George Gerswhin and Modern Art—A Rhapsody in Blue exhibition installation
Springtime programming is in full bloom for Artis—Naples, with many exciting highlights in both the visual and performing arts. From the continuation of The Baker Museum’s groundbreaking exhibition George Gershwin and Modern Art: A Rhapsody in Blue to two powerful Naples Philharmonic Masterworks programs, April promises to be a month of lively, robust, and memorable artistic offerings.
Many exciting exhibitions fill out the galleries of The Baker Museum this spring, with George Gershwin and Modern Art providing the first-ever major museum exhibition dedicated to the revolutionary American composer’s passion for the visual arts. Deep Cuts from the Ahmet Ertegün Collection provides a window into the artistic interests of another American music man: Ahmet Ertegün, the founder and former president of Atlantic Records. This exhibition of modern art highlights rarities from well-known artists, plus impressive and lively works from underrepresented creators. And the opening on April 6, Andy Warhol Portfolios: A Life in Pop | Works from the Bank of America Collection presents rare complete portfolios and individual prints by the Pop Art icon. April also marks the conclusion of two striking exhibitions that have been enjoyed by visitors since the fall—Tamara Kostianovsky: Botanical Revolution, closing on April 7, and The Face of Immokalee, closing on April 28.
Turandot The Power of Love James Ehnes | Photo by Benjamin Ealovega
Classical music devotees are in for a treat in April—several, in fact—with multiple Naples Philharmonic programs filling out the month. On April 5-6, Artis—Naples Artistic Partner and violin virtuoso James Ehnes joins guest conductor Robert Spano and the orchestra on a program that includes Saint-Saëns’ spellbindingViolin Concerto No. 3 and Tchaikovsky’s monumental “Pathétique” Symphony. Ehnes and Spano showcase their versatility on April 7 as they join several musicians of the Naples Philharmonic in Daniels Pavilion for a Wang Chamber Music program featuring Brahms’ Violin Sonata No. 3 and Dvořák’s Third String Quintet. Later in the month, the Naples Philharmonic is joined by soprano Georgia Jarman, baritone Hugh Russell, the Naples Philharmonic Chorus, and the FGCU University Choir for a celebration of Czech classical music under the baton of respected Czech conductor Tomáš Netopil on April 18 and 20. Rounding out the month, the orchestra joins Gulfshore Opera for a special presentation of Puccini’s Turandot, in celebration of the opera company’s 10th anniversary, on April 27.
Deep Cuts—Works from the Ahmet Ertegün Collection
Patrons who love to move and groove can enjoy not one, but two of the Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra’s popular All That Jazz concerts in Daniels Pavilion, featuring the crystalline trumpet of Eddie Henderson on April 3 and the impeccable vocals of singer Carla Cook on April 24. Other highlights in Daniels Pavilion include the premier Huey Lewis and the News tribute band, Power of Love, on April 5 and U.K. swing band (first discovered on Britain’s Got Talent) The Jive Aces on April 27. In Hayes Hall, the Artis—Naples Broadway series reaches its culmination on April 9-14 with Academy Award winner Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterwork, To Kill a Mockingbird, starring Emmy-winning actor Richard Thomas in the role of Atticus Finch. Returning to Naples for an evening in recital on April 23, piano superstar Lang Lang performs works by Schubert, Schumann, and Chopin and beyond, continuing in his role as a global ambassador of classical music. And finally, April ends with a bang as rock legends George Thorogood and The Destroyers light up Hayes Hall with their timeless hits, including Bad to the Bone, Move It On Over, I Drink Alone, and many more.
For tickets and further information, please visit artisnaples.org.