“Philip Glass is one of the dominant, boundary-crossing influences of the past half century.” The Guardian (U.K.)

Approaching the composer’s 90th birthday, Arts & Lectures presents Philip Glass and The Poets. This special event, featuring longtime interpreter and composer Timo Andres and theater artist and MacArthur fellow Taylor Mac, celebrates Glass’ extraordinary relationships and collaborations with poets. Throughout his long career, Philip Glass has drawn inspiration from poets’ words, their lives and the depths of their creative practice. In particular, his friendship with American beat poet Allen Ginsberg spawned multiple collaborations; this evening will include previously unreleased recordings of Ginsberg reading his poetry set to some of Glass’ most intimate chamber music. Members of the San Francisco Girls Chorus perform songs by Ginsberg and Leonard Cohen and iconic choreographer and performer Lucinda Childs performs poetry from Glass’ 1976 opera Einstein on the Beach. Co-commissioned by Pomegranate Arts. (Philip Glass will not be performing.)