The Autumn Embrace of DC Diplomatic's Scene

Event Highlight: Embassy of Australia Concert (Thursday, October 19^th )

Did you know that the new Australian Embassy building has only been in Dupont Circle for the past two months? This was a fact that one of our readers let us know after the Australian Embassy had moved from its old spot to its new location. They had spent a while on the construction of the building which is massive. We had the fortune of visiting to see the Australian Haydn Ensemble perform in DC at the embassy flying in all the way from Surry Hills, Australia. Previously, they had been in New York performing at the illustrious Carnegie Hall earlier in the week.

As soon as we cleared security, we were dumbfounded by the beauty of the interior design choice of the Australian Embassy from vaulted ceilings to deliberate patterns of the wood on the walls. We chatted with other curious individuals who were equally marveled at both the interior as well as the generous amount of catered food at a nearby table. The members of the Australian Haydn Ensemble stepped into the room to perform with masterful violinists, cellists, and more instruments for the audience to view.

They performed a series of classical songs including one from Beethoven and performed Australian music in different acts. Each performance was met by a thunderous applause from the audience including ourselves. After the concert, we had the opportunity to socialize with some members of the orchestra at a bar in Dupont. We were amazed at how friendly they were to a complete stranger whom they had met literally just hours ago. Thank you to the Australian Haydn Ensemble for the performance and the Australian Embassy for hosting the event.

Looking Ahead! 👀 

1. Simone Dinnerstein and Awadagin Pratt Piano Concert ($70+ - $90+) (Monday, October 30^th, 7:30PM - 9:00PM)

   • Description: For more than 20 years, Simone Dinnerstein and Awadagin Pratt have garnered individual praise for originality and astounding technical prowess—Pratt as an award-winning pianist, conductor, and educator, and Dinnerstein for her luminous piano interpretations of Bach, Glass, and beyond. Together at the Terrace Theater, these former Hayes Series artists perform a remarkable four-hand piano program, sharing one instrument and playing simultaneously on the same keyboard

   • Host Organization: Kennedy Center and Washington Performing Arts

2. Embassies of the World in Washington, DC ($28.52) (Wednesday, November 1^st, 6:00PM - 9:00PM)

   • Description: Join us for a night with Ambassadors and Diplomats from Embassies of DC to talk about Culture and business with people interested in International Affairs!!

   • Host Organization: The America-Eurasia Center

3. Ukraine Benefit Concert ($44.52) (Thursday, November 2^nd, 7:30PM - 9:00PM)

   • Description: Join us for an unforgettable Ukraine Benefit Concert, where we'll raise funds and show our support for Ukraine in person.

   • Host Organization: American Coalition for Ukraine

4.  Strong Wind Movie Premiere ($17.85) (Thursday, November 2^nd, 7:30PM - 9:00PM)

   • Film Description: In a surreal tale, a man returns after a long absence. He peers out the window of a flat he shares with his wife. But, is it still his life?

   • Host Organization: Scena Theatre

5. St Mark Orthodox Church Ethnic Food Festival (Free to attend but food for sale) (Saturday, November 4^th, 11:00PM - 8:00PM)

   • Description: We will have Slavic and Eastern European food specialties such as piroghi, piroshki, halupki, Chicken Kiev, Beef Stroganoff, kielbasa, blini, spanakopita and side dishes. There will also be bread, rolls and baked goods. Browse through religious books, gifts, icons and the Lucky Draw room.

   • Host Organization: St. Mark Orthodox Church

6. 19th Fuego Flamenco Festival (Multiple performances and ticket prices) (Saturday, November 4^th - Sunday, November 19^th)

   • Description: Experience local and international artists in an expanded three-week festival!

   • Host Organization: GALA Hispanic Theatre

International Events List (October 23^rd - October 29^th )

Check out the following international embassy and cultural events happening from Monday, October 23^rd until Sunday, October 29^th .

Emoji Notes:

👗 = Fancy dress code.

Monday, October 23^rd , 2023

1. Africa's Future Series: Digital Governance (FREE!) (9:00AM - 11:00AM)

   • Description: Just for a lecture discussion regarding digital governance in Africa.

   • Host Organization: University of Southern California Capital Campus

2. Looking Ahead: What are Future Developments in Carbon Border Adjustments? (FREE!) (12:00PM - 2:00PM)

   • Description: Join us at Niskanen Center’s new office location for a lunch event to learn more about the future developments of carbon border adjustments.

