Rothko Chapel

10.12.17

Art and Incarceration: Poetry, Theatre and Music in and about Captivity

Concert, Ensemble Pi

For this interdisciplinary performance, Ensemble Pi presented music, text, and theater works that focus on the rise of mass incarceration, the racial disparities it reveals, and the emotional toll it takes on inmates and their families. The evening started with the world premiere of Rikers Island by New York composer Eleanor Cory, inspired by the anthology These Are Hard Times for Dreamers. Followed by Rzewski’s minimalist masterpiece, Coming Together, composed in the wake of the 1971 prison riots in upstate New York and powerfully expressing the frustration of life behind bars and anger about injustice. Joseph Assadourian, the narrator for Coming Together, will also perform an excerpt from his tragi-comic play, The Bullpen, based on his own incarceration. The performance closed with the sublime Olivier Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time (1941), composed and performed in the prisoner-of-war camp in Gorlitz, Germany, capturing the hardship and sadness of being in prison, while still conveying optimism.

About the presenters:

Ensemble Pi is a new music collective that uniquely connects pressing social and political issues and the idioms of classical contemporary music. They began a Peace Concerts series 10 years ago in response to the invasion of Iraq, and have since presented annual chamber music concerts giving voice to the struggle for peace. Every concert includes at least one commission, as well as contemporary classical masterpieces to address the historical tradition of “socially conscious” compositions. In the past, the group has collaborated with visual artists, writers, journalists and actors – including South African artist William Kentridge and American journalists Naomi Wolf and Jeremy Scahill – and have featured the music of John Harbison, Frederic Rzewski, Shostakovich and Penderecki. The Peace Concerts series has also protested the censorship of media, fracking, the Apartheid, and more. Performers include: Alexis Gerlach, cello; Moran Katz, clarinet; Idith Meshulam Korman, piano; Airi Yoshioka, violin; and Joseph Assadourian, actor and narrator. The group is joined by local Houston musicians Craig Hauschildt, percussion and Daniel Egan, trumpet.

Abbas Mahvash and Luke Slott, Baha'i Tradition

October 4, 2017

For the month of October, the Rothko Chapel presented a meditation in the Baha'i tradition. Led by Abbas Mahvash of the Bahá'í Community of Houston, accompanied by Luke Slott, singer, songwriter and composer from Dublin, Ireland, this session explored a Baha'i perspective on the purpose of religious practice through prayer and meditation. The meditation also addressed individual and community healing after Harvey as a part of the Chapel's weekly Wednesday gathering series.

Slott performed songs and prayers, then participants read Baha'i scripture on prayer and meditation, discussing how these contemplative practices lead to individual and collective development. Mahvash provided a reflection on these prayers, and consulted on their practical implications for personal and societal advancement. The group then practiced Metta Bhavana, a Buddhist method that helps cultivate loving-kindness, to help put into practice inner and external transformation.

About the presenters:

Abbas Mahvash is a native Houstonian, whose work in law and international development has allowed him to participate in Baha'i communities across North America, Europe, and Africa. He spent recent years volunteering at the Baha'i administrative and spiritual center in Haifa, Israel.

Luke Slott is a composer and singer-songwriter from Ireland. Born into a musical family in Dublin, he began playing music at an early age, learning guitar and trumpet from his father and studying piano at the Royal Irish Academy of Music. He has released 5 CDs of both vocal and instrumental music and has toured extensively as a solo artist, giving concerts and music workshops in over 20 countries. At the age of 21, Luke embraced the Bahá’í Faith and began incorporating the Bahá’í Sacred Writings into his music. In honor of the Bahá’í Community’s 2017 celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh, the Founder of the Bahá’ï Faith, Luke has released a new album entitled Year of the Nightingale. He is spending 2017 on tour in various parts of the world giving special concerts about the history of the Bahá’í Faith and the inspiration behind his music. For more information visit lukeslott.com.

About the series:

Since September 2005, on the first Wednesday of each month from 12-1pm, the Rothko Chapel hosts a meditation or contemplative practice focusing on a different spiritual or faith tradition featuring teachers and religious leaders from throughout the greater Houston community. The Twelve Moments: Experiencing Spiritual and Faith Traditions series provides opportunities for visitors to learn more about a specific spiritual or faith tradition, and experience a related meditation or contemplative practice, such as prayer, chanting, and more.

