Sellars ’80 is Arts First medalist

Peter Sellars ’80 – director of theater, opera, and film, and professor of world arts and cultures at the University of California, Los Angeles – is returning to his alma mater to receive the seventh annual Harvard Arts Medal.

Sellars, who was the artistic director of the Boston Shakespeare Company at age 24, was just in town directing Bach cantatas with Emmanuel Music. He’ll be back for the Arts First festival from May 3-5, helping the University celebrate students and faculty in the arts.

On March 4, Sellars will participate in an informal discussion with Harvard undergrads led by John Lithgow ’67. The following day, Sellars will receive his medal from President Neil L. Rudenstine.

Previous recipients of the Arts Medal include John Harbison, David Hays, John Updike, Bonnie Raitt, Pete Seeger, and Jack Lemmon.