Music at I-House: Then and Now

NEW YORK, Jan. 17, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- International House, a premier residential community dedicated to preparing the next generation of globally-minded leaders, is pleased to present a new music performance series, Music at I-House: Then and Now.

Over four distinctly curated events, the words and music of some the House’s most famous former residents will be celebrated through exciting interpretations by a highly talented roster of current residents from around the world who proudly share the experience and honor of learning through living at the legendary 500 Riverside Drive institution.

Resident performers include graduate students from Juilliard, Manhattan School of Music, and Mannes School of Music, as well as highly talented part-time musicians studying engineering, economics, law, education, and other areas at Columbia, NYU and other area institutions. This exclusive series continues in the strong tradition of cross-cultural collaboration at I-House, an important piece of the resident experience since the first class of residents entered in 1924. This series compliments other longstanding and acclaimed resident performance series including the All Nations Festival and Sunday Suppers.

Tuesday, January 24, 7-9 pm
A Celebration of the Words and Music of Leonard Cohen (Class of ’57)
The legendary Canadian artist was an International House resident while attending Columbia University’s School of General Studies during the 1956-7 academic year. It was at I-House that Cohen met Anne Sherman, a lover who would become the model for Shell in his 1963 novel The Favorite Game, as well as several works of poetry. While he has described his graduate school year as “passion without flesh, love with no climax,” Cohen remained a supporter of International House for many years. Selections include “Suzanne,” “Field Commander Cohen,” “You Got Me Singing” (with verses sung in nine languages), and, of course, “Hallelujah.” Cohen’s signature Red Needle cocktails will be served.

Thursday, February 9, 7-9 pm
The Music and Legacy of Leontyne Price (Class of ’52)
The world renowned diva who became one of the first African Americans to perform in a lead at the Metropolitan Opera was an International House resident while studying at Juilliard. The popular community member worked at the front desk and often gave impromptu recitals on Sunday afternoons in the Main Lounge, where this 2017 series will take place. Ms. Price went on to serve on the International House Board of Trustees for more than 30 years and even gave a benefit concert at the House in 1992 to support resident programs. On the eve of her 90^th birthday, I-House residents will be joined by alumnus and celebrated bass baritone Donovan Singletary (‘10) in a celebration of her music and the spirit they share through the I-House experience. The program will include selections from “Porgy and Bess” and “Aida,” as well as personal favorites like the spiritual “I Will Overcome,” “The Boy Next Door” from “Meet Me in St. Louis,” (which Price enjoyed performing at resident recitals), and Samuel Barber’s “Sure on This Shining Light.” While Ms. Price is not expected to attend this special concert, she has sent her warmest wishes for the residents and alumni participating.

Thursday, March 23, 7-9 pm
A Celebration of Musical Theater
Part of the International House legacy lies in having served as a home to so many artists who went on to find success on Broadway. These notable alumni include legends like Burl Ives (’39), Roscoe Lee Browne (’49), and  Patti LuPone (’69), as well as Irene Sankoff (’02) and David Hein (’03), the creative team behind the new musical “Come From Away,” who lived at I-House during 9/11, an experience that influenced the development of that play. For this concert, residents will celebrate this cherished legacy with performances of works made famous by notable alumni, as well as favorites and original works that capture the values and spirit of the I-House community and experience.

Thursday, April 20
A Tribute to Sakura Sweethearts at I-House
In addition to being a renowned hub for successful cross-cultural learning and collaboration, there are hundreds of great romances that have had their start at International House. These “Sakura Sweethearts,” named for the cherry blossom-lined park that borders the House’s front gates, have been part of life at I-House for generations. They include well known couples like Paul and Daisy Soros, who met at I-House in the 1950s, as well as couples who built lives together despite ethnic, religious or other barriers that may have kept them apart had they met anywhere else. This concert of original compositions and popular romantic tunes chosen by our residents will celebrate the special loves, friendships and relationships that have grown at the House.

Proceeds from all performances support I-House leadership programs and financial aid for deserving residents.

About International House
Founded by the Rockefeller and Dodge families in 1924, International House is a non-profit programmatic and residential center dedicated to fostering the next generation of global leaders. Each year, I-House serves as home to more than 750 carefully selected graduate students and young professionals from 100 countries, representing more than 70 leading universities, businesses, and cultural, non-profit, and government institutions. We provide unrivaled opportunities for residents to learn and thrive through daily interaction in a culturally, politically, and economically diverse community and through programs designed to encourage diversity of thought and experience. I-House is the destination of choice for the best and the brightest of the millennial generation who seek the skills necessary to navigate and lead the conversations that will shape our world. Learn more at www.ihouse-nyc.org.