​Mainly Mozart

University of Miami Libraries, School of Communication and Miami Chamber Music Society present a special immersive event inspired by Dante Alighieri’s epic poem The Divine Comedy. This cutting-edge performance merges elements of literature, live classical music, originally produced short films that incorporate colorized drawings of the legendary French illustrator Gustave Doré and a series of choreographed projections. 

Raising questions that are still relevant today, Dante’s work helped produce the intellectual and cultural changes known as the Renaissance, which transformed the world forever. It inspired music, films, novels. Artists, including Salvador Dalí and Sandro Botticelli, have produced paintings echoing stories Dante told. Recently, Dante’s work was adapted for the mystery thriller film Inferno, starring Tom Hanks. 

This special event will present a contemporary interpretation of this timeless literary masterpiece, combined with thrilling music of Franz Liszt, narration and stunning visuals, it will take the audiences on a majestic journey through the infinite torment of Hell, up the arduous slopes of Purgatory, and onto the glorious realm of Paradise.  

Concept and visuals: Prof. Ali Habashi, School of Communication

Music performance: Beiyao Ji, Doctoral Candidate in Piano Performance, Frost School of Music

Book Presentation: University of Miami Libraries

The Divine Comedy is part of an ongoing cutting-edge multidisciplinary cultural series with a goal to spark curiosity, educate and offer first-rate programming, exploiting innovative technology for education and artistic expression and responding to the rare diverse original documents preserved in University of Miami’s Special Collections for the benefit of the community at large.  

Supported in part by the University of Miami Fellowship in the Arts and Humanities and the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.