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Emily Dickinson Museum
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Press Release
For Immediate Release
Contact: Donna Abelli
Development and Marketing Manager
413-542-5084
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Emily Dickinson Museum Announces Series of Lectures, a Concert and a Ballet to Showcase Poet's Influence
Debuts in April in Celebration of National Poetry Month
AMHERST, MASS- During this time of change and uncertainty, Americans are looking for a sense of place, stability, and serenity. What better place than at the Emily Dickinson Museum during April, National Poetry Month? The spring program at the Emily Dickinson Museum showcases the continuing influence of Dickinson and her continuing relevance to new generations of writers, artists and composers. Organized as part of The Big Read, an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts designed to restore reading to the center of the American culture, the planned events encourage the whole community to get involved.
Against the backdrop of Amherst history, the new season will see Poetry Foundation President John Barr speak on "The Future of Poetry"; composer and philanthropist Gordon Getty on hand for a concert of his musical composition, "The White Election", inspired by 32 Dickinson poems; performances of the ballet "Emily of Amherst", an original creation of Amherst Ballet; and a course on Emily Dickinson's Poetry 101. There is a program to inform and delight everyone.
"This exciting range of programs demonstrates Dickinson's wide-ranging influence and proves her enduring legacy. It all begins with her words, but they resonate in so many different ways. Thanks to the NEA and the Poetry Foundation, we can present these outstanding programs as we mark the 250th anniversary of Emily Dickinson's beloved Amherst," says Jane H. Wald, executive director of the Emily Dickinson Museum.
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The spring schedule includes the following:
 · The Big Read Opening Event: On Saturday, April 4 at 4 p.m., Poetry Foundation President John Barr will speak on "The Future of Poetry" followed by Marilyn Nelson, past poet laureate of Connecticut reading a selection of favorite poems.**
· Saturday, April 18, "The White Election" by composer and philanthropist Gordon Getty based on 32 Dickinson poems. This performance by soprano Lisa Delan and pianist Kristin Pankonin in Dickinson's church marks the release of a new recording of the work twenty years after the original recording. The composer will be on hand for the performance.
· Tuesdays April 21 and 28, May 5 and 12, "Emily Dickinson's Poetry 101" for those who've always wanted to learn about her poetry and were afraid to ask. (In collaboration with the Jones Library.)
· Wednesdays April 29, May 6 and 13, "Emily Out Loud: Oral Interpretation with Emily Dickinson's Poetry" will open the doors of Dickinson's poetry to young people ages 8 to Young Adult. (In collaboration with the Jones Library.)
· Saturday May 2, "My Uncle Emily," Reading and booksigning by award-winning author Jane Yolen**
· Friday, May 15-Sunday, May 17, "Emily of Amherst: A Ballet in Four Acts", a collaboration of Amherst Ballet and the Emily Dickinson Museum, interprets the life of the poet in dance and with readings from letters and poems, all accompanied by original musical settings based on sheet music from the Dickinson family library. **
· Saturday, May 16, Emily Dickinson Poetry Walk and Open House begins at the Homestead and moves to five sites around Amherst, ending at her gravesite. Five area poets (Deborah Gorlin, Daniel Hall, Lisa Olstein, Pat Schneider, and Ellen Watson) will share their favorite Dickinson poems at each of the sites. A reception and booksigning by the poets follows the Walk back at the Homestead.**
**indicates a program that is part of the celebration of Amherst's 250th anniversary
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About Emily Dickinson Museum
The Emily Dickinson Museum, comprising the Dickinson Homestead and The Evergreens, is devoted to the story and legacy of poet Emily Dickinson and her family. Both properties are owned by the Trustees of Amherst College; a separate Board of Governors charged with raising its operating and capital funds oversees the museum. The Dickinson Homestead was the birthplace of the poet (1830-1886). The Evergreens was the 1856 home of the poet's brother and sister-in-law, Austin and Susan Dickinson.
The Emily Dickinson Museum is located at 280 Main St. in Amherst, Mass. The official museum web site is www.emilydickinsonmuseum.org. Hours are Wednesday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.; the museum is closed on major holidays.
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The Big Read: The Poetry of Emily Dickinson is part of a pilot initiative created by the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Poetry Foundation to celebrate great American poets and the nation's historic poetry locales.
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