BCHS Presents the Opera 'Billy Budd'

11:32AM / Tuesday, September 17, 2024Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — "Billy Budd, Sailor" is Herman Melville's novella exploring themes of innocence, justice, and the corrupting influence of power.

According to a press release:

It is the tale of a noble young sailor who is conscripted, falls victim to petty jealousy, and pays the price with his life. Set aboard a British naval ship during the Napoleonic Wars, Budd is falsely accused of mutiny and sentenced to death. Even as he is martyred, he retains his integrity.

As part of its continuing celebration of the centennial of Billy Budd, Sailor's publication, the Berkshire County Historical Society, in collaboration with Berkshire Opera Festival and Tanglewood Learning Institute, will present selections from the 1951 opera Billy Budd composed by Benjamin Britten with a libretto by authors E. M. Forster and Eric Crozier.

The selections will be paired with readings by actor Ryan Winkles. The event takes place at the Linde Center for Music and Learning at Tanglewood on Sept. 20 at 7 pm.

Open seating tickets are $100 and can be purchased by using the BOOK NOW button at bekshirehistory.org. Ticket includes a post-performance reception with drinks and desserts by Gourmet Catering, and the launch of a unique Arrowhead cider from Berkshire Cider Project.

The event is sponsored by The Feigenbaum Foundation. All proceeds benefit Berkshire County Historical Society educational, preservation, and restoration programs.

"The Berkshire County Historical Society is pleased to be partnering with Berkshire Opera Festival and Tanglewood Learning Institute to celebrate Billy Budd, said BCHS Executive Director Lesley Herzberg. "The Berkshires are fortunate to be home to so many quality cultural venues and individual artists who so generously collaborate to create programs that one organization alone cannot achieve."

Tags: berkshire county historical society,

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Pittsfield's Christian Center Rebrands as 'The Center'

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
12:41PM / Tuesday, August 04, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The Christian Center is becoming The Center, and assures the community that while the logo and name have changed, "Our heart has not."

The rebrand was announced on Tuesday after months of listening sessions, community conversations, and surveys. It was emphasized that the organization's heart, mission, and commitment to the community are unchanged.

The Center will host its annual Community Day, including a name change celebration, on Aug. 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

"While our name is shifting, our core purpose remains steadfast. Alongside our new name, we are introducing our defining tagline—Nourish. Empower. Connect.—which reflects the three principles guiding everything we do," Executive Director Jessica Jones wrote in a newsletter.

"Whether through our food pantry, meal program, free clothing boutique, or community events, our work remains focused on helping our neighbors access essential resources, build connections, and thrive."

The new logo features a fork, carrot, heart, and shirt, representing the pillars of The Center's service.

The Christian Center was incorporated in 1974, but it dates back to the early 1890s, when it was the Epworth Mission, founded by the Methodist Church.

Today, its main focus is food insecurity, but it also provides clothing, household items, and sanitary supplies to those who need them. The Center operates a food pantry, upstairs free shop, and serves breakfast and lunch, as well as offering assistance in accessing resources.

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