Beacon to the World: A History of Lincoln Center by Joseph W. Polisi

Dr. Joseph W. Polisi was President of the Juilliard School for 34 years from 1984-2018 and is now President Emeritus and Chief China officer of the school. Through his experiences at Juilliard and Lincoln Center, Polisi creates in his book a complex tableau which traces the idealistic and determined efforts by John D. Rockefeller, III and his colleagues to create a unique environment where the most prominent performing arts institutions in New York City would be brought together at a venue named Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. Through readings and historic photos, Polisi will guide you through the Center’s history from late 1955 to the present day, pointing out the involvement of such artists, architects and politicians as Leonard Bernstein, Beverly Sills, Robert Moses, Philip Johnson, and many others and reflect on the current status of Lincoln Center as it shifts away from classical programming in favor of genres like pop, hip-hop, social dance and comedy.

WellSpring events are free and open to the public; held at The Osborn Auditorium (101 Theall Road). RSVP@theosborn.org or 914-925-8218.

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