Spring 2024

Leslie Barlow's Record of Homes/Hearts, artist talk and reception
Thursday, January 25, SJU Galleries
Reception: 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.; Artist Talk: 6:00 p.m.

A portrait is both a statement and a mirror: a considered composition between participant and painter, and a reflection of ourselves (the viewer) in our particular place, headspace, and moment in time. This exchange of the gaze, a marking of time and a witnessing of one another, is one of the things that draws Leslie Barlow into her painting practice. In a unique joining of works, Leslie brings together videos and paintings from her 2021 museum exhibition Within, Between, and Beyond, with a new series of paintings created from visits and conversations with five Twin Cities based artists in 2023. While two distinct bodies of work, the throughlines of ancestral and familial bonds, identity creation and reformation, and the power of representation and reclamation of space through art and art making, can be felt throughout the exhibition. 

In Within, Between, and Beyond, Barlow celebrates polyvocality, the power of many voices to shift and sustain narrative change. 16 portrait paintings and corresponding documentary videos invite us to hold space for, recognize, and reconsider our presumptions about race in Minnesota. In the series with the working title Echoes (admiration, conversation, seeing and setting free) Barlow explores creating multiple works of a few women of color in her life. In a society that minimizes the value and autonomy of Black and Brown people and the feminine, each person in this series identifies as an Artist and maker of their own path––which is a radical act. The portraits in Echoes share stories across time and space, provoking connections and questions between them. Together all of the works in this two-part exhibition become monuments to community members, and spaces to hold complexity, care, and power. As Beyoncé said, if we are going to heal, let it be glorious. 

Artist talk by Casey Whittier, CSBSJU 2024 Artist-in-Residence
Wednesday, January 31
7:00-8:30 p.m. in the Art Building Auditorium room # 116 (SJU)

As the 2024 Sister Dennis Frandrup artist-in-residence Casey Whittier will be in residence for six weeks. Please join us to welcome Casey as she discussed her studio art practice, her influences and processes. Casey lives and works in Kansas City where she teaches at the Kansas City Art Institute.

Ifrah Mansour's Healing Aqal
Thursday, February 1, Gorecki Gallery (CSB)
Reception: 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.; Artist Talk: 6:00 p.m.

The Healing Aqal is an intentionally carved space, an infinite well, holding our collective healing. Aqal means hut in Somali, which celebrates my own personal journey of being part of a diaspora, yearning to connect more deeply with my own culture. When people go inside the hut, some have said that they feel cocooned. Some feel cool and have an instant need to sit down and adjust their posture. When I am in the hut, I ask a question that people may never have been asked before: What heals you, what brings you healing, and where do you need healing?

Pastiche - Music Faculty Recital
February 9 
7:30 p.m.  in the Stephen B. Humphrey Theatre (SJU)

Revoir Paris (part of the Tournées French Film Festival)
February 16
6:30 p.m. in the Little Theather (Quad 346 at SJU)
Dr. Kelly Kraemer, Peace Studies

All films are free of charge and will be subtitled in English. Each film will be introduced by a guest speaker from our community and after the screening, there will be an opportunity for moderated discussion. Refreshments provided.

L’Innocent (part of the Tournées French Film Festival)
February 22
6:30 p.m. in the Little Theather (Quad 346 at SJU)
Olivia Galloway, President of French Club

All films are free of charge and will be subtitled in English. Each film will be introduced by a guest speaker from our community and after the screening, there will be an opportunity for moderated discussion. Refreshments provided.

A Very Special Event
Greg Zelek, playing the mighty Holtkamp-Pasiorgan and Tommy Mesa, cello Virtuoso
Friday, February 23
8:00 p.m. in the Abbey and University Church (SJU)

Red by John Logan
Directed by Sean Dooley
Gorecki Theater (CSB)
February 21, 22, 23 24 at 7:30
February 25 at 2:00

Master abstract expressionist Mark Rothko has just landed the biggest commission in the history of modern art, a series of murals for New York’s famed Four Seasons Restaurant. In the two fascinating years that follow, Rothko works feverishly with his young assistant, Ken, in his studio on the Bowery. But when Ken gains the confidence to challenge him, Rothko faces the agonizing possibility that his crowning achievement could also become his undoing. Raw and provocative, RED is a searing portrait of an artist’s ambition and vulnerability as he tries to create a definitive work for an extraordinary setting. 