2.21.17

SOME LIGHT EMERGES artist talk and performance

Presented in partnership with HGOco

In collaboration with Houston Grand Opera (HGO), and in conjunction with the world premiere of SOME LIGHT EMERGES, the Rothko Chapel will present an artist talk and performance. Join composer Laura Kaminsky, librettists Mark Campbell and Kimberly Reed, and others from the creative team in conversation with Rothko Chapel’s Executive Director, David Leslie, to discuss the inspiration and process behind the making of this new chamber opera. Hear never before performed excerpts from the opera by two of the cast members (and HGO Studio Artists), Yelena Dyachek and Zoie Reams. The program will be followed by a reception on the plaza.

Karim Sulayman, cast member of Some Light Emerges, will be on the Plaza from 6-6:45pm to present the performance and social experiment “I trust you,” addressing the recent rise of division, fear, and hatred in our nation. View a past performance here: https://vimeo.com/193125533

About the Opera:

SOME LIGHT EMERGES is a chamber opera created by the acclaimed team of composer Laura Kaminsky and librettists Mark Campbell and Kimberly Reed and will be performed March 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m., at the Ballroom at Bayou Place. This new opera was inspired by the Rothko Chapel SOME LIGHT EMERGES will be HGO’s 63rd world premiere and is presented under the auspices of HGOco, which connects the company’s creative resources with the diverse and vibrant Houston community.

Based on an original concept by Mark Campbell, SOME LIGHT EMERGES is set mostly within the Rothko Chapel and chronicles the direct and tangential intersections of five people across four decades who visit the chapel as well as the struggles and triumphs of Dominique de Menil in realizing her dream. Through the personal stories of its characters, both moving and humorous, SOME LIGHT EMERGES reveals how political and spiritual conflicts can be better understood and ultimately resolved through art while honoring the people who create and support such art.

Cantor Rollin Simmons, Reflection and Renewal in the Wake of Hurricane Harvey

September 6, 2017

For the month of September, the Rothko Chapel presented a meditation in the Judaic tradition with the theme of "Reflection and Renewal in the wake of Hurricane Harvey." Led by Cantor Rollin Simmons of Congregation Emanu El, this session explored prayer, song, and meditation and addressed individual and city wide healing after the storm.

About the presenter:

Cantor Rollin Simmons received a B.A. with a major in Art History and a minor in Italian from Vassar College, in Poughkeepsie, NY and an M.Ed in Special Education from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. While in Cambridge, she was a soloist with the Zamir Chorale of Boston, performing locally and internationally. Inspired and encouraged by her cantor, Roy Einhorn at Temple Israel Boston, and her experiences with Jewish music in the Zamir Chorale, Cantor Simmons decided to pursue cantorial school. As a student at The Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York, Cantor Simmons was honored to serve as the Student Cantor at Temple Emanu-El of Dallas, TX; Hebrew Tabernacle in Washington Heights in New York City; and The Community Synagogue in Port Washington, NY.

After being ordained in 2010, Cantor Simmons moved to Aspen, CO, where she served as co-clergy with her husband for seven years at the Aspen Jewish Congregation. During her time in Aspen, Cantor Simmons transformed the worship experience through creative uses of music and liturgy. In February 2016 Cantor Simmons was invited by JEWISHcolorado in Denver to open for Itzhak Perlman for a sold out crowd. In 2013, Cantor Simmons was featured as a soloist on Noah Aronson's album The Left Side of the Page. She was the featured soloist in the Aspen Choral Society's performance of Leonard Bernstein's Chichester Psalms. She is now the cantor at Congregation Emanu El in Houston.

About the series:

Since September 2005, on the first Wednesday of each month from 12-1pm, the Rothko Chapel hosts a meditation or contemplative practice focusing on a different spiritual or faith tradition featuring teachers and religious leaders from throughout the greater Houston community. The Twelve Moments: Experiencing Spiritual and Faith Traditions series provides opportunities for visitors to learn more about a specific spiritual or faith tradition, and experience a related meditation or contemplative practice, such as prayer, chanting, and more.

Ann Friedman, Mindfulness for Parents and Children

August 2, 2017

"We are told in school to pay attention! Yet, nobody ever teaches us how to do this. Like the adults around them, children's minds wander. Their thoughts often create anxiety: What if I fail the test? What if mom is late to pick me up? Why are mom and dad arguing? Nobody likes me."

