“This season, we invite you to explore, connect, and celebrate the power of live experiences and the unifying power they have in our lives. From unforgettable music, theatre, and dance performances to meaningful conversations and events that bring us all a little closer, there’s something here for everyone.”—Jeffrey Martin, Director
We know there’s a lot to take in during our 30th anniversary season, so here are a few highlights to consider:
30th Anniversary Gala
We are thrilled to welcome back superstar cellist Yo-Yo Ma for a solo recital as part of our 30th anniversary gala on Sunday, February 1. A separately ticketed celebration event will immediately follow the performance. Details and information will be released later this summer.
New! Arts Impact Endowment
In conjunction with our 30th anniversary season and gala, we have launched a new endowment to provide ongoing support for our arts education and outreach programs at the Performing Arts Center. This endowment will support Performances for Young People, workshops and masterclasses for UGA and local students, public guest artist lectures and workshops, performance talks, program notes, Performance Today recordings, and more. We hope to raise at least $75,000 for our new endowment during the 30th anniversary season and have already received a lead gift of $25,000 to get it started!
Classical Music
Our classical music program is as robust as ever and features chamber music, recitals, and more! The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra returns three times this season, including a highly-anticipated performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 led by music director Nathalie Stutzmann (Nov. 14). Internet comedy sensations TwoSet Violin appear Oct. 19, followed by pianist and J.S. Bach specialist Angela Hewitt (Oct. 26). Hewitt first appeared in Hodgson Concert Hall during the Performing Arts Center’s inaugural celebration in April 1996.
Jazz
Fans of jazz can explore the breadth of this genre with four different performances. Singer and MacArthur “Genius Grant” winner Cécile McLorin Salvant makes her UGA Presents debut (April 17), and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra returns with trumpeter Wynton Marsalis for two concerts (Feb. 14 and 15). Branford Marsalis also returns with his quartet, this time with a program honoring the music of Keith Jarrett. Last, Norwegian pianist and composer Tord Gustavsen brings his trio to Athens for the first time.
Nordic Dream
This miniseries of six concerts features classical, folk, and jazz musicians from Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. The performances include the Scandinavian folk stylings of Dreamers’ Circus (Oct. 28) and a recital by the Norwegian classical pianist Leif Ove Andsnes (Jan. 21).
Dance and Theatre
The Paul Taylor Dance Company appears with a mixed repertory program at the Classic Center Theatre (Sept. 19). Theatre performances include The Acting Company‘s productions of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and an adaptation of Dickens’s Great Expectations (Jan. 30 and 31, UGA Fine Arts Theatre). Salzburg Marionette Theatre returns with their delightful production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music at the PAC (Feb. 26 and 27).
Performance Talks
As usual, we are planning a robust schedule of educational components to accompany many of our performances this season. Our full schedule of performance talks and public workshops will be announced this summer.
When do tickets go on sale? Click here to find out.
Photo: Lee Duveneck and Company in Paul Taylor’s “Company B” (Whitney Browne)