Guest Performance, featuring Dr. Jacob Benda, organ with Le Quatour International de Saxophones
Monday, February 26, 
8:00 p.m. in the Abbey and University Church (SJU)

Colette et Justin (part of the Tournées French Film Festival)
February 27
6:30 p.m. in the Little Theather (Quad 346 at SJU)
Maureen McCarter (French and Gender Studies)

All films are free of charge and will be subtitled in English. Each film will be introduced by a guest speaker from our community and after the screening, there will be an opportunity for moderated discussion. Refreshments provided.

Hanif Abdurraqib: A Public Reading & Conversation
A Poet, Essayist & Cultural Critic
Event sponsored by the Literary Arts Institute
February 27
7:00 p.m. in Upper Gorecki (CSB)

More information

Jazz Ensemble's Video Game Contest
Tuesday, February 27, 7:30 p.m., Brother Willies Pub (SJU)

They'll be playing various pieces ranging from Mario brothers to Zelda.

Free and open to the public.

Open Studio with Artist in Residence
February 28
7:00 p.m. in the Art Center (SJU)

Casey Whittier, who is this year’s recipient of the Sister Dennis Frandrup Artist Residency, will be having an Open Studio next week.  Casey creates ceramic sculptures that resemble weaving or chain mail.  She will have some of her current work on display, and be available to discuss and answer questions. Her studio is located above the gallery and refreshments will be provided! Free FAE event.

Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band Midwinter Concert
Wednesday, February 28, 7:30 p.m., Escher Auditorium (CSB)

There will be amazing music performed by our Bennies and Johnnies and directed by Dr. Scott Campbell. 

Free and open to the public.

Chamber Orchestra Concert
February 29
7:30 p.m., Escher Auditorium (CSB)

Members of the Orchestra (made of violin, viola, cello, and double bass), will perform a variety of music, showcasing a variety eras, composers, and techniques. Throughout the performance, the director of the ensemble will announce each piece proving the audience with the necessary information to create a starting point to begin their musical journey as they listen and enhance their overall experience.

Free and open to the public.

Le Charme discret de la bourgeoisie (part of the Tournées French Film Festival)
March 12
6:30 p.m. in Gorecki 204 (CSB)
Dr. Christina Hennessy (Hispanic Studies)

All films are free of charge and will be subtitled in English. Each film will be introduced by a guest speaker from our community and after the screening, there will be an opportunity for moderated discussion. Refreshments provided.

Women's Choir
Sunday, March 17, 3:00 p.m., Sacred Heart Chapel (CSB)

This performance will present works from various composers sung by the Women’s Choir. Works performed will present audience members with a holistic/community experience as they learn about the history, genre, and musical stylings of the piece and apply that to their overall listening experience.

Free and open to the public.

Retour à Seoul (part of the Tournées French Film Festival)
March 20
6:30 p.m. in Gorecki 204 (CSB)
Dr. Ellie Perelman  (History and Asian Studies)

All films are free of charge and will be subtitled in English. Each film will be introduced by a guest speaker from our community and after the screening, there will be an opportunity for moderated discussion. Refreshments provided.

Men's Chorus Home Concert
Monday, March 25, 7:30 p.m., Great Hall (SJU)

The Men’s Chorus will perform a home concert for our CSB/SJU community in the Great Hall at SJU. This performance will feature works by various composers and musical styles. During the performance, audience members will be able to learn about the piece as they are introduced, giving a starting point to their musical journey, enhancing their overall experience at the Welcome Home Concert.

Free and open to the public.

La Reine Margot (part of the Tournées French Film Festival)
April 3
6:30 p.m. in Gorecki 204 (CSB)
Beth Wengler (History)

All films are free of charge and will be subtitled in English. Each film will be introduced by a guest speaker from our community and after the screening, there will be an opportunity for moderated discussion. Refreshments provided.

Chamber Choir Home Concert
Sunday, April 7, 7:30 p.m., Great Hall (SJU)

The Chamber Choir will perform a home concert for our CSB/SJU community on Sunday, April 7. This performance will feature works by various composers and musical styles. During the performance, audience members will be able to learn about the piece as they are introduced, giving a starting point to their musical journey, enhancing their overall experience at the Welcome Home Concert.

Free and open to the public.

