From the rarefied to the down home, there are plenty of events to keep you busy in the next few days.
People who love to follow international politics will want to plan ahead to attend Riverside Theatre’s Distinguished Lecturer Series on Monday, Jan. 17. That’s when it comes back to life with an appearance by none other than Theresa May, who was the prime minister of the United Kingdom from 2016 to 2019. May has had a long and distinguished career in politics. A member of Britain’s Conservative Party, she will share with audiences her unique insight on the current crossroads of politics, technology and business. You can only go to this lecture if you purchase a season subscription, which begins at $400 for the mainstage attendance and $200 for a simulcast attendance in the adjacent second stage. The three other events are included in the Distinguished Lecturer Series features: Peter Diamandis, Feb. 7; Brigadier General (Ret.) Robert Spalding, Feb. 21; and Rana Foroohar, March 7. The series is held at Riverside Theatre, 3250 Riverside Park Dr., Vero Beach. Call 772-231-6990 or visit RiversideTheatre.com.
Ludwig von Beethoven spanned classical and romantic. Although he lost his hearing, he created glorious music. He was known for his fiery temperament and romantic passions. So, yes, there are a number of facets to this great man of music. Listen to some of that at “The Many Faces of Beethoven,” a multi-media musical event and concert presented this Friday, Jan. 14 at the First Presbyterian Church in Vero Beach. The event features pianist Leslie Amper, who has a long list of impressive credits, including recitals at Carnegie Hall and performances with esteemed opera director Peter Sellars. She will perform Beethoven’s Sonata Op. 31, No. 3. There will also be a discussion of Beethoven’s process and influence on others. The program also includes contemporary music performed by “Tempo by Four,” a quartet comprising four professional area musicians: David Borst, Gretchen Cover, Edward Sheridan and Sally Shorrock. Tickets are $50. Proceeds benefit Music Angels Education Fund. “The Many Faces of Beethoven” begins 6:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 520 Royal Palm Blvd., Vero Beach. Call 484-885-7492 or visit Facebook.com/musicangelsusa.org.
Ballet Vero Beach will perform “Franco American” this weekend at the Vero Beach High School Performing Arts Center. This is the official opening of its new season and includes “Pavane,” “Ballade” and “An Afternoon in the Paddock.” Its planned premiere of “West Side Story Suite” has been postponed due to an injury. Performances begin 7:30 p.m. Friday. Jan. 14, and 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 15 at Vero Beach High School Performing Arts Center, 1707 16th St. The “Watch at Home” access runs Jan. 21 to Feb. 6. Tickets are $10 to $75. Call 772-905-2651 or visit BalletVeroBeach.org.
Vero Beach Theatre Guild presents “Calendar Girls” through Jan. 23. The touching comedy centers on a group of mature women who doff it all to help raise money for a local hospital. It performs 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays at the Vero Beach Theatre Guild, 2020 San Juan Ave. Tickets are $15 to $30. Call 772-562-8300 or visit VeroBeachTheatreGuild.com.
Quick Hits: The Laura (Riding) Jackson Foundation presents a Local Writers Showcase 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 16 at 6155 College Lane, Vero Beach. Call 772-569-6718 or visit LauraRidingJackson.org. The Vero Beach Museum of Art Chamber Music Series and the Atlantic Classical Orchestra presents “Through the Looking Glass” with strings and harp 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 16 at the Vero Beach Museum, 3001 Riverside Park Dr. Tickets are $35. Call 772-231-0707, ext. 136 or visit VBMuseum.org.
