The War Memorial’s February and March arts and cultural programming

As you know, The War Memorial is committed to bringing you the highest caliber art, music, entertainment and culture from around the world — right on Lake Saint Clair. In 2020, we’re thrilled to introduce new partnerships with major community leaders and experts in a variety of fields, as well as host some of our most beloved and classic events.

This season, our arts and cultural lineup features classical and jazz musicians, influential scholars, gourmet culinary experiences, mixology classes and much more.

Here’s what is coming up in February and March:

Music lovers (and lovers of all kinds), rejoice. This Valentine’s Day, we’re hosting a romantic gourmet dinner and concert, featuring stars of the opera and Broadway stages, Angela Theis (Soprano) and Diane Schoff (Mezzo-Soprano). Our singers, both Grosse Pointe residents, will be accompanied by University of Michigan professor and pianist Timothy Cheek.

Back by popular demand, we’re hosting another season of jazzy brunch concerts. This year’s lineup of jazz musicians includes pianist Cliff Monear (February 23) and Detroit legend Dave Bennett (March 29).

Classical music fans, look no further. The Grosse Pointe Symphony Orchestra will hold a concert in The War Memorial Ballroom on Sunday, February 9. Founded in 1954, the GPSO is headed by the accomplished conductor and musical director Joseph Striplin.

In partnership with Chamber Music Society of Detroit, we’re privileged to host Curtis on Tour, a global touring initiative featuring one of our country’s most renowned conservatories, the Curtis Institute of Music. Making their Detroit debut, the award-winning Vera Quartet and distinguished faculty pianist Meng-Chieh Liu are sure to delight as they take to the stage this spring. (March 13)

All information regarding performing arts events at The War Memorial can be found at www.warmemorial.org/arts.

Feeling a bit parched? Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered.

This winter, The War Memorial is transforming the historic Alger House into an inviting cocktail lounge. Surround yourself with friends, the glow of a warm, historic fireplace and, of course, a cocktail in hand. Included are one complimentary libation, light hors d’oeuvres and a variety of new and familiar board games. (February 13 and March 5)

New this year, we’re offering a series of engaging cocktail classes. Under the expert guidance of Tammy Coxen from Tammy’s Tastings, you’ll learn all you need to know about the art of mixology: from how to order a drink you’ll actually like to making your own classic and craft cocktails right at home. Classes include a unique combination of history and stories, instruction and techniques and hands-on cocktail-making (not to mention, plenty of sampling). (February 27)

Ladies, listen up, because bartending isn’t just a man’s world. This Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating the history of women in bars and distilleries. You’ll get to meet these pioneering gals through their cocktails, from Golden Age giants like Ada Coleman (the head bartender at the Savoy in London) to modern movers and shakers like Audrey Saunders and Ivy Mix. (March 26)

Information regarding culinary experiences at The War Memorial can be found at www.warmemorial.org/eat.

Experience a unique cinematic immersion with our Dinner and Movie at The Capitol. This March, we are featuring a delectable dining experience, followed by a screening of The Hunger Games in The Patriot Theater. In celebration of Suzanne Collins’ new and eagerly awaited Panem novel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, The War Memorial will transform itself into the infamous President’s Mansion for one unforgettable evening. Indulge yourself in the splendor of our lavish 1910 Italian Renaissance-style estate while enjoying a feast in our lakefront ballroom, followed by a screening of the first Hunger Games film. (March 27)

Continuing through May, The War Memorial’s Patriot Theater will feature live broadcasts from New York City’s Metropolitan Opera: The Met Live in HD. Handel’s Agrippina (February 29), Wagner’s Der Fliegende Hollaender (March 14), Puccini’s Tosca (April 11) and Donizetti’s Maria Stuarda (May 9) complete the Met’s 2019/20 season. Reaching more than 70 countries with more than 25 million tickets sold to date, this series is the world’s leading provider of alternative cinema content and the only arts institution with an ongoing global series of this scale.

Information regarding film events at The War Memorial can be found at www.warmemorial.org/film.

Learn more this season. After a brilliant launch in 2019, The War Memorial’s new Scholars Series continues this winter. The series, presented in partnership with Oakland University, is free and open to the public. It features lectures, discussions and learning experiences with prominent local academics. These multidisciplinary talks include Dave Dulio’s “2020 Presidential Politics” (February 25) and Fay Hanen’s “Learn to Grow—Grow to Learn” (March 18).

Information regarding speaker events at The War Memorial can be found at www.warmemorial.org/speakers.

Tickets to these and other events, as well as more information about The War Memorial and its mission, can be found at WarMemorial.Org.