Nicole Walker: Public Reading and Conversation
(sponsored by the Literary Arts Institute)
April 9
7:00 p.m. in Upper Gorecki (CSB)

NICOLE WALKER is the author of Processed Meats: Essays on Food, Flesh and Navigating Disaster (2021) and co-author of The After-Normal: Brief, Alphabetical Essays on a Changing Planet (2019). She is the author of five additional books of nonfiction, a poetry collection, and co-editor of two
essay collections published by Bloomsbury. She has written several essays for The New York Times and is a noted author in several editions of Best American Essays. She edits the Crux series at University of Georgia press and nonfiction at Diagram and teaches creative writing at Northern Arizona University. 
More details

APPROACHING ZANZIBAR by Tina Howe
Directed by Kaarin Johnston
Colman Theater (CSB)
April 11, 12, 13 and 18, 19, 20 at 7:30
April 14 at 2:00

Come along for the ride from Julliard to Taos, New Mexico in 1989. as a rowdy family travels in their car down two-lane highways in search of PARADISE!!! Along the way they have magical encounters at each stop in their journey to see their dying Great-Aunt Olivia.

Echoes of the Divine
A Dialogue between Jewish and Christian Musical Traditions
April 14
3:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. in Stephen B. Humprey Theater (SJU)
Concert and conversation with Amy Grinsteiner (piano), Stephanie Arado (violin), and David Jordan Harris (narrator). Free and open to the public. More details.

Finding Her Beat, screening and Q&A with filmmakers
April 19
6:00p.m. in Pellegrene Auditorium (SJU)

The documentary is about a Twin Cities-based taiko group founded by women, and featuring Jen Weir, who will be coming up for the Q&A.
The film touches on many important issues thematized, including cross-cultural experiences, gender and identity, queer empowerment, and artistic expression. Click here to view poster

Chamber Ensembles
Monday, April 22, 7:30 p.m., Escher Auditorium (CSB)

The CSB and SJU Chamber Ensembles, created from a variety of instrumentation, will perform a concert of music specifically written for chamber ensembles. Works to be performed span numerous musical styles and time periods.

Free and open to the public.

Choral Spring Concert
featuring: Chamber Choir, Men's Chorus, Women's Choir
Friday, April 26, 7:30 p.m., Great Hall (SJU)

This will be a ticketed event. Check back for ticket information.

Orchestra
Sunday, April 28, 2:00 p.m., Escher Auditorium (CSB)

Members of the Orchestra (made of violin, viola, cello, and double bass), will perform a variety of music, showcasing a variety eras, composers, and techniques. Throughout the performance, the director of the ensemble will announce each piece proving the audience with the necessary information to create a starting point to begin their musical journey as they listen and enhance their overall experience.

Free and open to the public.

All-College Choir 
Sunday, April 28, 4:00 p.m., Great Hall (SJU)

This performance will present works from various composers sung by the All-College Choir. Works performed will present audience members with a holistic/community experience as they learn about the history, genre, and musical stylings of the piece and apply that to their overall listening experience.

Free and open to the public.

Jazz Ensemble
Tuesday, April 30, 7:30 p.m., Brother Willies Pub (SJU)

Members of the Jazz Ensemble (made of woodwinds, brass, percussion/rhythm section) will perform a variety of music showcasing different musical stylings of Jazz Music by various composers. Throughout the performance, the director of the ensemble will announce each piece informing the audience of the title, composer and history (genre, musical styles, time period, etc.), creating a starting point to begin their musical journey as they listen, enhancing their over all experience.

Free and open to the public.

Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band
Wednesday, May 1, 7:30 p.m., Escher Auditorium

The Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band (made of woodwinds, brass, percussion/aux. percussion), will perform works by various composers and musical styles. During the performance, audience members will be able to learn about each piece (composer, history, genre, musical styles, time period) as they are introduced by the ensemble director, creating a starting point to begin their musical journey as they listen, enhancing their overall experience. 

Free and open to the public.

Circus Extravaganza
Choreographed by David DeBlieck, CSB+SJU Students and Guest Visiting Artists
Colman Theater (CSB)
May 2, 3, 4 at 7:30
May 4 at 2:00

Delight your senses with dazzling aerial acrobatics, physical comedy, partner balancing, juggling and dance! Watch for free community workshops in April!

Sacred Music for the Living
May 3
7:30 p.m. in the Sacred Heart Chapel (CSB)

Sacred Music for the Living - these concerts, one on each campus, will highlight fully unaccompanied choral music inspired by texts relating to the Benedictine values. Come and hear timeless music sung by a fully professional choral ensemble. 

Sacred Music for the Living
May 4
7:30 p.m. in the Great Hall (SJU)

Sacred Music for the Living - these concerts, one on each campus, will highlight fully unaccompanied choral music inspired by texts relating to the Benedictine values. Come and hear timeless music sung by a fully professional choral ensemble.