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What do a contemplative nun with a passion for art history, an Othello set in modern-day London, and the "dean of Boston jazz radio" have in common? All are part of the rich tapestry of arts and culture WGBH brings to the nation, throwing open the doors to museums, theaters, and concert halls for all to sample -- free of charge.
Sister Wendy returned to PBS this year to take viewers through six major US museums, including Boston's own Museum of Fine Arts. "What first attracted WGBH to this unique art commentator is her originality and intelligence," says Jill Janows, executive producer of Sister Wendy's American Collection as well as her 1997 debut series. "She has a rare gift for making art accessible to everyone." That gift was particularly comforting given the series' September premiere date. "Wendy's keen insight demonstrated the vital power of arts and cultural programs to convey our humanity, with all its joys and terrors."
Bringing that same kind of accessibility to Shakespeare was one of the goals of ExxonMobil Masterpiece Theatre's 31st PBS season. "As magnificent as Shakespeare's language is, it's sometimes difficult for people to get past it and become involved in the story," says executive producer Rebecca Eaton. "Our new Othello stretches that story's reach considerably. We commissioned a script that keeps all the ambition, love, corruption, and betrayal of the original but translates it to a convincing modern setting: London's New Scotland Yard in the era of race riots and political spin."
This year, La Plaza joined productions like Masterpiece and Sister Wendy on the national stage. WGBH created a showcase for Latino culture 23 years ago, alongside Basic Black, which for 33 years now has reflected the interests and culture of the African American community. "It's clear there's an appetite for the multiple viewpoints these productions offer," says La Plaza managing producer Joseph Tovares. "La Plaza provides a window on diversity that's both needed and appreciated." The series' audience now extends to more than 50 PBS stations, whose viewers tune in for performances by groups like Latino band Mango Blue or conversations with acclaimed author/critic Ilan Stavans.
Greater Boston Arts is resolutely rooted in the local scene. "We canvass the region to introduce viewers to the breadth of new and challenging work by contemporary artists," says series producer Stephanie Stewart. "We visit well-known arts destinations, but also small theaters and out-of-the-way galleries." The attention pays off for organizations looking to build visibility. "Our phones rang off the hook," says Ballet Theatre's José Mateo, "with callers who'd never seen us perform but became interested watching Greater Boston Arts."
Bringing the arts to a larger stage also is the goal of WGBH's partnerships with New England-area film festivals, says Jon Abbott, general manager for television stations. "While an event like the Woods Hole Film Festival can attract as many as 300 viewers a day over the course of its run, WGBH can reach more than 250 times that number with just a single broadcast of a film like the futuristic drama The State's Conception. We're pleased to offer an expanded forum for independent voices."
Eric Jackson has been providing a venue for both jazz greats and up-and-coming talent for 20 years on 89.7. "I love to teach," says the host of Jazz with Eric in the Evening. "It's a pleasure to go on the air and present music in such a way that it's not only enjoyable but informative -- introducing performers who may be new, or may simply be new to our listeners. I feel fortunate to be part of New England's arts and culture station."
To: Basic Black
Basic Black is a rich offering of cultural and issues-oriented stories from the black community -- available nowhere else on broadcast media. It should be a model not only for Boston, but the country. The show informs members of the black community, as well as the rest of us who crave a better understanding of the richness of our city.
Sarah L., Cambridge, Massachusetts
To: WGBH Radio
After being with my darling dad in the emergency room for the past 16 hours and hearing about the bombing in Afghanistan, I turned the dial and found the magic hour of Jazz Decades. Your program is always so comforting, but tonight I felt so lucky that at my lowest ebb, your show was there to soothe and lift my spirits. Thank you, Ray Smith.
Cynthia R., Quincy, Massachusetts
Timeline
On October 6, 1951, WGBH made its broadcast debut with a live performance of the Boston Symphony Orchestra's first concert of the season, conducted by Charles Munch in memory of the BSO's legendary music director, Serge Koussevitzky. During that inaugural radio broadcast, WGBH founder Ralph Lowell told listeners he hoped the new station "would serve as a carrier of the cultural heritage of the world, in which our own New England shares so abundantly." Since then, 89.7 has provided a local stage for performances by our region's and the world's greatest talents -- from folk and jazz artists to the ever-popular Boston Symphony Orchestra -- enriching the lives of listeners throughout New England.
"WGBH always has showcased our region's cultural riches, but we want to do more," says Marita Rivero, vice president and radio manager. "Our SymphonyCast collaboration with National Public Radio represents an important step in bringing Boston's cultural jewels to a nation of listeners in an ongoing way." Created to shine the spotlight on the world's greatest orchestras using a "game-of-the-week" format, SymphonyCast will make regular stops in Boston, where 89.7 host Ron Della Chiesa will introduce performances by some of Boston's best, from James Levine and the BSO to the Handel & Haydn Society. "Our goal is to eventually integrate WGBH-produced arts and culture features throughout public radio's national lineup."
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