Isabella Chen '29

A&E Writer

Met Gala Sparks Debate Over Fashion, Art, and Elitism

The 2026 Met Gala, hosted by the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 4 in New York City, sparked widespread debate over elitism, the blurred boundaries between fashion and art, and the growing presence of high street brands on one of fashion’s most exclusive stages. Every year, the Met Gala dominates social media; celebrities, influencers, and billionaires wear outfits meant to be extravagant, artistic, shocking, and memorable. Even people who often don’t pay attention to fashion still end up encompassed by the Met Gala’s lure.

By Isabella Chen '29May 14, 20263 min read

A&E

Pianist Jiayan Sun Invites Audience to “Connect Intimately” with Gratwick Concert Music

On November 13, 2025, Milton Academy hosted its 95th Gratwick Concert, an annual event dedicated to the memory of Katharine Perkins Gratwick, a member of the class of 1924. This year’s concert, which took place in Straus Library, featured pianist Jiayan Sun, a musician who was praised by the New York Times for his “revelatory” performances. Sun received his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees from The Juilliard School, one of the most prestigious music conservatories in the world. He has played in many distinguished orchestras worldwide, including the Cleveland Orchestra, the Hallé Orchestra, the Chinese National Symphony, the Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTÉ) of Ireland, and others. The Toronto Star has called him “technically flawless” in his performances.

By Isabella Chen '29November 21, 20254 min read

A&E

Ritmo's Leadership Keeps Dancing in the Footsteps of Its Legacy

Ritmo, known for their explosive energy, powerful music, and Latino-inspired choreography, exhibited their first performance of the school year on September 30, 2025. New co-heads Chloe Yeo ‘26 and Shaleka Maddix ‘26 took the stage before the student body, carrying forward Ritmo’s legacy of celebrating culture through dance.

By Isabella Chen '29October 24, 20254 min read