Page 6 - 2018 Art-i-facts Jan-Feb

Wesley Morgan and Maria Kanyova (center) are surrounded by a chorus composed mostly of Florida Southern College students in the Imperial Symphony Orchestra’s 2017
production of I Pagliacci. Morgan, who sang the role of Beppe, is an FSC alumnus. (Photo Cindy Skop/Florida Southern College)
FSC’s Festival of Fine Arts

Collaborates with Arts Organizations By Cary McMullen

“Something there is that doesn’t love a wall, That wants it of Music and Artist-in-Residence Mark Thomsen will be the
down,” wrote Robert Frost, suggesting that nature itself nudges stage director for this year’s production of Puccini’s “Gianni
us to cross boundaries and work together with our neighbors. Schicchi,” and Dr. Elisabeth Gibbs, director of choral studies at
the college, will serve as chorus master, reprising roles they
For years, the Festival of Fine Arts at Florida Southern College have held previously. As with past productions, the opera will
has worked with its artistic neighbors, maintaining partnerships make generous use of FSC voice students in the chorus. The
with some of the finest arts organizations in Polk County, and college has enjoyed a close relationship with the ISO as well by
new arrangements continue to be formed. Those partnerships housing its offices on campus next to Branscomb Auditorium.
are on full display during the Festival’s current season.
In addition, the Festival of Fine Arts has for years featured
In June, Florida Southern and the Polk Museum of Art entered Lakeland’s own Florida Dance Theatre in its annual production
into a permanent affiliation that gives each organization the of Tchaikovsky’s beloved ballet “The Nutcracker.” In December,
benefits of the other’s resources. A new exhibition, which the college and Florida Dance Theatre continued that tradition
opened December 26, showcases the genius of French with crowd-pleasing performances in Branscomb Auditorium.
Impressionist Pierre-Auguste Renoir. “Renoir: Les Études”
will display drypoints, etchings and lithographs based on his The Festival of Fine Arts at FSC is dedicated not only to
drawings. And in March, the renamed Polk Museum of Art offering the community the best of our own talents in theater,
at Florida Southern College will mount a major exhibition of music, dance, and the visual arts, we are also committed to
landscapes from the Hudson River school. strengthening the arts by working side by side with our artistic
neighbors and friends.
On January 20, Florida Southern’s Department of Music
continues its long collaboration with the Imperial Symphony Learn more about FSC's Festival of FIne Arts by
Orchestra in its annual Night at the Opera event. Professor visiting www.flsouthern.edu/ffa

6 Art-i-facts • January-February 2018 • www.polkarts.org