August 31, 2017
The long and rich legacy of the arts in Islamic cultures often falls to the wayside in our study of history. But masterpieces abound and are well worth examination. In this “Great Gatherings” two-part series led by arts and culture professional and MPA parent Barb Horlbeck, we will look at the artistic history of Islam and the masterpieces created by Islamic cultures from Andalusia, the Iberian peninsula where the Muslims reigned for nearly 800 years, to the rich decorative designs, book illustrations, textiles and calligraphy of the Ottoman world, to icons such as the Taj Mahal and the magical gardens of the Mughal Empire, to the great Abbasid city of Baghdad, home of the remarkable “House of Wisdom” where scholars gathered from all over the world. We will conclude with a brief examination of 19th century ‘Orientalist’ paintings as we examine the power of these works that were created of the east by the west and the influence they had in laying the foundation for misperceptions of the Islamic world that hold forth even to today.
DATE: September 7 and 21, 2017
TIME: 6 PM
WHERE: Porter Conference Room
Hosted by Barb Horlbeck
Kindly RSVP to Susan Robertson, Development Manger, via email.
Ms. Abbe, orchestra director, asked her students from the Class of 2017: What’s your favorite orchestra memory? They are both heartwarming and funny, so we wanted to share …
Congratulations to the cast, crew, orchestra members, and production staffers of Pippin who worked tirelessly to create this incredible, thought-provoking Spring Musical for our community! And a very special thanks to Ms. Gregg for her leadership!
ongratulations to Gabby Law, Laura O’Neill, Sarah Ley, and Kelly Myers who auditioned and were selected to be members of the Minnesota Music Educators Association’s All-State Choir program in 2017–18! This is the first time that MPA has had four girls make All-State Choir in one year.
This weekend, I had the pleasure of attending our school’s production of Pippin. I am impressed on so many levels with the accomplishments of our students. The singing was phenomenal, the music was beautiful, and the acting and staging was excellent. I was also struck by the diversity of the cast and crew. Students from across all three grade levels, peer groups, and interests were represented. It was an “MPA Moment” that captured the mission of our school.
Wednesday night’s Lower School Art and Music Show: Plant, Nurture, Grow, was a stunning celebration of our little ones. After proudly describing each piece of artwork to their families, students performed with confidence. Freethinking was woven throughout as they improvised, embellished, and interpreted the music. Bravo! 
The MPA Theatre Department invites you to attend Pippin on April 27, 28, and 29 at 7 PM in the Nicholson Center. Led by the charismatic Leading Player, the cast will tell the story of Pippin, a young prince who longs to find passion and adventure in his life. Pippin struggles to decide whether he should settle down and pursue a peaceful life or continue to make magic with the dazzling troupe of performers. Tickets are $5 for students and seniors, and $10 for adults, and can be 