The latest from NH’s theater, arts and literary communities
• A gift from the harp: Salem resident Dr. Diana Kolben has donated her harp to the Manchester Community Music School. Kolben, who studied music at Oberlin College and worked as a music educator throughout her life, has owned the harp for more than 50 years. No longer able to play it, she reached out to the New Hampshire Philharmonic Orchestra about finding the instrument a new home, and The Phil coordinated the donation to MCMS. “We are so happy to continue working with MCMS and its own mission to change lives through the power of learning, sharing and making music,” The Phil music director Mark Latham said in a press release. “We hope and anticipate that one day a student from MCMS, having studied on Diana’s harp, will perform … with The Phil.” The 1938 Lyon and Healy Model 23 concert grand harp was refurbished in 1983 and was freshly restrung before it was given to the school.
• Live performances on hold: The Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord announced in a newsletter that it has extended its suspension of in-person performances, originally set to end Jan. 15, through March 1, at which point it will resume a limited schedule of in-person performances. All in-person performances and events that were scheduled between Jan. 15 and Feb. 28 have been canceled or will be rescheduled. “Although we are encouraged by the new vaccines being distributed, the risk of indoor performances at this time remains higher than we would like,” the newsletter said, adding that a schedule for a new virtual series of performances including concerts, comedy, theater and dance will be announced in mid to late January. Call 225-1111 or visit ccanh.com.
• NHAA new member exhibit: The New Hampshire Art Association will highlight 35 of its new members in an exhibit titled “A New Day,” viewable online, in the front windows at the NHAA’s Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery (136 State St., Portsmouth) and at the gallery in person by appointment from Jan. 6 through Jan. 31. “We are thrilled to welcome so many talented artists into NHAA and are happy to provide them opportunities to show and sell their work,” NHAA board president Renee Giffroy said in a press release. “The fresh perspectives they bring help everyone in our community continue to grow.” Among the featured artists are Carla Zwahlen, a landscape painter from Mont Vernon; John Kessler of Windham, an oil painter of landscapes and still life; and Howard Muscott, a nature photographer from Amherst. A virtual opening reception for the exhibit will be held on Thursday, Jan. 7, at 6 p.m. on Zoom. NHAA’s next jurying opportunity for new members is scheduled for March. “We look forward to having more local artists join us next year,” Giffroy said. Call 431-4230 and visit nhartassociation.org.
• Still time to see The Nutcracker: Catch a live performance of The Nutcracker by Safe Haven Ballet at The Music Hall Historic Theater (28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth), with showtimes on Saturday, Jan. 2, at 2 and 6 p.m., and Sunday, Jan. 3, at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Safe Haven Ballet is a nonprofit that provides trauma-sensitive ballet, art and movement opportunities for survivors of sexual assault and trauma. Seating will be socially distanced. Tickets cost $50 for adults and $45 for seniors and children. Visit themusichall.org or call 436-2400.
If you’d rather enjoy The Nutcracker from home, the Northeastern Ballet Theatre of Wolfeboro is streaming a video of its 2019 performance of The Nutcracker now through Sunday, Jan. 3. Virtual tickets cost $8. Visit northeasternballet.org or call 834-8834.
• Virtual author events: New Hampshire author KJ Dell’Antonia will present her new novel, The Chicken Sisters, which was chosen as the December book of the month for Reese Witherspoon’s Reese’s Book Club. Dell’Antonia’s friend and the producer for NHPR’s The Exchange Jessica Hunt will join the conversation. Then, on Thursday, Jan. 7, at 7 p.m., K Woodman-Maynard, formerly of Concord, will provide a look at her graphic novel adaptation of The Great Gatsby. Concord novelist Virginia Macgregor will join Woodman-Maynard in the discussion. The events will be held on Zoom, and registration is required. Visit gibsonsbookstore.com or call 224-0562.
Featured photo: Harp donated to the Manchester Community Music School. Photo courtesy of Toni DeGennaro and the NH Philharmonic Orchestra.