Cellist Alisa Weilerstein
We miss the mood-swinging musical inflections, the dramatic pauses, the wave upon brilliant wave of sound coming from the stage or an orchestra pit. And we miss approbation in the form of standing ovations, encores and any number of real, live audience reactions to artistic mastery. Washington Performing Arts (washingtonperformingarts.org) has created the next best thing as we kick off the new year: Home Delivery Plus, a variety of paid digital packages featuring international, national and local artists. The service includes performances—both live and newly recorded—companion educational activities and backstage experiences that offer glimpses into the artistic process.
Dizzy Spellz, featuring Sean Jones and Brinae Ali
“We have invited a truly dynamic cohort of creative artists and thinkers to partner with us and engage with our audience,” says Jenny Bilfield, president and CEO of Washington Performing Arts. “We’re all exploring new terrain, both through our performances and educational programs. Our goal has always been to provide a platform where artists can do their best, bravest work, and our plans for Home Delivery Plus amplify that commitment.”
Violinist Joshua Bell
The impressive lineup includes superstar mezzosoprano J’Nai Bridges (premieres March 26); Dizzy Spellz (premieres March 19), featuring trumpeter Sean Jones and dancer and vocalist Brinae Ali; a co-production with Pro Musica Hebraica featuring pianist Evgeny Kissin, cellist Steven Isserlis and violinist Joshua Bell (premieres May 21); and cellist Alisa Weilerstein (premieres May 7), who has graced WPA stages during recitals and Bach solo cello suites, among other configurations. Finally, DC favorite Damien Sneed, a master of genres from jazz to gospel, performs with a group of gifted musicians (premieres April 16). Wynton Marsalis says Sneed “uses his artistry to make the world a better place.” After the year we’ve had, there’s no better musical messenger
Photography by: Dario Acosta; Courtesy of Washington Performing Arts; Richard Ascroft.
