The year 2020 will always be remembered as the the Pandemic, and the government mandated curfew, an economical shut-down of industries and a ban of large group gatherings. Alas, the exploration, creativity, and input of our communities and individuals was unforgettable.
In 2017, The Summer Series at the Mann Center presented A Space Odyssey. Honoring the legacy of Colonel Guion Bluford, Jr. that began with an abstract visual introduction of a cosmic view of space. It celebrated our Universe with a celestial themed program, and it intersects with our modern times. How in 2020, Covid-19 gripped at the throes of humanity as we knew it. Yet, this program that observed the first African American in space, and a World Premiere by Nolan Williams Jr. “Hold Fast to Dreams,” in steadfast time, it’s the collective moment nuance through music, art, and science when our dreams are made visible.
Footage from Bluford’s Space Shuttle missions reminded us of the feats of science and technology in space, while the music, at various points, made hearts leap at the more poetic implications of humans’ moving through the cosmos.
2020
The New Yorker: cartoon submittable
Nearly two years after witnessing the masterpiece which was Les Mis in 2018, it was the precursor to turn show sketches into digital paintings in 2019.
Up Close & Far Away
Symphony Magazine 2020- The Magazine of The League of American Orchestras
“The Philadelphia Orchestra’s March 12 livestreamed concert made no attempt to hide the empty seats, lending an enormous poignancy to the event.“
Yannick addresses the audience,
“This music that we cherish, that we love, that inspires us, has survived hundreds of years of hardship and struggles, I know that soon we are going to be back sharing this music with all of you as a great community, as a joyful event. But as we now share with you virtually, I know it will help us through these strange and difficult times for the entire world, helping us feel together on this beautiful planet Earth.”