Mindfulness is a training to let go of these unhelpful thoughts and to pay attention to the present moment with kindness and curiosity. This meditation led by Ann Friedman, Ph.D., included experiential exercises that children can do with their parents at home to focus on the present moment. Learning mindfulness has been shown to help children focus their attention. It can decrease stress, anxiety and depression in both children and adults and create a sense of well-being.

About the presenter:

Ann Friedman, Ph.D., is a Licensed Psychologist who served as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Houston Counseling Psychology Graduate Program for over ten years. Ann holds both a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Houston. She completed her Residency in Clinical Psychology at U.T. Medical School and her Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Clinical Neuropsychology at Baylor College of Medicine.

Since 2007, Ann has studied mindfulness intensively with various national teachers. Over this time, she has attended annual 7-to-10 day silent retreats and worked with national teachers on a monthly basis. In 2015, she received a Certification in Mindfulness Facilitation from the Mindful Awareness Research Center (MARC) of the Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Behavioral Medicine at UCLA. She is now in a program to become an affiliate teacher with UCLA. Ann has also completed courses on teaching children and teens, including Sitting Like a Frog with Eline Snell and The Still Quiet Place by Dr. Amy Saltzman.

Ann currently teaches mindfulness classes for adults, teens, and for caregivers and their children through her company, Mindful Being, P.C. at The John McGovern Houston Health and Medical Science Museum and Rothko Chapel, as well as in her private office. Ann is available to teach mindfulness to social and civic groups, schools, businesses, and healthcare organizations. She can be reached at [email protected] or by calling (713) 443-6273. For further information, please see her website at mindfulbeinghouston.com.

Since September 2005, on the first Wednesday of each month from 12-1pm, the Rothko Chapel hosts a meditation or contemplative practice focusing on a different spiritual or faith tradition featuring teachers and religious leaders from throughout the greater Houston community. This series provides opportunities for visitors to learn more about a specific spiritual or faith tradition, and experience a related meditation or contemplative practice, such as prayer, chanting, and more.

Presented in partnership with MasterWord Services, this program featuring Alejandro Chaoul and David Leslie explored techniques, tools and resources to create balance and minimize or mitigate the effects of vicarious trauma.

MasterWord Services, a leading provider of language support solutions, sponsored this event as part of their third annual Wellness Connection Workshop for interpreters and anyone who experiences vicarious trauma in the course of their work.

This was a special presentation by Dr. Alejandro Chaoul, Associate Professor and Director of Education at the University of Texas MD Anderson’s Friends of Integrated Medicine Program as well as a regular presenter at the Rothko Chapel, and David Leslie, Executive Director of the Rothko Chapel.

This presentation introduced participants to techniques, tools and resources—including the healing space of the Rothko Chapel—to create balance within, help you adhere to professional standards or ethical requirements, and minimize or mitigate the effects of vicarious trauma.

About the presenters:

Dr. Alejandro Chaoul is an assistant professor and director of education at MD Anderson's Integrative Medicine program where he conducts research using mind-body techniques with cancer patients, holds group and individual meditation classes, and directs the education initiatives on integrative medicine. He is also an associate faculty member at the McGovern Center for Humanities and Ethics at the University of Texas Medical School, where he teaches medical students in the areas of spirituality, complementary and integrative medicine, and end of life care. Alejandro is also an advisor for the Rothko Chapel and lectures regularly at The Jung Center of Houston, the Asia Society, and the Esalen Institute.

David Leslie joined the Rothko Chapel as Executive Director after serving for 18 years as Executive Director of Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon. Leslie received his bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Texas at Austin before attending Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, where he earned his Masters of Divinity. Throughout his career, Leslie has been devoted to human rights, interfaith relations, immigration reform, ending homelessness and addressing the societal impacts of climate change. He was recognized for this work with the Eugene Carson Blake Award for Ecumenism given by the National Council of Churches and Church World Service. He has published articles and spoken at international conferences on topics related to public policy, organizational development and cross-sector relations.

