2024–25 Cornell fine arts season preview

Handel’s “Messiah,” a highly anticipated retrospective exhibit by photographer Sandra Dyas, and a theatre season blending classical with contemporary works are highlights of Cornell College’s fine arts offerings for 2024–25.

Stay current all year long

Up-to-date information on all 2024–25 performances and exhibits can be found on Cornell’s campus calendar, filtered by the category of fine arts. Anyone can subscribe to the fine arts calendar, or you can choose music, art, and theatre and dance events calendars to receive periodic email updates. Viewers may also download events to their personal calendars.    

Music

Handel’s “Messiah,” 7 p.m. Dec. 4, Mount Vernon High School Performing Arts Center 

• Cornell’s combined Chamber Singers, Concert Choir, and Chamber Orchestra will present the year’s masterwork concert—the familiar Christmas portion of George Frederic Handel’s “Messiah,” including the “Hallelujah Chorus.” Recent alumni baritone Luke Henson ’24, alto RuthAnne Hale ’23, and tenor Sam Dolinsek ’24 are the featured soloists; fall auditions will determine a current student soprano soloist.

Art exhibitions

“Tangled Up in Time: A Retrospective of Sandra Louise Dyas,” through Oct. 6 with a Homecoming reception Saturday, Oct. 5, 3–5 p.m.

• Dyas, who taught photography at Cornell for 25 years, will show photographs and other lens-based work she has produced over four decades as an artist and educator. Her work centers on the theme of what home is and how it shapes us. Dyas is deeply interested in understanding the relationships between people and landscape. Her artwork comes out of her experience as a woman who has lived her entire life in Iowa.

 

“Evergreen,” Marina Ross, Oct. 21–Nov. 20 with an opening reception Friday, Oct. 25, 4–6 p.m.

• Marina Ross’ paintings explore the connections between loss, home, and belonging. Ross’ work mines the iconic 1939 American movie “The Wizard of Oz” as a repository of cultural and personal memory, transforming this source material into painterly meditations on the shared memory and layered identity of Dorthy. The Chicago artist was born in the former Soviet Union and moved to Chicago as a child. 

Senior Show, Dec. 6–15 with an opening reception Sunday, Dec. 8.

• A group show of the thesis work of the senior studio art students graduating in fall 2024.

“An Echo and A Hum,” Lila Shull and Muriel Condon, Jan. 17–March 2 with an opening reception Friday, Jan. 17, 4–6 p.m.

• This two-person show will showcase the work of Muriel Condon and Lila Shull. Their collaborative practice employs print, ceramics, textiles, sculpture, and paper to explore textures and associative memory.

Senior Show, March 30-April 9 with an opening reception Sunday, March 30.

• A group show of the thesis work of half the studio art majors graduating in spring 2025.

Senior Show, April 21–May 4 with an opening reception Sunday, April 27.

• A group show of the thesis work of half the studio art majors graduating in spring 2025.

End of Year Intermedia Performance, May 6, time to be determined

All shows are in Peter Paul Luce Gallery, McWethy Hall, and are open and free to the public. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.–4 p.m. on weekdays and Sundays from 2–4 p.m.

Theatre and Dance

“Body Convos: A Dance Concert,” Oct. 3–6, Kimmel Theatre

• Directed by Amy Simonson with original choreography by Simonson and students. 

“The Moors,” Dec. 12–15, Kimmel Theatre

• A dark comedy that is just as much Brontё as it is George Carlin, “The Moors” centers on a young governess called to the estate of two childless sisters. As absurdly funny as it is an homage to British gothic literature, “The Moors” is a smart addition to the catalog of Iowa Playwright’s Workshop alumna, and former Cornell College guest artist, Jen Silverman. Directed by Caroline Price.

“4.48 Psychosis,” Feb. 20–23, Kimmel Theatre

• The final play by controversial and hugely influential British phenom Sarah Kane, “4.48 Psychosis” offers a stream-of-consciousness-like look from the inside of clinical depression. Famously written with no characters or stage directions, Kane’s work is presented as an aural and visual stage experience. Directed by Shawn Ketchum Johnson. WARNING: This play contains discussions and imagery of suicide and mental illness.

“Head Over Heels,” April 24–27, Kimmel Theatre

• Part 16th century pastoral romance, part jukebox musical, “Head Over Heels” is 100% fun, showcasing the ’80s and ’90s music of the iconic girl group The Go-Go’s. The 2018 Broadway show was lauded for its energy and fresh take on a classical tale. Based on “The Countess of Pembroke’s Arcadia” by Sir Phillip Sidney, “Head Over Heels” was conceived by Jeff Whitty, who wrote the original book, and adapted by James Magruder. Music and Lyrics are by The Go-Go’s. Directed by Devon Stone.

Theatre performances require tickets, and Cornell’s box office information is included in the calendar listings.