy Orchestra.
Read the full text of President Jeffrey Kimpton's Opening Convocation speech >>