Collaborate and listen: Settlement partners with local arts organizations

The next month at Settlement Music School brings exciting partnerships with other arts and educational organizations: one a new venture, the other an annual tradition.

The performance hour and gallery opening at the Germantown Branch, featured on GoMtAiry.com

Student recitals are scattered throughout the year at all six Settlement branches, but the one held on Sunday, February 24 at the Germantown Branch will be more than a showcase of students' skills. Allens Lane Art Center, a fixture of the arts and culture in the Mt. Airy neighborhood of Northwest Philadelphia, is opening a satellite gallery in the Samuel and Elaine Lieberman Auditorium at the Germantown Branch. Following the recital on February 24, there will be a reception with local artist Vincent DeLeo, whose art will be on display in the auditorium through March 24.
 

Cuatro Celli, with cellist Timothy Eddy of the Orion Quartet (center) and cello faculty Christine Danoff (far right)

The end of that same week brings Settlement's annual collaboration with the Jenkintown-based Metropolitan Ballet Company. The program, "Variations/Collaborations," features Settlement students accompanying the 30-member classical dance company in performances of ballet and modern dance. Featured performers from Settlement include Cuatro Celli, a cello quartet coached by cello faculty Christine Danoff; a piano trio coached by piano faculty and Arthur Judson Distinguished Faculty Chair Sandra Carlock; and solo performers, including Kristal Daniels, voice student of Judith Turano, and faculty member and Mr. and Mrs. Donald Kardon Distinguished Faculty Chair Jean Louise Shook. The program, which was previewed on Philadelphiadance.org's danceJournal blog, will be held Saturday, March 2 at 7 p.m.; tickets are $15.00 and can be purchased online at www.metropolitanballetcompany.org

The creative energies from these artistic collaborations will continue throughout the year, including recitals and certification concerts throughout the spring and Settlement's contribution to the Philadelphia Festival of the Arts on April 13 and 18.