Four for Leslie Gordon

Four for Leslie Gordon

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    ​In anticipation of the Idan Raichel Project's return to Atlanta, Director of the Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University Leslie Gordon speaks about the Atlanta music scene and the significance of the Rialto Center in attracting international talent. 

    Prior to her position as director of the Rialto Center, Gordon worked with the National Black Arts Festival, the Arts Festival of Atlanta and the Cultural Olympiad. She provides administrative and operational leadership and strategic direction for all aspects of the Rialto Center, including programming the acclaimed Rialto Series, leading fundraising efforts, working with the Georgia State University School of Music programs and events and identifying potential outside clients such as in-residence theatrical companies.
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    1. How does Atlanta—specifically the Rialto Center for the Arts—fit in to the international music scene?

    We have, for a long time, focused on bringing international culture to our stage. We feel we reflect the changing demographic of both Atlanta and Georgia State. It is important, as part of Georgia State, to embody that. Bringing international work is at the core of what we do. It is reflected in performances ranging from dance to jazz to world music.

    2. How did you get your start with the arts? Why the Rialto Center for the Arts?

    I came from a degree in theatre and ended up in the beginning of my career as a director. I then moved to arts administration. I became Director of Cultural Affairs for the City of Savannah in 1985. In 1992, I was hired to work as Cultural Olympiad for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta and I have been here ever since. After the Olympics, I was Artistic Director of two arts festivals before coming to the Rialto.

    3. This is a return performance for the Idan Raichel Project at the Rialto. What can attendees expect this year?

    Here’s the thing about the Rialto: we love having relationships with artists. We love inviting them back. Idan is one of those artists who we booked when he was first on the scene in the United States. Now, he has this beautiful new CD. The beauty of the Idan Raichel Project is you never know. He always thrills with surprise guests, global artists, new performers. We don’t know who will join him on stage this year.

    4. For those interested in this genre, what other performers/performances are available, either at the Rialto or in the region?

    I’m very excited about Idan’s return, and I encourage patrons to look at other returning artists at the Rialto. One to check out is Baila Fleck with Abigail Washburn, coming in March.

     
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