Kay Nielsen at the MFA

There is an exhibition of the Danish illustrator and artist’s work that only contains forty-six items. It is a private collection promised to the Museum. Nielsen illustrated fairy tales in the early part of the 20th century. His appeal to young people has shown a revival in recent decades. This small show is getting a lot of buzz and you can see it for free on Wednesday’s after 4 pm. It is also free for some but not all local college students with an ID. The exhibit will be there until January 2020. The Karl Lagerfeld handbag inspired by Nielsen is a highlight.

Tropical Fiesta in Jamaica Plain

The Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch library sponsored a Tropical Fiesta  at the Library today. Featured were a very entertaining steel drum band. They played several sets to a very full room. At the end they mentioned that anybody interested in learning to play could come to Saint Mary’s Church in Dorchester from 2-4 pm on Sundays. Small children were dancing in the front. About 150 people attended. In between sets free Dominican Food was served. It was so much fun.

Lunar New Year Celebration in Brookline.

The Coolidge Corner Library hosted the only all female lion dance troupe in the United States. There were four hundred people in attendance. The performance  was wonderful. There was also a talented calligrapher, red envelopes with chocolate coins inside, and tasty snacks. Last year the Library hosted  lion dancers to a slightly smaller crowd. The Friends of the Brookline Public Library, Wegman’s, and Trader Joe’s helped to sponsor the event.

The Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair

Every year in the beginning of November there is an event in which  vendors from around the world come to the Hynes Convention Center to sell rare first editions and very old books. Recently it has been free on Saturdays and Sundays and no purchase is required. Such treasures as first editions of Ulysses by James Joyce, original maps hundreds of years old, and books of hours from the 15th century are on display and for sale. Some vendors will let you handle items and look through the pages of the books. Also the Ticknor Society, the Boston Athenaeum, the North Bennett Street School, and other local organizations have information booths.

La Donna Musicale at SoHip

La Donna Musicale performs early music composed by women. Laury Gutierrez, the director and viola da gamba player; as well as Laura Gulley on violin, form the core of the group. They have issued four CDs and a fifth compilation disc. Laury does extensive and meticulous research to make for exquisite concerts. Her dedication is to be admired.

Every year La Donna Musicale participates in the SoHIP Summer Early Music Concert Series. Last night Shari Alise Wilson, soprano, and Daniela Tosic, mezzo soprano, harmonized beautifully. The very tall arched ceiling of Emmanuel Church's Lindsey Chapel was perfect for the glorious sound of the duo. After the concert Laury stood at the door with her viola da gamba and bid the audience good night individually. Such personal style. When will they issue their next CD?

Boston Early Music Festival and Niobe: Queen of Thebes

This afternoon I had the pleasure of listening to soprano Angelique Zuluaga sing works by B. Strozzi, Buxtehude, Purcell, etc. She lived and sang extensively in Colombia. We were lucky to have her in Boston for the BEMF. Harpsichordist Bernard Gordillo performed beautifully on an instrument on loan from La Donna Musicale. Laury Guitierrez, the director of la Donna was in the audience. She will perform twice in the BEMF and again in the SoHIP Early Music Concert Series. Allison Guest Edlberg was wonderful on the baroque violin. She studied at Indiana U. as did the other two performers in this ensemble.

Niobe: Queen of Thebes, the baroque opera was truly incredible. The costumes, sets, chamber orchestra, singing, all of it was wondrous. Four hours passed by so quickly and I forgot to mention the acting and dancing. It was on of the best cultural events that I have ever attended. A kind friend gave me her ticket for the opening performance. See it if you can!

Beauport

The Beauport Sleeper-McCann House on Eastern Point, Gloucester, is a real gem. It is a forty room mansion built by one of America's first professional interior decorators. DuPont, Rockefeller, Henry James, Isabella Stewart Gardner, Okakura Kakuzo, and John Singer Sargent were house guests. Henry Sleeper mixed American antiques with kitch that was contemporary to his lifetime. Sleeper died in tremendous debt and it was great fortune that the McCanns bought the house intact and left everything in place. It was bequeathed to Historic New England, then known as the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities. It is open seasonally to the public for guided tours.