World Harmony Project highlights the UO cultural offerings

EUGENE, Ore. -- (June 5, 2009) -- The University of Oregon has long served as the cultural and artistic hub of the region. Now, in an effort to unify the arts and reach out to the community, the Oregon Bach Festival, Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, and Museum of Natural and Cultural History are joining forces to present the World Harmony Project.

During the project, which runs from June 25 to 28, the three organizations will offer a variety of exhibition openings, live music, dance and lectures. The events will allow community members to experience a wealth of arts, culture and heritage, appropriate for the entire family.

"The university is committed to engaging the community in a dialogue about arts and culture," said Michael Redding, vice president of university advancement. "We have resources, like the museums and the Oregon Bach Festival, that are nationally renowned for their programming. The World Harmony Project allows us to collaborate and provide a rich cultural opportunity for our visitors."

The UO will host the 2009 USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships the same weekend. The World Harmony Project will provide local and national visitors a variety of cultural activities. Last year, when Eugene hosted the Olympic Trials, the museums experienced large crowds and hope to attract additional visitors this year.

The project received a $9,000 grant from the Oregon Arts Council Cultural Tourism and $10,000 Lane County Tourism Special Projects Grant to help draw visitors from outside Lane County and increase statewide awareness of the UO and the Eugene-Springfield area as a destination for cultural tourists. By working together, JSMA, MNCH and the OBF are able to combine resources and reach potential new audiences.

For a complete schedule of events, visit http://jsma.uoregon.edu/WHP.html. Highlights include:

  • Opening of JSMA's exhibition of Japanese art, "On the Road: Two Visions of the Tokaido," with reception and entertainment; on view from June 25-Sept. 13.
  • Opening of MNCH's exhibition, "World Harmony - Musical Instruments from Around the Globe," on view from June 25-Jan. 3 and "Shall We Dance?" an exhibit of images by Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Brian Lanker. The opening will include a reception and entertainment.
  • Opening concert of OBF's 40th season; Haydn's oratorio "The Creation," performed by the Festival orchestra, chorus and soloists, conducted by Helmuth Rilling, at the Hult Center for the Performing Arts on June 26.
  • Children's concert, "Taiko Together," with Los Angeles-based On Ensemble, at the Hult Center on June 27.
  • OBF evening concert at the Hult Center by the On Ensemble, June 27.
  • Pacific International Children's Choir Festival Gala Concert, at the Hult Center on June 28.
  • "Sunday at Sound," a two-site (JSMA and MNCH) multi-cultural music festival featuring 10 local and regional ensembles from 1 to 4 p.m. on June 28.

 

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