"The Artist as Citizen is a compilation of Joseph W. Polisi's articles and speeches from his two-decade tenure as president of New York City's prestigious Juilliard School. Ranging from inspirational to humorous to political, his writings focus on the role of the performing artist as a leader and communicator of human values." "The collection provides an insider's view of the state of the performing arts and performing arts education in our society. Much needs to be accomplished to keep the classical performing arts alive for future generations, and Polisi, world-renowned in his field of performing arts education, guides the way."

"On a lighter note, humorous anecdotes feature such celebrated figures as Juilliard graduate and actor Robin Williams and the great tenor Luciano Pavarotti. Also included is a fascinating memoir that features Polisi's early days at Juilliard and the selection process that resulted in his appointment, at the age of thirty-six, as the venerable institution's sixth president."--Jacket.