TLI Spotlight Series: Sebastian Smee in dialogue with Sam Amidon and Shahzad Ismaily

Curated with direction from Yo-Yo Ma, and in conjunction with his performance of the Saint-Saëns Cello Concerto No. 1 the next afternoon, Pulitzer Prize-winning art critic Sebastian Smee will lead a discussion on creativity, influence, and teacher-student dynamics with singer and multi-instrumentalist Sam Amidon, who “stages a polygot conversation among folk, classical and jazz” (Pitchfork), and “one of music’s most coveted collaborators” (The New York Times) Shahzad Ismaily. Reflecting on connections to the region and inspired by the path to Saint-Saëns from Yo-Yo Ma’s teacher Luise Vosgerchian to Nadia Boulanger to Gabriel Fauré, the trio will speak personally on learning and lineage, weaving music throughout.

The Spotlight Series is generously supported by Marillyn Tufte Zacharis.