Boston Winter 2021 Arts Guide

This winter is already one for the books. We’re in the midst of colder weather and are experiencing a greater need than ever before for social distancing to keep our community safe. Since both of these factors make it more difficult to get out and enjoy art, it’s a great time to check out the inspirational, meaningful virtual performances and experiences from Greater Boston’s arts organizations. Here, we’re recommending several of the shows and events you should look out for this winter.

For more, check out the ArtsBoston Calendar for an extensive look at what’s happening in your local arts scene.

MLK JR. DAY

Museum of Fine Arts: Voices on King

Janurary 18 – This celebration brings together artists and community leaders to reflect on the impact and legacies of Dr. King and Mrs. Coretta Scott King including poet Porsha Olayiwola and artist Danny Rivera.

Celebrity Series at Home: Boston “Freedom & Resilience” Stringfest

January 18 – Members of Boston’s Castle of Our Skins artist collective — dedicated to advancing Black artistry through music and related performance — teams with youth ensembles in this event, part of a series with the collective.

Project Step

January 17 – Following this concert, stick around for a panel discussion with Patrice Jackson, acclaimed cellist & Project STEP faculty member; Kirk Johnson, STEP alumnus and Founder of SOUNDS Academy; Catherine Morris, Founder of BAMS Fest and Director of Public Programs at The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum; and Suubi Laurent, cellist & current STEP student.

Boston Children’s Chorus: “Born On The Water”

January 17 – Boston Children’s Chorus unites its voices to “honor the resilience of a people that have formed the backbone of this country’s cultural heritage.” This concert will share music that underscores the history of the African American experience and offer a space for reflection on the accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

THEATRE

Liars & Believers: “Beyond a Winter’s Day”

January 15 – March 28: As this strange and isolating Pandemic Winter descends, join Liars & Believers for a live online performance of story & music, food & drink, mask & puppet, shadow & light. This is a multi-sensory experience, with recipes for the food and drink that appear in the show!

Company One Theatre and The Theater Offensive: Joy + Wellness

This January and February, C1 and The Theater Offensive are making space for health, relaxation, and artistically-fueled joy, with virtual, participatory workshops as varied as our community: from Drag Story Hour to skin care consultations, from trivia nights to social justice embroidery circles.

ArtsEmerson: “Julia”

February 9 – 22: This adaptation of The Strindberg classic Miss Julie is from internationally praised Brazilian theatremaker Christiane Jatahy, and will take you on a virtual ride through the world of this play, filmed in front of a live audience.

American Repertory Theatre: The Lunch Room

This ongoing virtual talk show with artists, activists, and civic leaders who are shaping our culture and communities includes a lineup of entrepreneurial strategist Lisa Yancey on her partnership with anti-racism work at A.R.T., as well as actors from shows of times past, like Jagged Little Pill, SIX, The Donkey Show, and more.

MUSIC

Global Arts Live

With a full and cost-accessible lineup this winter, Global Arts Live is connecting you directly to some of the world’s most innovative musicians in livestreamed concerts and events. Mark your calendars now for gospel, classical African music, Bollywood dance, and so much more.

BSO Now

Ongoing: Be on the lookout for updates from the Boston Symphony Orchestra, because their upcoming performances are not-to-be missed, and their online viewing platform makes it easy to get in on the musical action! Starting up first, Stefan Asbury, Thomas Wilkins, and Anna Rakatina lead musicians through a weekly series called “Music in Changing Times: New Beginnings.”

Emmanuel Music: Bach Institute

January 12 – 17: Now in its tenth year, the Bach Institute will feature a mixture of performances, discussions, and presentations that delve into the importance of Bach’s music and the role it plays in our current moment.

Boston Lyric Opera: Fall of the House of Usher

Starting January 29: Ready to get spooky? This new, cinematic version of Philip Glass’ opera is based on Edgar Allan Poe’s classic story with a brilliant cast and production team.

Celebrity Series at Home

Ongoing: The lineup for Celebrity Series’ winter/spring programming is packed full of musicians on a national and worldwide scale, filmed in intimate concerts that you can view at home. There will truly be something for everyone with chamber music, solo piano, jazz, folk, and more, and several of the programs are being offered for free!

VISUAL ARTS and FILM

Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston

January 29 – February 25: This winter, the ICA has been presenting three feature-length films highlighting the creativity, ingenuity, and humanity of artists. Coming up soon is “Born to Fly: Elizabeth Streb vs. Gravity,” about a group of artists who create at the intersection between daring stunts and dance.

Coolidge Corner Theater

January – February: The seminars at the beloved Brookline theater are both lovely trips down memory lane and inquisitive explorations of classic and new films. Don’t miss the sessions for “When Harry Met Sally” and “Singing in the Rain!”