News And Events

Welcome Message

Dear Fellow New York Branch Members,

With the summer of 2019 winding down, we turn our attention back to the ESU New York Branch and what the fall season will bring.  Again, the Branch will offer monthly Mystery Book Cub meetings (see calendar for titles the group will read), and the ESU Players are pulling together a series of staged readings of plays that will continue to engage a diverse group, including current and former ARNIC (Andrew Romay New Immigrant Center) members, with the English language. 

In addition to these regularly scheduled members' events, there will be a few lectures as well as a film screening, and a special curated tour of the Treasures from Chatsworth: The Exhibition at Sotheby's.  The Branch is continuing its partnerships with the Art Deco Society of New York, Royal Oak Foundation and Historic Royal Palaces.  And in December, (save the date: December 5, 2019) we will hold our annual Yuletide Party in collaboration with the British Schools and Universities Club.

 

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Noël Coward: Design for Living

Monday, February 24, 2020
6:30 p.m.
The English-Speaking Union
144 East 39th Street,New York City

Join us for an engaging illustrated talk on Noël Coward, inspired by the exhibition Coward: Art & Style, which will open at London's Guildhall Art Gallery in July 2020. In Noël Coward: Design for Living, Brad Rosenstein explores the central role of design in Coward's life and work. The pre-eminent British playwright and songwriter, renowned for his verbal wit, was also visually acute, seeking out the finest artists and designers of his time to craft the sets and costumes for his original productions, the décor of his homes, and his iconic personal style. Rosenstein's rich presentation interweaves images, audio, and video with lively and insightful commentary on Coward's collaborations with a gallery of brilliant talents, from designers Cecil Beaton, Oliver Messel, Gladys Calthrop, and Doris Zinkeisen to couturiers Edward Molyneux and Norman Hartnell and decorator Syrie Maugham. The result is a fresh and unique glimpse into Coward's personal and theatrical world.

Click here to register online. 

 

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Yuletide Party

Register online here. 

 

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Art Deco Across Canada

Thursday,November 21, 2019
6:30 p.m.
The English-Speaking Union
144 East 39th Street, New York City

$25 for ESU National Patrons
$30 for ESU Members
$40 for Non-members

Join The English-Speaking Union and ADSNY for an engaging illustrated talk exploring the Art Deco style in Canada. In this presentation, Tim Morawetz demonstrates how, like Art Deco buildings everywhere, Canada's examples display a rich array of decorative motifs unique to the country's geography, history, and culture. He shows how various types of Deco architecture––ranging from high-profile office towers, city halls and department stores, to apartment buildings, neighborhood movie theaters, private homes, churches––utilize Canadian archetypes such as hockey, beavers, and maple syrup to reflect Canada's identity and history. Morawetz features many structures that boast stunning bas-relief carvings and decorative elements representing uniquely Canadian flora and fauna, industry, and daily life.  This presentation also includes entertaining stories that paint a picture of the legendary entrepreneurs, politicians, and everyday Canadians who made their mark during the interwar era.

Buy tickets online here. 

 

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A Comedy of Tenors

"A Comedy of Tenors" features one hotel suite, four tenors, two wives, three girlfriends, and a soccer stadium filled with screaming fans. What could possibly go wrong? It's 1930s Paris, and the stage is set for the concert of the century—as long as producer Henry Saunders can keep Italian superstar Tito Merelli and his hot-blooded wife, Maria, from causing runaway chaos. Prepare for an uproarious ride, full of mistaken identities, bedroom hijinks, and a madcap night of humor and music. 

Reception at 6 pm at the ESU; group procession to the Amateur Comedy Club at 7:15 for an 8 pm curtain. 

$15 for ESU Members $20 for Non-members

Register by Monday, October 28 by mail by downloading this form or online here. 

 

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The English-Speaking Union

New York City Branch

New York City Branch Landmark Photo

Welcome to the ESU

The ESU celebrates English as a shared language to foster global understanding and good will by providing educational and cultural opportunities for students, educators, and members.

To find out more about our programs click here.