Cultural Center

A cultural center for the community.

Mount Saint Mary College is proud to have offered an array of cultural events in the performing and fine arts for over 40 years for the Hudson Valley community. 

SPRING CALENDAR

Thomas Aquinas, Scholar for the 21st Century

Thursday, Jan. 28, 4 pm
Dr. Kate Lindeman
There are many things that can be said of Thomas of Aquinas (1225 -1274). Some historians believe him to be the greatest of Catholic theologians and philosophers. But it his way of handling personal family issues and the conflicting religions and ideologies of his time that holds special interest for us. Aquinas employed practical, effective methods to negotiate differences. These methods can prevent both exclusion and violence. As such, Thomas Aquinas offers a model for 21st century scholarship, politics, and everyday life.
Villa Library  Refreshments will be served

A Year in Syria: A Christian’s Search for Mary and Jesus in Islam

Thursday, Feb. 18, 4 pm
Author Stephanie Saldaña
In 2004, Stephanie Saldaña traveled to Syria to study the Prophet Jesus in Damascus, who local Muslims believe will descend over the city at the end of time. It was not easy to be an American in Syria, but she soon found a home among Arab Christians in the old city, which held one of the oldest populations of Christians in the world. In meeting local Muslims, she was deeply touched by the ways local Muslims spoke of Mary and Jesus and of the shared history of Muslims and Christians in Damascus. She eventually became the student of a well-known female sheikh, who taught her Quranic recitation, and eventually told her the story of the Virgin Mary in the Quran. While political tensions in the region increased, her friendship with her teacher grew, and they began a long and rich discussion of what Muslims and Christians have to learn from one another.
From her time teaching in a Quranic school for girls to a month spent in a monastery dedicated to Muslim-Christian dialogue, Stephanie will speak about her experiences as an American in Syria in search of Islam, and of the unexpected way in which her search for the “other” helped her to discover herself.
Villa Library  Refreshments will be served

The Radium Dial Painters: How a Local Tragedy Changed the Nation

Thursday, Feb. 25 at 4 pm
Dr. Eugene Boesch
In 1920, young women employed by the U.S. Radium Corporation facility in Orange, New Jersey began reporting similar health problems. Their work involved painting the dials of watches with a luminous paint -- paint that glowed in the dark because it included the radioactive element radium. The health problems inherent in handling radioactive materials were not publicly recognized at the time, and U.S. Radium told its workers that the paint was harmless. But by 1922, some of them were dying; by the late 1920s some developed bone and other cancers. Through it all, the company publicly rejected claims that radium was the cause of their suffering. The "radium girls" who died, as well as those who survived, became some of the first known victims of industrial poisoning in America. This lecture explores the tragedy of the radium dial painters, and its lasting national impacts, from the movement for industrial worker health reforms, to the development of American medicine.
Villa Library  Refreshments will be served

“Operatic Highlights Delights”

Saturday, Feb. 27, 7:30 pm
The Manhattan Lyric Opera
Featuring Nat Chandler, Baritone; Dana Wilson, Tenor; Anne Tormela, Soprano;
Cathy Venable, Pianist.
Aquinas Hall Theatre  Reserved Seating: $15 Adults; $10 Seniors; $5 Children

Click here for tickets

Cuban Són --Past and Present

Tuesday, March 16, 4 pm
Quimbombó
A lecture/demonstration and live performance by Quimbombó, a groove-oriented band with a musical base in the Cuban són (the contagious dance music championed by Buena Vista Social Club that is the main ingredient in salsa); Quimbombó (pronounced keem-bohm-BO) is the title of a classic Cuban són from the 1950s; it means “okra” or “gumbo” in Spanish. The group has performed at many venues including Lincoln Center’s Midsummer Night’s Swing, SOB’s, and The River to River Festival. They have recorded two CDs, Quimbombó, released in 2004, and Conga Electrica, released in 2008.
Whittaker Hall Refreshments will be served

