The Choreographer’s Process: Dance and the Dream of Realities, Part 3

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In this series of guest posts, Jason Garcia Ignacio, one of CityDance’s 2014–2015 OnStage Ignite Artists, talks about artwork that inspired him for the Dance and the Dream of Realities performance at the Phillips on Nov. 20. Read Part 1 here and Part 2 here. 

signac_place des lice

Paul Signac, Place des Lices, Saint-Tropez, Opus 242, 1893. Oil on canvas, 25 3/4 x 32 1/4 in. Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh. Acquired through the generosity of the Sarah Mellon Scaife Family. Photograph © 2014 Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh

Paul Signac, Place des Lices, Saint-Tropez, Opus 242 (1893)
In a painting filled with trees, I am most drawn to the person sitting alone on a bench. I want to explore this person’s solitude. In today’s society, where time alone is a luxury, what drives a person to isolate himself?

Cross_The Swan

Henri-Edmond Cross, The Swan, 1893. Oil on canvas, 18 x 10 5/8 in. Private collection, France, Courtesy Galerie de la Présidence, Paris

Henri-Edmond Cross, The Swan (1893)
I can’t help but think how excited this little girl must be as she observes the swan. One of my favorite Filipino folk dances is called “Itik-Itik”—which translates to duck. Though the dance is inspired by the movement of the duck, its endearing quality is a perfect match for ‘The Swan’. I want the audience to feel as the little girl does as she encounters this beautiful creature—bemused and enchanted.

Jason Garcia Ignacio, one of CityDance’s 2014–2015 OnStage Ignite Artists

Salute to Phillips Musicians in the Armed Forces

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military bands post_archival program

(left) Dec 6, 1942 program from the Music Department permanent archives (right) Feb 21, 1943 program from the Music Department permanent archives

In honor of Veteran’s Day this week, the Phillips celebrates military musicians serving in the Army Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps Bands. Nearly 100 performances were held in the Phillips’s Music Room between 1939 and 1945, making Sunday Concerts the longest continually-running series in Washington, DC.

Of the many fine military musicians performing at the Phillips, GRAMMY-winning American pianist Earl Wild (1915–2010) was one. Wild is renowned as one of the greatest pianists and all-around musicians in history, and one Harold Schonberg called Wild a “super-virtuoso in the Horowitz class.”

We are proud to boast several Phillips Camerata musicians who presently serve in the US Marine Corps Band, including violinist Karen Johnson and cellist Charlie Powers. On our 75th season anniversary, we honor the legacy of Armed Services musicians in two concerts during our 2015/2016 season, featuring Navy Sea Chanters and the USMCB string ensemble.

Caroline Mousset, Director of Music

The Choreographer’s Process: Dance and the Dream of Realities, Part 2

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In this series of guest posts, Jason Garcia Ignacio, one of CityDance’s 2014–2015 OnStage Ignite Artists, talks about artwork that inspired him for the Dance and the Dream of Realities performance at the Phillips on Nov. 20. Read Part 1 here. 

Luce_Camaret Moonlight Fishing Boats

Maximilien Luce, Camaret, Moonlight, and Fishing Boats, 1894. Oil on canvas, 28 1/2 x 36 1/4 in. Saint Louis Art Museum, Museum Purchase, Museum Shop Fund, and funds given by Gary Wolff, the Stephen F. Brauer and Camilla T. Brauer Charitable Trust, the Pershing Charitable Trust, the Kate Stamper Wilhite Charitable Foundation, the William Schmidt Charitable Foundation, the John R. Goodall Charitable Trust, Nooter Corporation, Eleanor C. Johnson, Mrs. Winifred Garber, Hunter Engineering, the Joseph H. & Elizabeth E. Bascom Charitable Foundation, the Stephen M. Boyd Fund, Robert Brookings Smith, Irma Haeseler Bequest, BSI Constructors Inc., Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Latzer, Samuel C. Davis Jr., Dr. and Mrs. William H. Danforth, Mr. and Mrs. George Conant, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Cramer, Dr. and Mrs. David M. Kipnis, Mr. and Mrs. John O’Connell, Edith B. Schiele, and donors to the Art Enrichment Fund, 29:1998

Maximilien Luce, Camaret, Moonlight, and Fishing Boats (1894)
The strong, sharp edges of the boats contrasted by the calm, steady water feels like a metaphor for how humanity faces adversity—boldly and head on. Of course all of us face some adversity, but the women in my life truly stand out as they meet their daily struggles with strength and humility. I dedicate this piece to them.

Finch_landscape sunset

Alfred William Finch, Landscape, Sunset, c. 1890. Oil on canvas, 21 1/4 x 26 3/8 in. Turku Art Museum, Finland, Nils Dahlström Collection

Alfred William Finch, Landscape, Sunset (c. 1890)
The rhythm of the complementary colors depicts the love affair between the landscape and the setting sun. It seemed only natural to create a pas de deux.

Jason Garcia Ignacio, one of CityDance’s 2014–2015 OnStage Ignite Artists