The Arts | Selected Works
Music, literature, theater, and other creative works that offer contemplative space, meaning, and uplift
MIT PERFORMING ARTS
Turning emotion into sound
In "Requiem," composer Elena Ruehr honors both personal and global losses. Of the Mozart and Brahms requiems that she treasures, Ruehr says: "To me these great works of art are noble because they express the sorrow of loss but also celebrate the beauty of life."
THE MEANINGS OF MASKS
The expressive power of masks | Sara Brown
MIT professor and theater designer on masks as archetypes, protection, the performance of self, and care for others
THE ARTS
Arts from Anywhere
During this time of physical distancing to limit the spread of Covid-19, the Arts at MIT offer ways to stay connected to the MIT Arts Community from wherever you are.
EDUCATION | THE ARTS
Partiing advice from MIT historian Eric Goldberg to the students in his Vikings class
Based on the advice from Odin in the Old Norse poem Hávamál (Sayings of the High One)
THE ARTS | EDUCATION
"An Index for the Time Being" | Poetry by Jia Hui Lee
In 21W.771 (Writing Poetry Workshop), taught by acclaimed poet Erica Funkhouser, Lee creates a work for this moment of isolation.
THE ARTS
Quaranteen | by Kyle Markland '22
A pandemic anthem written and produced by scientist/engineer/musician/composer Kyle Markland '22, who also plays in the MIT Symphony Orchestra.
DAILY LIFE
A Conversation: Alan Lightman and Oprah Winfrey
In this conversation, part of Winfrey's 2020 Vision Tour, Oprah talks with MIT physicist and writer Alan Lightman about the presence, authenticity, and meanings of spiritual experience.
THE ARTS | LITERATURE
MIT Reads
MIT Reads is an all-MIT reading experience that aims to build community and foster understanding. Events and discussions are open to the entire MIT community.
THE ARTS | MUSIC FROM MIT
D'amor languire, balatta a due voci
A gorgeous, stirring work from 1405, reconstructed by MIT musicologist Michael Cuthbert; composed by by Antonio Zachara da Teramo; and performed by Ensemble Micrologus.
THE ARTS | MIT THEATER ARTS
Playwrights Lab Festival
Student playwrights see their works performed on stage, a first-of-its-kind collaboration between MIT students and theater professionals.
THE ARTS
En Pie De Lucha (Getting back up for battle)
In the wake of the humanitarian crisis in Puerto Rico, MIT’s Festival Jazz Ensemble joins forces with acclaimed musician Miguel Zenón to provide aid.
THE ARTS
Illuminating Passion: 50 Years of Jazz at MIT
MIT has a vibrant arts scene, and the jazz music program is one of its shining stars.
THE ARTS
The MIT Festival Jazz Ensemble
The MIT Festival Jazz Ensemble performs "Feeling Good," arrangement by Garrett Parrish
3 Questions with M. Amah Edoh
On Africa and Innovation
"Africa today is seen as the future of global innovation and entrepreneurship in areas from technology to the arts. Important questions about Africa’s new visibility include: Who is recognized as an expert? What is seen as innovative, and what knowledge is considered worth carrying forward? Who gets to be the face of this 'New Africa'?"