Joseph Polisi, president emeritus of The Juilliard School, will recount the history of Lincoln Center in a talk at Friday’s meeting of the New Canaan Men’s Club. Dr. Polisi’s remarks will focus on Lincoln Center as a center for the performing arts and The Juilliard School’s standing as an incubator for prestigious talent across the performing arts.
The Men’s Club will meet at 10 a.m. in Morrill Hall at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 111 Oenoke Ridge. Dr. Polisi’s presentation will begin around 10:40 a.m., following the business portion of the meeting. During his remarks, Dr. Polisi will share insights both into the world-renowned conservatory and the rich history of Lincoln Center.
Dr. Polisi, who led The Julliard School for 34 years beginning in 1984, served in the longest presidential term in the school’s history. He is also the author of “Beacon to the World: A History of Lincoln Center,” which describes how the project was conceived in the belief that “Americans would benefit from bringing together a diverse array of performing organizations.”
As described in Polisi’s book, John D. Rockefeller 3rd marshalled support for the project from an array of leaders at the time representing political and civic interests, major financial institutions and the performing arts. He viewed the creation of the future Lincoln Center “as part of his responsibilities as a citizen of New York,” recognizing the positive role that the arts played in the lives of New Yorkers.
Today, Polisi’s book notes, Lincoln Center stands on New York City’s west side as a cultural center for the arts, a foundation underpinning the “quest for excellence in the demanding profession of the performing arts.”
Aside from hosting guest speakers on a variety of topics, Men’s Club members participate in a range of regularly scheduled activities, such as hiking, yoga and squash, and join in discussions through its book and cinema clubs. Many of its members are also involved in a variety of New Canaan civic activities. The Men’s Club has openings for new members, men 55-years and above. For information about joining, email ncmens@ncmens.org.