Theme and Variation in Music and in the Prints of Anni Albers: A Conversation between Christopher Benfey and David Sanford

Join us for an evening of music and conversation inspired by the art of Anni Albers. As a prelude to the event, enjoy a short performance of John Cage’s Atlas Eclipticalis by members of the Mount Holyoke Symphony Orchestra led by Victoria Schubarg ‘26. Immediately following will be a lively conversation between composer David Sanford and writer Christopher Benfey, who will explore wide-ranging connections between music and the visual arts. Their discussion will focus on examples from contemporary music and jazz, with special reference to the prints of Bauhaus and Black Mountain College artist Anni Albers. This event celebrates the Museum’s new exhibition Anni’s Orchestra: Theme and Variation in the Prints of Anni Albers guest-curated by Christopher Benfey.

Followed by a reception in the Hinchcliff Reception Hall. More information is available on the Museum's website.

This program is made possible by the Natalie Doernberg Hofheimer Program Fund.

Christopher Benfey is Andrew W. Mellon Professor of English Emeritus at Mount Holyoke College and great nephew of the artist Anni Albers. 

David Sanford is the Elizabeth T. Kennan Professor of Music at Mount Holyoke College and the director of the David Sanford Big Band.

Photo credits: left image: Anni Albers, Orchestra III, © 2025 The Josef and Anni Albers Foundation/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York; top right: Jim Gipe; bottom right: Joanna Chattman)