 January/February 2000 (XXXVIII 1) |
he Quaker Information Center invites Friends to enjoy a variety of events — music, poetry, history, art — leading up to and including the world premiere of a musical rendition of Quaker poet Daniel Hoffman's book-length poem, Brotherly Love.
Just in time for Pennsylvania Charter Day, The Philadelphia Singers will premiere this commissioned work by composer Ezra Laderman on March 4 and 5. It examines the aspirations and reality of Philadelphia's history from the founding by William Penn to the present. In anticipation of this very special occasion, some of Philadelphia's oldest and best-known cultural organizations have developed programming to create a Brotherly Love Festival. They include the Atwater Kent Museum and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, as well as the Arch Street Meeting House and the Quaker Information Center.
Starting February 23 and concluding with the world premiere weekend March 4 and 5, these institutions will host readings, discussions, and tours that examine William Penn's impact on the history of Philadelphia from artistic, historic, and cultural perspectives. Among the offerings is a tour of Quaker-related sites in the historic district of Philadelphia on the morning of Saturday, March 4, sponsored by the Quaker Information Center, and the on-going exhibit "Quakers and Native Americans" at the Arch Street Meeting House. While open to all, these events may particularly appeal to students, history buffs, devotees of choral music, poetry fans, and others who enjoy learning about the Quaker heritage of Pennsylvania.
The Philadelphia Singers, currently under the direction of David Hayes, is a chorus of professional singers who excel in solo as well as ensemble work. Founded by Michael Korn in 1972, its mission is to present choral music of the highest caliber while offering challenging opportunities to professional singers. For many of us their annual holiday performance of The Messiah is a staple of the winter season.
The book Brotherly Love by Daniel Hoffman of Swarthmore Meeting (PA) has been reprinted by the University of Pennsylvania Press for this festival and may be purchased from the Friends General Conference Bookstore. Phone (215) 561-1700 or (800) 966-4556; e-mail bookstore@fgc.quaker.org. For tickets for the world premiere of Brotherly Love, call PhilaCharge at (215) 893-1999. Group rates are available. Meetings may wish to sponsor group attendance at the Brotherly Love concerts as part of an outreach effort. Consider bringing your family, neighbors, and friends.
Other offerings will be added to the calendar of events (see table below). For more information on Festival events, including study packets and up-to-date calendar of events, contact the Quaker Information Center at (215) 241-7241; e-mail quakerinfo@afsc.org; or check out the QIC web-site: www.afsc.org/qic.htm.
DATES & COSTS LOCATION EVENT DESCRIPTION Through June 1
$1.00 donationArch Street Meeting House
4th and Arch Streets
(215) 627-2667"Quakers and Native Americans," an exhibit that explores the relationship between William Penn's followers and members of the Lenni-Lenape tribes February 23
12:15 PM
Free with Museum admission
Bring or buy lunchPennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Museum Café
Broad & Cherry Streets
(215) 972-7600Art at Lunch — Join us for an examination of Benjamin West's painting, Penn's Treaty with the Indians February 26
Please call for timeAtwater Kent Museum
15 S. 7th Street
(215) 922-3031Poetry Reading — Poet Daniel Hoffman reading from his epic poem Brotherly Love February 29
Please call for time
Free with Museum admissionPennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Gallery
Broad & Cherry Streets
(215) 972-7600Gallery Talk — Glenn Tomlinson, Director of Museum Education, will help visitors explore Benjamin West's painting, Penn's Treaty with the Indians March 1
12:15 PM
Free with Museum admission
Bring or buy lunchPennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Museum Café
Broad & Cherry Streets
(215) 972-7600Art at Lunch — Join Brotherly Love collaborators, composer Ezra Laderman and poet Daniel Hoffman, for a lively discussion on their soon-to-premier work. Moderator: The Philadelphia Singers Music Director David Hayes March 4
9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
$15.00Arch Street Meeting House
4th & Arch Streets
(215) 241-7024Walking Tour in the Historic District, exploring sites prominent in Quaker history — preceded by coffee and donuts March 4
2:00 PM
Free admission to symposium with Museum admission; reception is $15.00Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Hamilton Auditorium
Broad & Cherry Streets
(215) 972-7600Brotherly Love Symposium — Examines the life of William Penn from the point of view of the Quaker community, artists inspired by his legacy, and Native Americans. Moderator: The Philadelphia Singers Music Director David Hayes. 4:00 PM reception follows. March 4
8:00 PM
Tickets: $30.00 and $23.00Independence Seaport Museum
Penn's Landing at Walnut Street
Tickets: (215) 893-1999World premiere of Brotherly Love, presented by The Philadelphia Singers. Music by Ezra Laderman; text by Daniel Hoffman. March 5
3:00 PM
Tickets: $30.00 and $23.00Independence Seaport Museum
Penn's Landing at Walnut Street
Tickets: (215) 893-1999World premiere of Brotherly Love, presented by The Philadelphia Singers. Music by Ezra Laderman; text by Daniel Hoffman
Peggy Morscheck
Central Philadelphia Meeting
Director of Quaker Information Center
Last modified: Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at 08:18 AM