New York Almanack

History, Natural History & the Arts

Arts

Cremona to Central Park: Stradivari & Nahan Franko’s Legacy

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Edgar Bundy, Antonio Stradivari at Work in his Studio, 1893. (Birmingham Museums Trust)Musician Nicola Matteis arrived in London in the early 1670s. Describing himself as “Napolitano,” he was the first Baroque violinist of note active in the capital. Very much his own promoter, he published his Arie diverse per il violin in 1676, a collection of 120 pieces for solo violin. A second extended edition with an English title-page appeared two years later. In 1685, he published the third and fourth parts of the famous Ayres for the Violin.

Matteis is credited with changing English taste for violin from the French to the Italian style of playing. Soon after, attention shifted from performer to instrument which sparked a veritable cult of Cremonese violins. The name Stradivari became a metaphor for perfection attained by a combination of individual genius, skill and attention to detail. [Read more…] about Cremona to Central Park: Stradivari & Nahan Franko’s Legacy

Andy Warhol Exhibition Opens In NYC May 10th

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Thirty Are Better Than OneThe Brant Foundation has announced “Thirty Are Better Than One,” an exhibition of over 100 artworks by Andy Warhol, at its East Village location in New York City. On view from May 10th through July 31st, 2023, the survey spans the entirety of Warhol’s career, from his early drawings and intimate Polaroids to instantly recognizable silkscreens and sculptures. [Read more…] about Andy Warhol Exhibition Opens In NYC May 10th

Manhattan DA Returns Stolen Antiquities to Turkey

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Perge Theater HeadManhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., recently announced the return of 12 antiquities to the Republic of Türkiye valued at over $33 million. Nine of the objects were recovered pursuant to the recently concluded criminal investigation into antiquities possessed by Shelby White, which resulted in the seizure of 89 stolen antiquities, valued at $69 million and originating from 10 different countries. [Read more…] about Manhattan DA Returns Stolen Antiquities to Turkey

Archer M. Huntington: Titan Arts Patron of New York City

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As New York City reached its Silver Jubilee in 1923, one of the ways it celebrated 25 years since its formation as a greater city uniting the five boroughs was to have residents vote on the six people who had done the city the most good. Who made the Big Apple’s early honor list? [Read more…] about Archer M. Huntington: Titan Arts Patron of New York City

3rd Annual Albany Film Festival Saturday, April 1

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albany film festThe NYS Writers Institute at the University at Albany has announced the 3rd Annual Albany Film Festival, a celebration of the convergence of film and storytelling featuring a lineup of award-winning filmmakers, novelists, and screenwriters, feature-length film screenings and conversations, and a presentation of the Ironweed Awards and short film awards, has been set for Saturday, April 1st at the University at Albany. [Read more…] about 3rd Annual Albany Film Festival Saturday, April 1

Burlington’s Higher Ground: 25 Years of Sound, Art and Ink on Paper

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EchoFor the past 25 years, beloved Burlington, Vermont music venue, Higher Ground, the acclaimed design firm Solidarity of Unbridled Labour (formerly JDK Design), and Iskra Print Collective have had a unique partnership. The design firm has created hundreds of silkscreen posters for shows at the venue, posters that aren’t available for purchase and evoke the spirit of each band. [Read more…] about Burlington’s Higher Ground: 25 Years of Sound, Art and Ink on Paper

Exotic Animals, The Van Amburgh Circus & The Lion King of Fishkill

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Van Amburgh’s MenagerieThe term “exotic pet” refers to wild animals kept in captivity in a domestic setting for the purpose of personal interest or entertainment. With globalization the trade has increased dramatically, although its real scope is difficult to ascertain because for most species there is no registration requirement. Its scale may be a contemporary concern, but the practice itself has a long history. The public has always been obsessed with non-native animals. [Read more…] about Exotic Animals, The Van Amburgh Circus & The Lion King of Fishkill

Iroquois and the Invention of the Empire State

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“The Amazing Iroquois” and the Invention of the Empire StateFrom the Iroquois confederacy serving as a model for the US Constitution, to the connections between the matrilineal Iroquois and the woman suffrage movement, to the living legacy of the famous “Sky Walkers,” the steelworkers who built the Empire State Building and the George Washington Bridge, the Iroquois are viewed as an exceptional people who helped make the state’s history unique and forward-looking. [Read more…] about Iroquois and the Invention of the Empire State

Federal Grants Workshop for Arts and Cultural Organizations

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US Capitol Building SouthThe Office of United States Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services have announced a virtual grants workshop set for Thursday, February 23rd. [Read more…] about Federal Grants Workshop for Arts and Cultural Organizations