Yale Schwarzman Center

06/02/2026

Joan Ross Sorkin shares her inspiration and creative process behind writing the libretto for “Jubilee: A Folk Opera”, a new work adapted from the 1966 novel “Jubilee”by Margaret Walker. A concert reading of “Jubilee: A Folk Opera” was performed at The Dome on May 28th.

“Jubilee: A Folk Opera” is generously sponsored by Yale ASCEND in partnership with Yale Innovation Summit, Yale Schwarzman Center, and Yale School of Music with additional support from the National Endowment for the Arts.

This concert reading of “Jubilee: A Folk Opera” is a precursor to a June 14 presentation of the work to be hosted by Jackson State University.

05/22/2026

Last Friday at the New Haven Symphony Orchestra’s Garden Concert at the Estate, the Shining Light on Truth exhibitions team received the Quartet Award for Artistry.

“The Shining Light on Truth exhibitions represent a landmark collaboration spanning two public presentations: Shining Light on Truth: New Haven, Yale & Slavery at the New Haven Museum—presented by the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Yale University Library—and Shining Light on Truth: Black Lives at Yale & in New Haven, installed at the Yale Schwarzman Center. Together, these exhibitions bring long-suppressed histories into public view through archival research, interpretive storytelling, and community-centered design.

For its groundbreaking collaboration, artistic and scholarly excellence, and transformative illumination of Black history in New Haven and at Yale, the New Haven Symphony Orchestra proudly honors the creators of the Shining Light on Truth exhibitions with the Quartet Award for Artistry.”

05/21/2026

We are excited to announce our 2026 summer lineup a vibrant lineup of performances, convenings, and community-driven experiences. This season will bring unforgettable performances, captivating exhibitions, opportunities for social connection, and more! It’s a summer you won’t want to miss ☀️


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05/14/2026

Yale Schwarzman Center Executive Director Rachel Fine and Associate Artistic Director Jennifer Newman will be speaking at the 2026 Yale Innovation Summit, the Northeast’s largest innovation gathering, taking place May 27-28 in New Haven, Connecticut.

This year’s Summit will bring together more than 2,500 founders, investors, researchers, and industry leaders across arts, biotech, civic, climate, health, and tech for two days of panels, keynotes, and pitch competitions.

Panel Information:
Arts & Culture at the intersection of scalable innovations in technology, science, and social impact

Wednesday, May 27 | 3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
Beinnecke | Yale School of Management
165 Whitney Avenue
New Haven, CT 06510

A panel discussion with arts and culture creators working at the intersections of arts & technology, arts & science, and arts & social impact.

With introduction by Rachel Fine, Executive Director of Yale Schwarzman Center and moderated by Jennifer Harrison Newman. Associate Artistic Director of Yale Schwarzman Center.

Panelists: AZA Allsop, Janani Balasubramanian, Peter Flaherty

Register for this year’s Yale Innovation Summit, link in bio 🔗

05/12/2026

Join us for a concert reading of “Jubilee: A Folk Opera,”adapted from the 1966 novel “Jubilee” by Margaret Walker. Walker holds the distinction of being the first Black woman to win the Yale Series of Younger Poets Competition in 1942.

This work-in-progress spotlights the true-life story of Walker’s great-grandmother Vyry. Born into slavery, Vyry fights to protect her family as they move through Emancipation and Reconstruction, reaching for a freedom that remains contested across generations.

Scored with blues, jazz, and gospel influences, “Jubilee: A Folk Opera” weaves Walker’s poems from “This Is My Century” (set to music by Randy Klein) into a powerful narrative shaped by Joan Ross Sorkin’s original arias and recitative. Themes of love, family, and survival are woven throughout the work.

At Yale Schwarzman Center you will experience this work-in-progress during its most creative initial development.

Event information and registration link in bio 🔗

05/12/2026

Congratulations to the Yale College juniors recognized for their leadership, scholarship, character, and contributions to campus life! We are especially proud to celebrate the students among this year’s honorees who contributed to the Schwarzman Center's work as student employees, artists, performers, collaborators, and ambassadors of the arts.

Thank you for all that you bring to our community, and congratulations on this well-deserved recognition. ✨

Learn more about this year's honorees here:

Seventy-two Yale College juniors were recognized by the Council of the Heads of Colleges for their scholarship, character, and contributions to college life.

05/08/2026

Examined in a dance-art work-in-progress staged in town.

05/07/2026

We are featured on NBC Connecticut's CT LIVE!

This segment offers a glimpse into how the Center continues to bring artists and community members together through performances, exhibitions, conversations, and shared experiences in the heart of New Haven. From groundbreaking works to public programs, we’re proud to help create a space where creativity and connection thrive every day.

Thank you to NBC Connecticut and Abbey Carnivale for spotlighting our work and the many people who make this community so vibrant.

Watch the feature here:

The Yale Schwarzman Center in New Haven is working to bring people together.

05/06/2026

Our grandest production yet ☄️

“The Comet / Poppea” brought together artists and institutions in a multi-year, co-commissioned project, pushing the boundaries of what performance can look like at the Schwarzman Center.

Don’t miss what’s coming next, follow to keep up with our latest works.

Music: Elliot Figg, Adam Young, Paul Morton