In February 2020, University of Virginia students and faculty gathered at President Jim Ryan’s Carr’s Hill home for the inaugural edition of Arts on the Hill, a series of performances designed to showcase the immense and varied talents of student, faculty, and guest artists.

In March 2020, those performances look a bit different. With Grounds nearly empty and classes transitioned online for the remainder of the semester, Ryan decided to try something different to keep Hoos everywhere connected with UVA’s vibrant arts community. The first digital version of Arts on the Hill was released Sunday night, March 29, 2020.

It was hosted by Ryan, Vice Provost for the Arts Jody Kielbasa, and Matt Weber, who is part of Ryan’s staff. It features performances by Director of Jazz Performance John D’earth, the a cappella group Hoos in Treble, MFA student and poet Raisa Tolchinsky and fourth-year music major John Kanu. Ryan provides an introduction, the camera wielded by his daughter Phebe.

“My view is that we need the arts more than ever,” Ryan said. “It’s a time for us, through the arts, to connect as a community, because the arts remind us of the transcendent and the enduring.”

Those interested in submitting performances can learn more here! 

Original Publication: UVA Today

WATCH THEM ALL HERE: