A Royal Treat
The show sold out quickly last year, so act fast if you’d like to see the world-famous Royal Philharmonic Orchestra play The Grand Opera House in Wilmington on Jan. 14. Known as “Britain’s national orchestra,” it has recorded dozens of albums since it formed in 1946. Igor Stravinsky recorded his opera “The Rake’s Progress” with the RPO in 1964, and it recorded the Gilbert and Sullivan operas with the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company from 1964 till 1979. It has also made movie scores and worked with popular musicians from Pink Floyd and Queen to George Michael and ABBA. The Grand’s show promises to follow traditional lines, with a program of music by Mozart, Brahms and Bruch. It will be a royal treat. 652-5577, thegrandwilmington.org
All for One
Hot on the heels of the most recent movie version of the Alexander Dumas classic, The Schwartz Center for the Arts in Dover presents “The Three Musketeers” Jan. 14-15. Who can resist the intrigue of musketeers Athos, Porthos, Aramis, with the young d’Artagnan, fighting the treachery of Cardinal Richelieu in defense of the queen’s honor? Touché. 678-5152, schwartzcenter.com
Pyles of Swashbuckling fun
Why do movie pirates from Douglas Fairbanks and Errol Flynn to Johnny Depp seem to all dress in similar fashion? Thank Wilmington’s own Howard Pyle, who defined pirate couture for costumers and others more than a century ago. On Jan. 12, writer and illustrator David Rickman will present the last installment of the Howard Pyle Lecture Series, “From the Spanish Main to Hollywood: The Evolution of Pirate Dress, Real and Imagined,” which explains all. (If you’re inspired, you can still buy Pyle’s classic “Book of Pirates.”) Registration required. This lecture is rated Aaaaaargh. 571-9590, delart.org
Perfect Form
Who says sculptures must be done in marble or bronze? “Handmade: The Process of Sculpture” at Delaware College of Art and Design features six artists who work in a variety of mediums—paper, wood, metal, found objects—to create forms from abstract and expressionistic to beyond. Examine pieces by Dennis Beach, Bob Bickey, Elizabeth Duffy, Erica Loustau, David Meyer, and Victor Spinski, as curated by Stan Smokler and Constance Simon. “The intention of this exhibition is to examine the function of an art form which relies less on technology and is more about the hands-on process,” Smokler says. See it soon—the exhibition ends Jan. 13. 622-8000, dcad.edu
Get to Milford
What are members of the Mispillion Art League up to? Find out though a “Blizzard of Art” through Feb. 25. The exhibition offers a “show within a show” in honor of Black History Month. Mark you calendar for the artists’ reception on Feb. 17. 430-7646, mispillionarts.org
Eye Catching
In 1936, a group of artists in New York banded to promote understanding of non-objective art. In this, the 75th anniversary year of the American Abstract Artists, three of its current members will show their work in “Fluid” at the DCCA—a most fitting space. See the textile creations of Lynne Harlow, Marthe Keller and Rossana Martinez Jan. 21. One great thing about visiting the Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts, it’s always free. 656-6466, thedcca.org
It’s Only Human Nature
What makes us tick? Rehoboth Beach Film Society explores that very question through its latest series, aptly named—you guessed it—”What Makes Us Tick,” which runs Jan. 13-15. The theme this year is Lost and Found: Journeys of Self Discovery. Film one: “The Visitor” on Friday. It’s “a heartfelt human drama that sneaks up and floors you,” says critic Peter Travers of “Rolling Stone.” Film two: “As It Is In Heaven” on Saturday, an Oscar-nominated Swedish comedy-drama about an internationally known conductor forced into early retirement. Film three: “The Fisher King” on Sunday, starring Robin Williams. A discussion of each film will be led by a local mental health professional. See the films at the Bellmoor Inn in Rehoboth, then start thinking about the big festival in November. The days are ticking away… 645-9095, rehobothfilm.com