   • Host Organization: The Niskanen Center

3. Congress and Biden's Initial Success in Countering China's Challenges (FREE!) (3:30PM - 5:30PM)

   • Description: Join us for a celebration of research with Dr. Robert Sutter's keynote lecture: Congress and Biden's Initial Success in Countering China's Challenges.

   • Host Organization: Elliott School Research Program

4. Rajiv Shah — Big Bets: How Large-Scale Change Really Happens (FREE!) (7:00PM - 8:00PM)

   • Description: Part career sweeping memoir, part inspirational playbook, Big Bets offers a master class in decision-making, leadership, and changing the world one bet at a time.

   • Host Organization: Politics and Prose

5. Depeche Mode: Memento Mori Tour ($49+) (7:30PM - 9:00PM)

   • Description: Depeche Mode was formed in 1980 by Andy Fletcher, singer Dave Gahan and keyboardists Martin Gore and Vince Clarke. Join them as they perform at the Capitol One Arena.

   • Host Organization: Capitol One Arena

6. Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) (Check ticket prices for events!) (Monday, October 23^rd - Sunday, October 29^th )

   • Description: Held annually in October, WIHS brings together the finest and most talented horses and riders from across the country and around the world for seven days of top jumper, hunter and equitation competition, equestrian entertainment, and community and charity events.

   • Host Organization: Washington International Horse Show Association

Tuesday, October 24^th , 2023

1. Women in Business, The Jewelry Trade (FREE!) (12:00PM - 1:00PM)

   • Description: The Embassy of the Czech Republic will host an online talk as part of its series, Women in Business, with Eva Foose and Marcela Raska, business owners of Shelalee, LLC, on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at 12 pm

   • Host Organization: Embassy of the Czech Republic

2. Sustainability Lab of the Goethe-Institute (FREE!) (5:00PM - 6:00PM)

   • Description: Join us for an online discussion about sustainability through the Goethe-Institute.

   • Host Organization: Goethe-Institute

3. A Middle Eastern Pantry ($40 - $50) (6:45PM - 8:45PM)

   • Description: Join Lev Sercarz, in conversation with food journalist Jane Black, as he discusses recipes from his book, as well as origin stories that lend cultural relevance and insight into one of the world’s most ancient and beloved cuisines.

   • Host Organization: Smithsonian Associates

4. What’s For Dinner? Reconnecting Our Food With Our Climate (FREE!) (7:00PM - 8:00PM)

   • Description: In our final lecture of 2023, join Dr. Jessica Fanzo for a look at sustainable food practices for a hotter, more turbulent world. Fanzo directs the Food for Humanity Initiative at the Columbia University Climate School. In this talk, she’ll reveal the must-do actions to nourish 9.7 billion people by 2050.

   • Host Organization: Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

5. Shakespeare Everywhere Festival Lecture Series (FREE!) (7:30PM - 9:30PM)

   • Description: Keeping Time: Music, Mood and Shakespeare’s Duke of Jazz - the Second in the Shakespeare Everywhere Lecture Series

   • Host Organization: IN Series Opera Company

Wednesday, October 25^th , 2023

1. Fall Festival on Woodrow Wilson Plaza (FREE!) (9:00AM - 1:00PM)

   • Description: Bring your family, friends and co-workers to enjoy free fall festivities in downtown DC.

   • Host Organization: Ronald Reagan Building

2. Ambassador Insider Series: Mexico ($0 to $75.48) (4:00PM - 7:00PM)

   • Description: Come join us for a lively post-election discussion with Mexican Ambassador Esteban Moctezuma, followed by networking reception and drinks.

   • Host Organization: The Washington Diplomat

3. Reflets en Mouvance Piano Concert ($17.85 - $28.52) (7:30PM - 9:30PM)

   • Description: Join us for an intimate evening of piano music featuring works by Janáček, Fauré, Ginastera, Ravel, and more performances.

   • Host Organization: French Embassy

4. Loneliness and Belonging Discussion (FREE!) (6:00PM - 7:00PM)

   • Description: The Kennedy Center joins the NeuroArts Blueprint, an initiative of the Aspen Institute and Johns Hopkins Medicine, to present a series of in-depth discussions about the potential of the arts to improve our health and well-being.

   • Host Organization: Kennedy Center

5. Research + Practice: Ken Grossinger, Michele Carlson, & Lauren Onkey (FREE!) (6:30PM - 8:30PM)

   • Description: Join us for an installment of the Research + Practice conversation featuring Ken Grossinger, Michele Carlson, & Lauren Onkey.

