Anyone who saw Woody Allen’s latest masterpiece, Midnight in Paris, already understands just how alluring and fascinating the city of Paris in the 1920s actually was. The film was not only a romantic comedy, but also an exploration of nostalgia and a tribute to the arts. Main character Gil Pender, (Owen Wilson) becomes magically transported to 1920′s era Paris while wandering the streets of the city drunk one night. Pender encounters the artists and writers he has grown up idolizing, including figures such as Gertrude Stein, Pablo Picasso, Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald, Salvador Dali, Josephine Baker, Cole Porter, and Ernest Hemingway. I highly recommend the film, but, if, you still don’t have Netflix and would rather not shell out the cash for the DVD, you may want to get a taste of the 20′s here at UVM instead!
On Wednesday, February 1st, the UVM English Department, with the aid of the Mary Brigham Buckham Fund, will be sponsoring Music From Paris of the 20′s, a free and open to the public concert! This event will take place at the UVM Music and Recital Hall on Redstone campus, starting at 7:30. The concert is a part of the English Department Music and Literature Series, and is inspired by Allen’s award-winning film. This event is being presented in coordination with English courses taught by Professor Tom Simone. Being currently enrolled in a class with Professor Simone myself, I can personally attest that this event will not disappoint. The recital will feature pianist Paul Orgel and flutist Laurel Ann Maurer, performing Prokofiev’s Sonata, cellist John Dunlop performing Martinu’s sonata, Laurel Ann Maurer performing Debussy’s Syrinx solo for flute, and John Dunlop with violinist Colleen Jennings performing Ravel’s duet. These legendary composers lived and worked in Paris, experiencing the reality Gil Pender can only fantasize about. Presented by some of the finest musicians in Vermont, this recital is sure to transport you back to the City of Light for your own ‘Midnight in Paris’ here at UVM.
