Plutzik Reading Series
NEWS
We are saddened to share the news that Tanya Plutzik, widow of acclaimed poet and former U of R faculty Hyam Plutzik (1911-1962), has passed away at age 106.
Mrs. Plutzik became a dedicated advocate of her late husband’s poetry and literary legacy by continuing to support the Plutzik Reading Series, one of the most prestigious and longest-running reading series in the country.
Additionally, she worked with U.S. Poet Laureate and successor to Plutzik in the University’s English Department, Anthony Hecht, editor of Plutzik’s Collected Poems, which was published in 1987. She contributed to the 2007 documentary film Hyam Plutzik: American Poet, directed by Oscar nominee Christine Choy and Ku-ling Siegel. And in 2021, presidential inaugural poet Richard Blanco contributed the foreword to 32 Poems / 32 Poemas, a bilingual English-Spanish edition of Plutzik’s poetry.
A forthcoming collection of essays and selected poems, “Hyam Plutzik and the Mosaic of Time” (Academic Studies Press, Sept. 2025), is being dedicated in her honor. This year’s serieswill also be dedicated in her memory.
2025-2026 Schedule
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Catherine BarnettSept. 16, 2025 |
Sigrid NunezNov. 4, 2025 |
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Robyn SchiffApr. 7, 2026 |
Kirstin Valdez QuadeApr. 22, 2026 |
Plutzik Memorial Reading Series
Since 1962, we have been celebrating the life and poetic achievements of Hyam Plutzik (1911-1962), critically-acclaimed poet and UR faculty member, by bringing the Rochester community readings by the finest contemporary literary artists.
The Plutzik Series is one of the most prestigious and longest-running reading series in the country. Over the years, the Plutzik Series has featured a vast array of poets and fiction writers, the famous and not-yet famous.
In keeping with Hyam Plutzik's generosity of spirit and commitment to bringing poetry to the community, the Plutzik Series readings have always been open to the public and offered free of charge. To ensure that the Plutzik Memorial Series continues to enrich the cultural life of the University and the Rochester community, we invite you to make a gift. Click on join our mailing list for information.
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