   • Host Organization: The Corcoran School of the Arts & Design

6. Couperin le Grand ($30 - $95) (7:30PM - 9:00PM)

   • Description: Join Opera Lafayette and internationally renowned harpsichordist Christophe Rousset for an evening of chamber music by François Couperin and others with bass-baritone Jonathan Woody and members of the Opera Lafayette orchestra.

   • Host Organization: Kennedy Center

7. Spanish Young Music Talents: Lore Amenábar (FREE!) (6:30PM - 8:00PM)

   • Description: Join Spanish accordionist Lore Amenábar as they will give a solo recital with works by composers all around the world.

   • Host Organization: SPAIN Arts & Culture

8. Nature's Toxins: From Spices to Vices ($20 - $25) (6:45PM - 8:00PM)

   • Description: Using cutting-edge science in the fields of evolution, chemistry, and neuroscience, evolutionary biologist Noah Whiteman reveals the origins of toxins produced by plants, mushrooms, microbes, and even some animals, the mechanisms that animals evolved to overcome them, and how a co-evolutionary arms race made its way into the human experience.

   • Host Organization: Smithsonian Associates

Thursday, October 26^th , 2023

1. The Shapiro Distinguished Lecture on Global Climate Change and Energy Law (FREE!) (12:15PM - 2:00PM)

   • Description: Please join the GW Law Environmental and Energy Law Program for its second annual Shapiro Distinguished Lecture.

   • Host Organization: Environmental & Energy Law Program

2. Book Talk on Individualism and Social Trust in Modern Sweden (FREE!) (6:00PM - 7:30PM)

   • Description: Join us for a book talk with Swedish authors Henrik Berggren and Lars Trägårdh, moderated by Swedish author & journalist Karin Henriksson.

   • Host Organization: Embassy of Sweden

3. Viktor Čižić Performance (FREE!) (6:00PM - 7:00PM)

   • Description: On the 10th Anniversary of Croatia’s accession to the European Union, the Embassy of Croatia in Washington, in collaboration with the Kennedy Center, is pleased to present a concert by Viktor Cizic, a renowned pianist from Zagreb, Croatia.

   • Host Organization: Kennedy Center/Czech Republic Embassy

4. Evening at the Embassy of Uzbekistan ($70) (6:30PM - 9:00PM)

   • Description: Join us for a very special cultural evening on Uzbek soil as we welcome his Excellency Ambassador Furkat Sidikov to Washington, D.C.

   • Host Organization: Things To Do DC

5. Film Screening: "Ratatouille": Gastronomy and Movies at the French Embassy ($6.27 - $11.54) (6:30PM - 8:30PM)

   • Film Description: A rat who can cook makes an unusual alliance with a young kitchen worker at a famous Paris restaurant.

   • Host Organization: French Embassy

Friday, October 27^th , 2023

1. Art Bites Gallery Talk (FREE!) (12:15PM - 12:45PM)

   • Description: Learn the stories behind these objects and how each one tells us about America’s ever-changing culture. Tyler Shine, the Will Barnet Foundation Predoctoral Fellow at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, discusses Alma Thomas’ Red Azaleas Singing and Dancing Rock and Roll Music.

   • Host Organization: Smithsonian Associates

2. Give for Hope Boo Bash ($55.20) (5:30PM - 8:30PM)

   • Description: Join us at the beautiful French Embassy in Washington, DC! As the Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance's national signature event, the Give for Hope™ Boo Bash benefits Dreams for Danny – our surgical evaluation travel scholarship.

   • Host Organization: Embassy of France

3. A Screening of Global Assignment: The Life and Times of Runoko Rashidi ($23.18) (7:00PM - 10:00PM)

   • Description: Join us for an in-person screening of Global Assignment: The Life and Times of Runoko Rashidi on October 27, 2023, at 7pm EST.

   • Host Organization: IKG Cultural Resource Center

4. National Symphony Orchestra Performance (FREE!) (6:00PM - 7:00PM)

   • Description: Join members of the National Symphony Orchestra play an assortment of chamber music.

   • Host Organization: Kennedy Center

5. Halloween under the Stars at the Embassy Row Rooftop ($28.52 - $44.52) (6:30PM - 9:30PM)

   • Description: Celebrate Halloween with an Embassy Row Rooftop Dance Soiree under the stars featuring TWO live bands performing both swing and salsa music.

