hello
pianist. writer. Americanist
Elizabeth Newkirk is an American classical pianist, writer, and curator. She specializes in music of the early 20th century, and her scholarship explores the foundations of culture, convention, and archetypes. As a passionate humanist, her curations and performances seek to put the humanities into practice.
the Archetype of Modern Man
A four-part multi-disciplinary series that features philosophical narrative, visual artists, and classical music in concert. Each presentation explores a distinct theme of the modern human condition. With multiple elements of the humanities in motion, this is a unique opportunity for shared public reflection.
the American Archetype
This multi-media presentation features the artwork by Norman Rockwell, poetry by Walt Whitman, and the essay “The American Temperament” by Alain Locke to augment my performance of Gershwin’s An American in Paris and William Grant Still’s Africa. I also include a new work by Stephen Webb, titled Dream (American). This look at Americana balances thoughtful criticism with some of the most popular and meaningful pieces of American art forms.
the Americanist
A comprehensive project, the Americanist features an album of interwar orchestral works by Maurice Ravel, George Gershwin, and William Grant Still for solo piano and is accompanied by an essay that explores ideas and narratives that have shaped American culture. the Americanist is a historical trip to the 1920s, highlighting the origins of some of the most iconic American cultural contributions.
