J Robert Sterling Clark, heir to the Singer sewing machine fortune , and his wife Francine founded The Clark Art Institute. Their collection (Clark bought his first of his 36 Renoirs in 1918) is now open to the public year-round and has been expanded over the years, with many outstanding collections, to become its own distinctive museum in a unique setting with a commitment to world of arts from the past and ideas from the future. Its legacy of impressionist and old master paintings attracts travelers, old and young, with the warm setting of pastoral fields and distant mountains, it all comes together for the enjoyment of works of art in an unhurried experience.

Though probably best known for the many examples of Renoir, Monet, Degas and French 19th century works, the collection, which spans the Renaissance through the late-nineteenth century, continues to grow by purchase and gift. American artists, including Frederick Remington and Winslow Homer, are also well represented. In addition to being a museum, the Clark's work as an important art center is exemplified by its world class art reference library and the Graduate Program in the History of Art, administered jointly by the Clark and nearby Williams College.

With all of these resources the Clark, set on a 130-acre campus, has set a goal to foster “the quality of ideas that emanate form the study of a work of art”. The institute considers and nurtures its dual nature as both a museum and a research center.

Along with the main attraction which is largely art, the Clark Art Institute offers a wide variety of special events; from films and public lectures, to gallery talks and a wonderful selection of musical performances. Here is a partial list of upcoming musical performances:

• Holiday Concert: Moscow Boys Choir
  

  The celebrated Moscow Boys Choir returns to present a special holiday concert showcasing season classics as well as new and vibrant pieces from around the world, including Russia, Europe, and the Americas. Enjoying their seventh world tour, this highly-talented group of thirty youngsters appeared in a command performance at Royal Albert Hall in London for the British royal family and performed at the White House for President Clinton's holiday gala.

  Tickets are $24 for members, $30 for non-member adults, and $15 for children and students with ID.

  December 7, 2002 - 2:00 PM

• Concert: Victor Hill
  

  Victor Hill will perform works for harpsichord in a concert sponsored by Griffin Hall Concerts of Williams College. Admission is free.

  January 19, 2003 - 3:00 PM

• Concert: Gokh-bi-Systems
  

  This five-person group from Senegal reclaims the African roots of hip-hop, combining the ancient tradition of the troubadour storytellers known as griots with politically savvy, uniquely Senegalese rap traditions. With group members from the Jola, the Serer, and the Wolof peoples, Gokh-bi System ("Neighborhood System" in Wolof) performs globally aware music in five languages.

  The concert is part of the series "Out of Africa: Music from Algeria, Guinea, Mali, and Senegal." Tickets to each concert are $19 ($17 for members). To order tickets, call 413-458-2303, extension 324.

  January 25, 2003 - 8:00 PM

• Concert: Mamadou Diabate
  

  Born in Mali, Mamadou Diabate is descended from a long line of jeli, the musician-storytellers of the Manding people of West Africa. A virtuoso of the kora -- a large string instrument with a harp-like sound -- Diabate and his ensemble will perform traditional music of Mali.

  The concert is part of the series "Out of Africa: Music from Algeria, Guinea, Mali, and Senegal." Tickets to each concert are $19 ($17 for members). To order tickets, call 413-458-2303, extension 324.

  February 22, 2003 - 8:00 PM

• Concert: Walden Chamber Players
  

  The acclaimed Walden Chamber Players return to the Clark for a concert of works including Holst's Terzetto, Courtship Songs by Paulus, Pendericki's String Trio, and Haydn's Symphony No. 104 arranged for flute, violin, viola, cello, and piano.

  Tickets are $10. Please call 1-800-586-8438

  March 2, 2003 - 3:00 PM

• Concert: Alpha YaYa Diallo
  

  Afro-pop guitarist and singer Alpha YaYa Diallo, from Guinea in West Africa, is one of the hottest performers on the world music scene. His recent album The Journey won the 2002 Juno award for Best Global Recording.

  The concert is part of the series "Out of Africa: Music from Algeria, Guinea, Mali, and Senegal." Tickets to each concert are $19 ($17 for members). To order tickets, call 413-458-2303, extension 324.

  March 8, 2003 - 8:00 PM

• Concert: Pierre Bensusan
  

  French-Algerian guitarist Pierre Bensusan draws on the musical idioms of Ireland, North Africa, and Brazil to enliven his original acoustic tunes. "One of the most distinctive and influential finger-style guitartists" (The Washington Post), Bunsusan won the 2002 Association for Independent Music Award for Best Acoustic Instrumental Album.

  The concert is part of the series "Out of Africa: Music from Algeria, Guinea, Mali, and Senegal." Tickets to each concert are $19 ($17 for members). To order tickets, call 413-458-2303, extension 324.

  March 22, 2003 - 8:00 PM

• Concert: Musicians From Marlboro
  

  An ensemble from the acclaimed Marlboro Music Festival will make its annual appearance at the Clark. On the program are: Haydn's String Quartet in C Major, Op. 54, No. 2; Bartók's String Quartet No. 3; and Mozart's Divertimento for Strings and Two Horns in D Major, K. 334. Scheduled to perform are: Catherine Cho and Todd Phillips, violin; Brian Chen, viola; Sumire Kudo, cello; Kurt Moroki, bass; and Angela Cordell and Patrick Pridemore, horn.

  Tickets are $10 ($8 for members).

  April 13, 2003 - 3:00 PM

  
  

  Visit Clark on-line at www.clarkart.edu

  
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