The Woodstock Film Festival

Thursday, March 25, 4 pm
Meira Blaustein
From Ang Lee, Kevin Smith, Jonathan Demme, and Richard Linklater to Uma Thurman, Woody Harrelson, Tim Robbins, and Laura Linney, some of the best directors, actors and industry members worldwide have been traveling every year to the most famous arts colony in the US for the annual Woodstock Film Festival, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. In the past few years the Woodstock Film Festival, set in Woodstock as well as Rhinebeck, Rosendale and Kingston NY, has established itself as one of the most respected independent film events in the country by premiering exceptional films; hosting the most talented, emerging and established indie professionals; presenting thought-provoking educational panels, concerts and parties; and creating innovative and stimulating programming year round. From 150 submissions, 75 accepted films and under 2,000 attendees in WFF's opening year, the festival has grown rapidly, receiving today nearly 2,000 submissions, presenting nearly 150 accepted films, and catering to nearly 15,000 attendees. Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Woodstock Film Festival, Meira Blaustein, will talk about the story of the vision and dedication behind the Festival’s success.
Villa Library Refreshments will be served

Indian Spring Festival

Sunday, March 28, 3-5 pm
Bharata Natyamby Liza Joseph & Dina Shah
Bharatanatyam is one of the oldest and most popular of India’s classical dance styles. It is a dynamic and precise dance style where huge repertoires of hand movements are used to convey moods and expression. Bharatanatyam is well known for its rhythmic, vigorous footwork, crisp movements and sculpture-like poses.
Kathakby Shivani Dave and group
The North Indian Classical dance, Kathak originated as the art of storytelling. The word Kathak is derived from "katha" meaning story; hence, "Kathakas" refers to stories which are depicted through dance. Kathak is now regarded a sophisticated art form which requires the performer's virtuosity to encompass three main elements: Bhava-mood, Raag-melody, and Taal-rhythm.
Instrumental Segment will be by Mrs. Varada Iruvanti. Mrs Iruvanti will play the ancient Indian string instrument Veera. It will be a mix of classical and light style.
Whittaker Hall Snacks and beverages will be served

Murderers

Saturday, April 10, 7 pm
Mohonk Mountain Stage
Gerald, Lucy and Minka have all been very naughty! In fact, they are murderers. They also happen to be residents of Riddle Key Retirement Community in Florida. That these disparate characters committed murder is not in question, but as for why...well, that is left up to the slightly twisted imagination of playwright Jeffrey Hatcher. Hatcher's keen and offbeat sense of the ridiculous thrives among the cul de sacs, manicured lawns and electric golf carts. You may or may not be a murderer yourself, but everyone will ultimately be charmed by this glorious evening of crime.Directed by Christine Crawfis, featuring Michael Frohnhoefer, RoseMarie
Navarra and Elizabeth Barrows.
Whittaker Hall Free admission

The Golden Age of Hollywood

Thursday, April 15, 4 pm
Dr. Brian Rose
From the late 1920s through the end of World War II, studios like MGM, Warner Bros, 20th Century Fox, Paramount, and RKO would dominate film production, not only in America but throughout the world. The reasons for Hollywood's success during this period are intriguing. Despite the economic problems posed by the Depression, the studios became virtual entertainment factories, with each studio producing more than 50 movies a year. These years of frenzied activity have created some of the best-loved and most significant films ever made. This presentation will examine the forces that made Hollywood the giant of world filmmaking and the special nature of its achievements during its Golden Age, including discussions of studio politics and economics, the star system, and the nature of the movie-going experience. There will also be an analysis of why this period was so short-lived and Hollywood's desperate attempts beginning in the 1950s to recapture its faded glory.
MST Building, Room 163 Refreshments will be served

German History and Heritage in New York

Thursday, April 22, 4 pm
Dr. Joe Lieby
From the earliest days of European colonization of New York, German immigrants were here. They were craftsman, merchants, farmers and leaders who contributed to the growth of the state. They came when it was a Dutch colony, and stayed. They came as Palatines immigrants, and settled the frontier. They served in war and peace. They came to our cities and brought their language, culture and talents.
Villa LibraryRefreshments will be served

Beauty and the Beast

Sunday, May 23, 2 pm
American Family Theater
“The timeless story of Beauty and the Beast comes to life with sparkling music, magic and adventure…a perfect production for all ages.” (American Family Theater)
Aquinas Hall Theatre  Adults: $10; Children: $5