Great composers have always looked to other great composers for guidance and inspiration. This program, from January 14 until January 17, 2021, features music whose composition was influenced by other masters. American Caroline Shaw, the youngest-ever recipient of the Pulitzer Prize in Music, was inspired to write her 2011 string quartet Entr’acte after hearing a performance of Haydn’s quartet, Op. 77, No. 2. Her captivating, cinematic writing has earned her widespread acclaim as one of the most important young voices in today’s music world. Antonin Dvorak had recently lost his mother when he decided to rework the slow movement from an earlier string quartet into the hypnotic Nocturne in B Major in 1883. Nine years later, Josef Suk, Dvorak's student and future son-in-law, was challenged by his teacher to “lighten up” his melancholy music. Suk responded with the sunny and romantic Serenade for Strings, by far his most popular and enduring work. $10 Streaming Access from January 21 - 26.

Holley Hall, 709 North Tamiami Trail

The warrior Macbeth fights on the side of the King of Scotland, but when a coven of witches prophesy that he shall become king himself, a ruthless ambition drives Macbeth and his wife to horrific acts. Murder makes Macbeth king, and intrigue and butchery are the hallmarks of his brief, doomed reign. The witches make another prediction, which also comes true: Macbeth and his lady lose their lives, and justice is restored. From Royal Opera House, starring Anna Netrebko, Ildebrando D'Arcangelo, Yusif Eyvazov, Francesca Chiejina, Konu Kim, Simon Shibambu, Jonathan Fisher; conducted by Antonio Pappano. Macbeth will play at 1:30pm on December 6, 2020 and will run for 3hr and 20m, including one intermission, sung in Italian with English subtitles.

Sarasota Opera House, 61 North Pineapple Avenue

"Personal Geography represents the connection I feel for my hometown of What Cheer, Iowa. This small town with its boarded-up buildings and a melancholy that permeates the streets holds so many memories of my early life. Although I lived there for only five years, it has a hold on me that’s difficult to explain. Perhaps it’s my inherent need to belong somewhere, perhaps it’s the memories of my family who are no longer alive, or maybe it’s the place itself with its rolling hills, verdant cornfields and own distinct quality of light. More likely it’s my memory of a place where both my father and I were born, where my Grandparents and Great-Grandparents lived nearby. The map of my life extends quite far, I lived in four different states by the time I was 16. But it’s this tiny forgotten town that has a hold on me both temporal and spiritual that I don’t fully understand. Combining family snapshots with photographs I have taken in What Cheer since the 1970’s Personal Geography explores the impermanence of history and memory and the permanence of place." This exhibition is open by appointment only. Please email galleries@ringling.edu to request an appointment. This exhibit began at the Larry R. Thompson Academic Center on October 19, 2020 and will end on December 11, 2020, during museum hours.

Larry R. Thompson Academic Center, 2700 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34234