Music, dance, literature and more – the Center offers a range of fun and enriching opportunities for people of all ages. more
Our onsite and offsite educational initiatives complement classroom curriculum with arts-based lessons and activities. more
The Center’s new Performing Arts Connect series uses Zoom videoconferencing to bring you live workshops and presentations featuring artists and experts from leading cultural organizations around the world. You can enjoy these virtual field trips from the safety of home – or anywhere!
After registering, you will be sent a Zoom link so you can connect live for the program. For any questions, contact Outreach@TheCenterPresents.org.
From Hamilton to West Side Story: Identifying Our American Experience through Song
Manhattan School of Music
What do a Founding Father, the Pacific Theater of WWII, and a mid-century Puerto Rican street gang all have in common? Find out in MSM Orto Center’s interactive Zoom session “From Hamilton to West Side Story: Identifying Our American Experience through Song.” In this night on the town, we’ll take a trip on NYC’s “Great White Way” to examine three preeminent American musicals, Richard Rodgers’ South Pacific, Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story, and Lin-Manuel Miranda’s smash hit Hamilton. Evaluating the historical context and sociocultural issues in each musical, participants will tackle the overt and underlying themes as a means to reflecting on their own cultural and personal identities. In addition to a live performance by an MSM Orto Center Teaching Artist, participants will collaboratively compose and perform their own historical rap! Join us and discover what makes the American Musical a defining part of American culture and identity.
About the Manhattan School of Music
Manhattan School of Music is one of the world's premier music conservatories for classical music, jazz and musical theater. Its award-winning digital education programs connect students, educators and the general public with distinguished artists around the globe. Additionally, its livestreamed concerts and masterclasses, featuring MSM student ensembles and acclaimed faculty, now attract a worldwide audience.
Directions and information on parking, attractions, services, accessibility, and nearby dining and shopping options.
As the pandemic continues, ticket buyers agree to follow all health and safety protocols in the Center's venues, including face coverings and proof of vaccination or testing. Buyers also accept responsibility for any risk associated with the visit.
Please note: The Center has updated its health and safety policies to include the need for masking and proof of vaccination or a negative test to attend most events. Review our COVID-19 policies and protocols.
