We return to the Thomas Crane Public Library of Quincy, with our Music & the Mind program, focusing on the link between creativity and mental illness. Because the prevalence of mental illness, and especially mood disorders appears to be higher overall amongst artists of various kinds, it isn’t surprising that many composers struggled with mental illness, while also creating works of genius. While it is important not to downplay the suffering caused by psychiatric illness– we find it at the same time inspiring to recognize the great works created despite the deep suffering these artists experienced. We find this particularly compelling given the difficult times we all now find ourselves in during the pandemic, in that the ability to create beauty under hardship is even more resonant and uplifting. Our program highlights 5 composers who have brought solace to so many, and who created their work despite personal battles with mental illness. For the pieces, we also chose paintings that we feel connect to the music. The live-stream will also feature commentary and stories focused on the composers and visual artists. Join us for music by Arensky, Beethoven, Rachmaninoff, Schumann, and Tchaikovsky, accompanied by paintings by Gauguin, Klee, Redon, Van Gogh, and Vrubel. Listen to the full program here! The live conversation with us afterwards can be found here