About MasterWord:

MasterWord Services, Inc. (MWS) is a woman-owned global language services provider founded in 1993. MWS supports over 300 clients, in over 250 languages, in projects touching over 50 countries worldwide. We offer translation, interpretation, language training and assessments, cultural intelligence training, and language compliance consulting. MWS is the first language service company in the region to obtain certificates of compliance to ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 13611:2014 standards and is WBEA / WBENC certified by Women’s Business Enterprise National Council. We serve the world’s leading businesses, government entities, healthcare institutions, academic organizations, and non-profits across the globe. MasterWord’s mission is to connect people across language and culture.

Stephen Findley, Laughter Meditation

July 5, 2017

During the months of July and August, the Twelve Moments Series will be tailored toward families and children. Join MD Anderson Chaplain and Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher Stephen Findley for an exploration of the history and role of laughter and silence in this experiential family-friendly meditation.

Together with Findley individuals of all ages will use laughter in a joyful meditation--attending to the sound and feel of laughter, and experiencing the letting-go of hang-ups, inhibitions, and worries. Through laughter one experiences pure joy that is silly, open and honest, uplifting to the spirit, and healing for the body and mind. Laughter Meditation has two lovely and simple parts; First, we laugh together, then we sit together in silence and are lead into a guided meditation to deepen our inner world. This meditation doesn’t require sitting in lotus position, or breathing in special ways. All ages and experience levels are welcome.

About the presenter:

Stephen Findley serves as the Primary Chaplain for the Leukemia and Pediatric Services at the U.T. M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX. His major focus is providing spiritual care and support to patients, caregivers, and staff. Stephen is a Board Certified Chaplain through the Association of Professional Chaplains and is a Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher through Laughter Yoga International. More recently Stephen has been named an Ambassador of Laughter for his selfless service to spreading laughter and wellness. Stephen holds the degree of Masters of Divinity from Pepperdine University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Ministry from Abilene Christian University. Stephen also an Ordained Minister through the Nondenominational Agape Christian Center.

Stephen was instrumental in developing the Laughter for Health Program for outpatients and caregivers at the Integrative Medical Center at U.T. M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. He shares his knowledge by speaking on topics related to Culture, Spirituality, Religion, and Wellness Issues.

About Twelve Moments series:

Twelve Moments: Experiencing Spiritual and Faith Traditions is a monthly series presented in partnership with Ligmincha Texas Institute, The Jung Center of Houston, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and the Rothko Chapel.

Since September 2005, on the first Wednesday of each month from 12-1pm, the Rothko Chapel hosts a meditation or contemplative practice focusing on a different spiritual or faith tradition featuring teachers and religious leaders from throughout the greater Houston community. This series provides opportunities for visitors to learn more about a specific spiritual or faith tradition, and experience a related meditation or contemplative practice, such as prayer, chanting, etc.

Ryan Makhani and Shaida Adatia, Sufi meditation

Wedensday, June 7, 2017

Ryan Makhani and Shaida Adatia discussed and led participants through a diverse range of Sufi meditative traditions with an emphasis on spiritual and mystical practices from around the world, highlighting the ideas of compassion and prayer. Participants were exposed to Islamic traditions from countries as far ranging as Turkey, Tajikistan, India, Indonesia, Iran and Morocco.

The meditation was in three parts:

-An introduction and brief on the richness of poetry and the oral tradition in Mecca in the 7th century.

-Islamic Music as sung and played in public places or private devotions. Due to Islam being a multi-ethnic religion, the musical expression of its adherents is vastly diverse. The indigenous musical styles of these areas have shaped the devotional music enjoyed by contemporary Muslims.

-The esoteric form of prayer known as Dikr, which is a Quranic term used for remembrance of Allah or repeating His name.

About the meditation leaders:

For the last decade, Ryan Makhani has served as a Religious Education Teacher for Ismaili Muslim youth focusing on ethics and humanities. Inspired by students in his Ethical Pathways to Human Development course, he founded BuildMyIdea.org, which aims to enable young people to be innovative leaders. As a teacher educator, Ryan has led sessions on mindfulness, self-awareness and servant leadership. He completed a Masters in Teaching and Masters in Muslim Societies and Civilizations from University of London's Institute of Education and the Institute of Ismaili Studies. Ryan has a keen interest in Sufism and mysticism.

Shaida Adatia is a professional educator with more than two decades of experience in Central Africa, Canada and the United States. She is involved in work around the world that promotes empowerment in youth through education. She is also involved in Houston’s interfaith community circles focusing on bridge building. In her spare time she loves to read about and research various faith traditions.

The Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, generally known as the Ismailis, belong to the Shia branch of Islam. The Shia form one of the two major branches of Islam, the Sunni being the other. The Ismailis live in over 25 different countries, mainly in Central and South Asia, Africa and the Middle East, as well as in Europe, North America and Australia.

About Twelve Moments series:

Twelve Moments: Experiencing Spiritual and Faith Traditions is a monthly series presented in partnership with Ligmincha Texas Institute, The Jung Center of Houston, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and the Rothko Chapel.

Since September 2005, on the first Wednesday of each month from 12-1pm, the Rothko Chapel hosts a meditation or contemplative practice focusing on a different spiritual or faith tradition featuring teachers and religious leaders from throughout the greater Houston community. This series provides opportunities for visitors to learn more about a specific spiritual or faith tradition, and experience a related meditation or contemplative practice, such as prayer, chanting, etc.

Twilight Meditation for World Environment Day

Natasha Burrowes

"Connecting People to Nature" is the theme nations throughout the world will explore in honor of World Environment Day 2017. Science has confirmed that our connection to Earth is ancient and many of the world’s wisdom traditions have taught that our connection to Earth is sacred. Much of our work in this post-industrial era is to cultivate a relationship with the Earth that is mutually enhancing and beneficial. How do we use our power as human beings to be good stewards of Earth and what responsibility do we carry uniquely as a species for the well-being of all Creation? This twilight meditation explores our sacred connection to the Earth and our call to action for environmental justice through mixed media and meditation.

Natasha Burrowes is a trained spiritual director, workshop leader, retreat facilitator, educator, and writer. Rooted in a deep belief that Spirit calls each person to a greater purpose to bring about the common good and to be in more alignment with the spiritual path, she journeys with individuals, groups, and organizations to connect to a deeper purpose, to elevate consciousness, and to create meaningful and spirit-filled action and expression in the world. Natasha's educational, professional, and ministerial pathways have led her to the intersections of spirituality and justice making. She has over 20 years of experience working in nonprofit, higher education, community-based, and faith-based settings. She earned her Masters of Arts Degree in Transforming Spirituality (MATS) with an emphasis in Spiritual Direction from Seattle University’s School for Theology and Ministry and also earned her Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Ethnic Studies and African American Studies from Macalester College. She currently serves as the Program Director at the Earth & Spirit Center located in Louisville, KY. www.natashaburrowes.com

Conversation with Asma Uddin, moderated by Nabila Mansoor

How does a Muslim woman's perspective of the Divine shape a person's faith and commitment to religious liberty and social equity? Asma Uddin is at the forefront of this conversation, creating the space for women to make their faith their own. Uddin is the Director of Strategy for the Center on Islam and Religious Freedom. She is also the founder and editor-in-chief of altmuslimah.com, a highly praised web magazine dedicated to issues on gender and Islam. Uddin speaks and publishes widely on issues of national and international religious freedom, as well as gender and faith. Her work has been published by numerous law reviews and prominent university presses. She guest-edited a special issue of The Review of Faith & International Affairs and is co-editing a forthcoming book of essays by women who have faced religious persecution. She also serves on the Advisory Council for The Institute for Global Engagement's Center for Women, Faith and Leadership. A reception follows the program.

Moderator Nabila Mansoor works with EmergeUSA, a civic engagement organization helping minority communities become politically active. Prior to joining EmergeUSA, Mansoor had a private law practice in the Sugar Land-area specializing in family law. Mansoor has been active in the community on several volunteer fronts – she currently serves as Secretary of AADT, Asian American Democrats of Texas and is on the board of Everest Academy, a Muslim school in the Southwest area. Mansoor is also a Muslim Leadership Initiative Fellow under the Shalom Hartman Institute, a program that invites American Muslims to explore how Jews understand Judaism and Israel. She is the Southwest co-lead of the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom, a women’s group working to build bridges and fight hate through a sisterhood of Muslim and Jewish women.

Concept of the Divine series provides a unique opportunity for speakers to share how their personal concept of the Divine has changed over time and shaped their lives, their service to the community, and views about their place in the cosmos. As an organization committed to interfaith dialogue and engagement, this series offers an excellent opportunity to hear from people representing diverse faith communities and other sectors of society about this important topic.