   • Host Organization: International Club of DC

6. Claudia Acevedo-Quiñones — The Hurricane Book - with Patricia Coral (FREE!) (7:00PM - 8:00PM)

   • Description: Organized around six hurricanes that passed through the island with varying degrees of intensity between 1928 and 2017, The Hurricane Book documents the myriad ways in which colonialism—particularly the relationship between the United States and the island—has seeped into the lives of Puerto Ricans, affecting how they and their land recover from catastrophe, as well as how families and citizens are bound to one another.

   • Host Organization: Politics and Prose

7. Ensemble Sangineto Performance ($13.50- $18.50) (7:30PM - 9:00PM)

   • Description: This eclectic band skillfully blends ancient harmonies with modern rhythms, creating fresh arrangements of traditional tunes and original compositions.

   • Host Organization: Weinberg Center for the Arts

Saturday, October 28^th , 2023

1. Adams Morgan Apple Festival (FREE!) (8:00AM - 1:00PM)

   • Description: The 10th Annual Adams Morgan Apple Pie Baking Contest and the 15th Annual Licking Creek Bend Farm Heirloom Apple Tasting returns to Adams Morgan on Saturday, October 28!

   • Host Organization: Adams Morgan BID

2. DC: Day of the Dead/Día de los Muertos (FREE!) (10:00AM - 5:00PM)

   • Description: Bring the whole family to the DC Day of the Dead event.

   • Host Organization: American Indian Museum DC

3. SpaceCraft Student Showcase and Pop-Up Market (FREE!) (12:00PM - 3:00PM)

   • Description: Experience the future of design! Dive into student creations in footwear, apparel, and virtual worlds at the SpaceCraft Showcase.

   • Host Organization: MORE Inc.

4. Artists Reflect – Hsa Win; Great Nats (FREE!) (12:00PM - 1:00PM)

   • Description: Join us for a performance by Ka’Ren artist Hsa Win that honors nats, or god-like spirits.

   • Host Organization: National Museum of Asian Art

5. Sanrizuka – Heta Village (FREE!) (2:00PM - 4:30PM)

   • Description: This special presentation of two titles in their original 16mm format was organized in partnership with the Japan Foundation, with special thanks to Inge de Leewu, director of programming, Metrograph Pictures.

   • Host Organization: National Gallery of Art

6. Juan Goméz Barcena — Not Even the Dead (FREE!) (5:00PM - 6:00PM)

   • Book Description: The conquest of Mexico is over, and Juan de Toñanes is just one of the many inglorious soldiers eking a small existence on the land he helped conquer. When he receives one last mission, to hunt down a renegade Indian who calls himself the Padre and preaches a dangerous heresy, Juan realizes it may be his last chance to create the future he's always dreamed of.

   • Host Organization: Politics and Prose

7. Dori Freeman Performance (FREE!) (6:00PM - 7:00PM)

   • Description: Dori Freeman has sharpened her vision of Appalachian Americana over five studio albums. From the country traditionalism of her self-titled debut to the amplified folk of Ten Thousand Roses, it’s a sound that nods to her mountain-town roots even as it reaches beyond them.

   • Host Organization: Kennedy Center

8. Mágica Muerte: Opening Reception (FREE!) (7:00PM - 9:00PM)

   • Description: Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a celebration embracing the duality of life and death in Mexican culture.

   • Host Organization: Dupont Underground

Sunday, October 29^th , 2023

1. Magino Village – A Tale/ The Sundial Carved with a Thousand Years of Notches (FREE!) (1:00PM - 4:45PM)

   • Description: Shinsuke Ogawa (1935-1992) was one of Japan’s leading documentarians who inspired generations of non-fiction filmmakers to practice and participate in the power of dedicated, collective filmmaking.

   • Host Organization: National Gallery of Art

2. Leyendas de Mi Tierra (Stories from Home) Performance ($32) (2:00PM - 3:00PM)

   • Description: Montoya’s choreography breathes life into untold Latino stories of the American Southwest

   • Host Organization: GALA Hispanic

3. Noorjahan Bose — Daughter of the Agunmukha - with Sunu Chandy and Krittika Ghosh (FREE!) (3:00PM - 4:00PM)

   • Description: How does a girl from a tiny Bangladeshi island end up reading Tagore, Marx and de Beauvoir, and becoming a feminist activist? How does she navigate different cultures and religions, and patriarchal society?

   • Host Organization: Politics and Prose

4. ART WORKS with Ken Grossinger | A Busboys and Poets Books Presentation (FREE!) (5:00PM - 7:00PM)

   • Description: Join us to discuss how art and activism come together to create change with Ken Grossinger.

   • Host Organization: Busboys and Poets

Rate Issue No.36!

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