Smithsonian Associates Presents November Program Highlights

The November issue of the Smithsonian Associates’ program guide features a variety of educational and cultural programs, including seminars, lectures, studio arts classes, performances for adults and children and local and regional study tours. Highlights this month include:

A Taste of Japan

Tuesday, Nov. 1; 6:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Smithsonian’s S. Dillon Ripley Center

Rudy Maxa, host of Rudy Maxa’s World, and Washington, D.C., restaurateur, Daisuke Utagawa, explore Japan in their new public television series, Taste of Japan, that premieres in 2017. Maxa and Utagawa will discuss the commitment, pride and precision that creates Japanese cuisine, and the audience will view the series’ Tokyo episode, in which they visit a shop that polishes and blends rice, a specialized vinegar factory and a lush wasabi farm outside the city. Participants will also enjoy samples of sushi courtesy of Sushiko in Chevy Chase, Md.

Choosing the Right to Die: A Mother’s Perspective

Thursday, Nov. 3; 6:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.

Smithsonian’s S. Dillon Ripley Center

In Deborah Ziegler’s new book Wild and Precious Life (Emily Bestler Books), she chronicles her daughter’s story and how her death in November 2014 has propelled Ziegler into a new role as an advocate for the growing number of people worldwide who are struggling with end-of-life issues. Jennifer Ludden, national correspondent for NPR, will interview Ziegler in this evening event, and copies of Wild and Precious Life are available for purchase and signing.

Enduring Extremes: The Science of Astronaut Health

Wednesday, Nov. 9; 6:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.

National Museum of American History’s Warner Bros. Theater

Richard Williams, NASA’s chief health and medical officer, introduces a panel of NASA medical experts, including Vincent Michaud, deputy chief health and medical officer; Victor Schneider, senior medical adviser; J.D. Polk, senior medical officer; and Saralyn Mark, senior medical adviser on women’s health. Their wide-ranging discussion probes space’s physiological challenges, efforts to ensure astronauts’ health, the benefits of space medicine and an update on research from the ISS, the world’s only microgravity laboratory.

Emerson String Quartet 2016–2017 Concert Series

Sunday, Nov. 19; 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

National Museum of Natural History’s Baird Auditorium

This season marks both the Emerson String Quartet’s 40th anniversary and its 37th in residence at the Smithsonian. The Grammy Award-winning ensemble offers a repertoire that includes masterworks by Mozart, Beethoven, Ravel, Berg, Debussy and Dvorak, as well as Setzer’s solo recital featuring pianist Hsin-Chiao Liao.

# # #

SI-562-2016