Become a Friend of the Academy
2018 marks two special anniversaries for the Academy for the Love of Learning, leading us to both reflect on our history and look to the emerging future. This year is the 20th anniversary of the formal establishment of the Academy as an organization. We are also celebrating the centennial of Leonard Bernstein’s birth. Lenny, as Academy Founder and President Aaron Stern knew him, was broadly known as a 20th century musical giant, but he was also integral as a thinking partner with Aaron in the conception of the Academy.
As part of our 20th Anniversary we are excited to announce the formation of the Friends of the Academy, offering an opportunity for deeper engagement with the Academy and its mission. With our new “Friends” connection, you will receive first knowledge and exclusive access to exciting anniversary programs and others that will be announced throughout the year.
The first special event will be held on the evening of April 29th with a special screening of Bernstein’s one act opera Trouble in Tahiti, and a facilitated conversation with Aaron focusing on how this masterpiece relates directly to today’s times. Central to our inquiry will be the question that most occupied Lenny in the last decade of his life, “Don’t we never learn?”, a question still at the heart of the Academy.
Another event will be a grand birthday celebration held here at the Academy on the afternoon of August 25th, Leonard Bernstein’s 100th birthday. We will be celebrating with a concert featuring special works from his repertoire (vocal, orchestral, and solo instrumental), along with stories of his time spent with Lenny and stories of his personhood and musicianship. Charlie Harmon, Lenny’s last musical assistant, will also read from his new book on his time as Bernstein’s assistant.
As an additional “thank you” for your continued support and entering more deeply with us into our mission to awaken the natural love of learning in people of all ages we would like to offer two tickets to the Santa Fe Opera’s performance of Bernstein’s Candide, following his birthday celebration on the evening of August 25th. This benefit will go to the first 10 people who sign up as a Friend. Please contact Laura Pancoast to become a Friend and receive these benefits.
