SILER CITY, N.C. — Jordan-Matthews High School students will experience world-class music, theater and dance this academic year entirely free of charge thanks to a grant from Wren Foundation Inc.
The contribution to JMArts, the Jordan-Matthews Arts Foundation, funds three of four events in this year’s Pinnacle of the Arts, an annual series giving students an opportunity to explore the world’s best arts at no charge to students or their families. The Wren Foundation grant also funds another opportunity planned in the spring for about 30 students to attend professional regional theater.
All Pinnacle events include outstanding seating locations, transportation and a meal. Most also provide personal interaction with the artists, who answer questions and provide expert perspective illuminating the artistic work that students are experiencing.
The Wren Foundation grant makes it possible for about 20 Jordan-Matthews artists and faculty at each event to experience these performances:
World-renowned soprano Renée Fleming in recital with “Voice of Nature,” an evening exploring environmental change through music and imagery presented in partnership with the National Geographic Society. Known for opera, concerts, theater and film, Fleming is one of the greatest lyric sopranos — with a lengthy resume that includes the National Medal of Arts, Kennedy Center Honors and 18 Grammy nominations with five wins. She has performed with a wide range of the world’s greatest artists, including Luciano Pavarotti, Sting, Paul Simon, Andrea Bocelli and Dead & Company.
Acclaimed Dorrance Dance presenting their innovative, tap-ballet interpretation of “The Nutcracker Suite.” Formed by renowned dancer and choreographer Michelle Dorrance, a MacArthur Fellow born and raised in Chapel Hill, Dorrance Dance brings together unique artists to preserve the rich tradition of tap and build on its artistic possibilities. Their mission has been a success, with the New York Times proclaiming, “With each performance of Dorrance Dance, tap expands.”
One of history’s greatest musicians, Yo-Yo Ma, with renowned pianist Emanuel Ax in concert. A child prodigy born to Chinese parents in Paris, Ma is widely considered one of the greatest cellists in the history of classical music with a stunning career that includes 20 Grammy Awards, more than 92 albums and a long list of awards worldwide. Just a few include the National Medal of Arts, Presidential Medal of Freedom, Kennedy Center Honors and serving as a United Nations Messenger of Peace. But his career goes well beyond classical music, having appeared frequently on television and collaborating with artists ranging from Carlos Santana and James Taylor to Miley Cyrus and Sting.
The final event in this year’s Pinnacle series is “Wicked,” the Broadway musical in Durham on its North American tour; sponsorships are still available for that performance in April.
Most of the Pinnacle performances include a conversation with performers and other professionals about how the art is created, interpreted and presented. Discussions are already underway to make arrangements for this year’s series.
More about this spring’s regional theater excursion funded by Wren Foundation will be announced when details are final.
“We are delighted that Wren Foundation is again making a significant contribution to arts experiences for JM students,” said JMArts President Rose Pate. “They are a wonderful example of the kind of partnership we believe can broaden the horizons of our entire community.”
Margaret de St. Aubin, president of Wren Foundation, said she was impressed with what will be offered this year. “We are proud to assist in supporting JMArts projects,” she said. “We realize how important exposure to the arts is for our youth, and we want to encourage it whenever we can.”
More information about JMArts — including Pinnacle of the Arts, JMArts Scholars and other events throughout the arts season — is available at JMArts.org.
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