Introducing a new way to donate to the College of Fine Arts
Even during a global pandemic, WSU College of Fine Arts students and faculty are committed
to creating and sharing their art with you. Our community of patrons have long been
the backbone of the College of Fine Arts, and much of our success is due to your enthusiasm,
dedication, and support. Despite physical distancing requirements, students and faculty
are exploring innovative ways to bring you the same caliber of programming you are
accustomed to via streaming and other virtual mediums.
Typically, the costs of productions are offset by ticket sales, but in the absence
of live performances and a traditional box office experience, funding and resources are limited. Many of our virtual "events" will be offered for free online, and thus
donations become even more important in sustaining the quality of our content. Luckily,
the WSU Foundation has simplified the donation process with a new Text-to-Give option.
This year, the College of Fine Arts is postponing the selection of a 2021 Hall of
Fame class. We are remaining optimistic that we will, at some point in time, be able
to honor the Class of 2020 at the Hall of Fame Gala--which was unfortunately canceled
in May 2020 due to the Coronavirus pandemic--and give each new member the opportunity
to be presented in the presence of their family and friends. We hope that in the near
future, our Class of 2020 will be able to personally receive their medallions and
reflect upon the achievements that led them to be chosen and the impact that WSU
and the College of Fine Arts played on their lives.
College of Fine Arts Alumna Joyce DiDonato performs a special arrangement of "This
Land is Your Land"
Alumna and 2015 Hall of Fame honoree Joyce DiDonato, accompanied by guitaristAlex Garrobé, has a few new verses to add to Woody Guthrie's classic folk song.
International opera star and winner of the 2012 Grammy Award for Best Classical Vocal
Solo, Kansas-born Mezzo Soprano Joyce DiDonato entrances audiences and critics alike
across the globe, and has been proclaimed ‘perhaps the most potent female opera singer
of her generation’ by The New Yorker. DiDonato has soared to the top of international
opera as both a performer and a fierce arts advocate, gaining international prominence
in operas by Rossini, Handel and Mozart, as well as through her wide-ranging, acclaimed
discography. Her signature parts include the bel canto roles of Rossini, leading the
Financial Times to declare her Elena La Donna del Lago, ‘simply the best singing I’ve
heard in years’.
Her version of "This Land is Your Land" reminds us all of what we share as fellow
Americans. In these times of uncertainty, may Joyce's vocals and additional lyrics
serve as a beacon of hope for any listener.
Happy Holidays from the College of Fine Arts
The College of Fine Arts wishes everyone the happiest of Holidays as we finish up
the Fall 2020 semester. Thank you all for your continued support this year as we adjust
our lives and livelihoods around our changing circumstances. We look forward to being
able to bring you the highest quality performances in whatever format we are able
to present them in as we continue into 2021. Until our return, we wish a safe and
happy holiday season to you and yours.
O Holy Night: Samuel Ramey & the Mormon Tabernacle Choir
A Christmas Gift from the School of Performing Arts
SPA DirectorLinda Starkey reads the annual Christmas story during the School of Performing Arts
Student Activity Council's 2015 Christmas Party.
This lovely holiday tradition was started by emeritus Director the Theatre Richard
Welsbacher, and hopefully will bring you some holiday cheer even in the absence of
usual gatherings.
Announcement Regarding 2021 Hall of Fame