Drew Hoidal ’29
Arts & Entertainment Editor
On the weekend of Sept. 5, most of the Trinity student body moved back on to campus after a long summer. While some students are abroad growing in alternative learning environments, many have been on campus for a few weeks already, participating in sports and extracurricular activities. Now, with the official move-in concluded over a week ago, the majority of our student body is fully settled back on campus. These first few weeks of September will bring a wave of opportunities for both returning students and freshmen to explore what Trinity has to offer, to reconnect with peers and engage with the arts.
There are many ways for Trinity students to immerse themselves in the facets of campus life. Engaging with the events organized by The Austin Arts Center (AAC), is one way that students can get involved on campus. Recognized for “making, and convening space dedicated to fostering dynamic engagement with arts and ideas across and beyond Trinity’s campus.” This fall, AAC has a series of art related events lined up.
On Friday, Sept. 24, there will be an exhibition—Fellows: Work by Select Alumni of the Studio Arts Postbaccalaureate Fellowship Program—which will showcase the creative achievements of three alumni from Trinity’s studio arts program. The exhibition will include a variety of contemporary art works, which will include video, sculpture, drawing and other mixed media pieces. The Gallery will be open to visitors from Sept. 24 to 30, Monday-Friday, 10:00am-5:00pm, located at the Widener Gallery of the AAC. This event is open to students and the wider Hartford community members.
Another event occurring is the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival. On Saturday, September 26th at 8:00 PM, the Hartford Symphony Orchestra will be performing in the Trinity Chapel, featuring Trinity Director of Chapel Music Christopher Houlihan as a soloist. Students, faculty, family and all community members looking to enjoy a memorable evening of music are all encouraged to attend. Tickets are available on the Trinity website.
As a part of the Trinity Organ Series, there will be a Thursday Lunchtime Series, which will feature Mary-Katherine Fletcher. The event will take place on Thursday, Oct. 1, and it will be held from 12:15-1:15 PM at the Trinity Chapel. The Trinity Organ-Thursday Lunchtime Series showcases artists in recital within the setting of the chapel. Students and faculty are welcome to enjoy a brief 30 minute recital on the first Thursday of each month, offering a midday break to calm down and enjoy the art of live music. During the performances, a complimentary light lunch is available, providing an opportunity to relax, listen and connect with the vibrant campus community.
Following these events is the Warwick Gombeys of Bermuda event on Oct. 8th. Through a lecture, demonstration, and parade, participants can gain insight into the origins and significance of Gombey dance and music, as well as its connections to Native American and Caribbean heritage.
In November, What’s Your Move? a dance show that will be highlighting student and professional chorographic work will take place in Goodwin Theater from the 19th-21st. The show will include choreography from Trinity’s own Rebecca Pappas, Associate Professor of Theater and Dance as well as Michelle Montano, a Professional dancer from right here in Connecticut. What’s Your Move? Also contains a variety of student choreography group and solo pieces, and performances will take place at 7:30pm.
As the academic year begins to unfold, Trinity students are presented with a variety of opportunities to engage with the school community and its surrounding environment. The Austin Arts Center offers a spectrum of ways for students to come together and connect. From art exhibitions that can help with inspiration for aspiring artists, to performances by alumni and external music groups, there are countless ways to explore creativity and deepen your connection to the traditions of Trinity. Whether you’re a first year student, or nearing the end of your time here, attending a concert, exploring art or participating in cultural demonstrations, can help students cultivate a deeper appreciation for diverse perspectives and the community Trinity nurtures.