Upcoming Events
Annual PASS Reception
Sat., Apr. 6
7:00 PM
MCA Lower Lobby
(A members event)
Join PASS!
Introducing the...
Performing Arts
Series Society
2012-2013 Season
Our 93rd season features emerging artists and old friends
from Chamber Music, Jazz, Dance, and Theatre.
Emerson String Quartet
Saturday, September 29, 2012
8:00 PM, Mead Memorial Chapel
Emerson String Quartet
Eugene Drucker, violin
Philip Setzer, violin
Lawrence Dutton, viola
David Finckel, cello
The Emerson String Quartet has amassed more than 30 acclaimed recordings, 9 Grammy Awards, 3 Gramophone Awards, and the coveted Avery Fisher Prize, among other achievements. The list of the quartet’s connections to Middlebury is nearly as long: 31 performances, 4 honorary degrees, and a performance at the Mahaney Center’s opening gala in 1992. Honoring cellist David Finckel’s last season with the Emerson, the Performing Arts Series presents the quartet in Mead Chapel, where they made their campus debut in 1981. The program includes works by Schumann, Shostakovich, and Beethoven (his first “Razumovsky” quartet). Associate Professor Larry Hamberlin offers a preconcert lecture at 7:30 pm. President Ronald. D Liebowitz and his wife Jessica graciously host a reception for the quartet in the McCullough Social Space. All audience members are invited to attend immediately following the performance. Tickets: $25/20/6* Read the press release>>
*Special Quartet Package offer: Purchase tickets to both the Emerson and Takács (October 2) string quartet concerts at $20/15/5 each Go to the Box Office>>
This concert is the capstone event of the 2012 Clifford Symposium.
Photo J. Henry Fair
Takács String Quartet
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
7:30 PM, Mahaney Center for the Arts, Concert Hall
Takács String Quartet
Edward Dusinberre, violin
Károly Schranz, violin
Geraldine Walther, viola
András Fejér, cello
Recognized as one of the world’s great ensembles, the Takács Quartet plays with a unique blend of drama, warmth, and humor, combining four distinct musical personalities to bring fresh insights to the string quartet repertoire. While in Middlebury, this audience-favorite ensemble performs Schubert’sRosamunde quartet, Britten’s Quartet no. 2 in C Major, and Dvořák’s “American” quartet. Sponsored by the Performing Arts Series and an anonymous Performing Arts Series Society (PASS) member, in honor of Paul Nelson. Reserved Seating. Tickets: $25/20/6* Read the press release>>
*Special Quartet Package offer: Purchase tickets to both the Emerson (September 29) and Takács string quartet concerts at $20/15/5 each. Go to the Box Office>>
Photo: Ellen Appel
Paul Lewis, piano
Friday, October 26, 2012
8:00 PM, Mahaney Center for the Arts, Concert Hall
Paul Lewis, piano
Paul Lewis began his Schubert project in 2011, performing all of Schubert's mature piano works from the Wandererfantasie onwards. Middlebury was thrilled to be among fewer than 15 venues worldwide to present the entire cycle. This fifth and final concert features a tremendous program: Schubert's opuses 958, 959, and 960. Gramophone magazine has hailed Lewis as "arguably the finest Schubert interpreter of his generation." Sponsored by the Performing Arts Series. the Reserved Seating. Tickets: $25/20/6. Go to the Box Office>>
SOLD OUT!
Friday, October 26, 2012
Dinner and Conversation with Friends
6:30 PM, Mahaney Center for the Arts, Lower Lobby
Before settling into the Concert Hall for an evening of piano music by Paul Lewis, please join us for dinner and a Creative Conversation about the arts in our community. Creative Conversations, sponsored by Americans for the Arts, are local gatherings in communities across the country--part of a grassroots movement to elevate the profile of arts in America during National Arts & Humanities Month every October. SOLD OUT.
Gallicantus
November 10, Saturday
8:00 PM, Mead Memorial Chapel
Gallicantus
Literally meaning "rooster song," the name Gallicantus comes from monastic antiquity for the worship service held just before dawn that evokes the renewal of life offered by the coming day. Dedicated to Renaissance music and directed by Gabriel Crouch, this early music group boasts a wealth of experience in consort singing, drawn from groups such as Tenebrae, the Tallis Scholars, and the King's Singers. In their North American debut, Gallicantus sings works by John Sheppard, William Byrd, and Thomas Tallis, including Tallis's Lamentations. Gallicantus is lauded by the Times of London for "impassioned, exciting music." Sponsored by the Performing Arts Series. Tickets: $20/15/6. Go to the Box Office>>
Read the press release>>
Jupiter String Quartet
Thursday, November 29, 2012
12:15 PM, Mahaney Center for the Arts, Concert Hall
Jupiter String Quartet
A midday program of Kurtag's profound 12 Microludes and Schubert's beloved G Major Quartet. See associated concert on November 30. This free Performing Arts Series recital is made possible with generous support from the Institute for Clinical Science and Art, in memory of F. William Sunderman Jr. and Carolyn Reynolds Sunderman. Residency activities are made possible by the Rothrock Family Fund for Experiential Learning in the Performing Arts, established in 2011, which supports opportunities that broaden the scope of Middlebury students' experience in the performing arts. Free; no tickets required.
Read the press release>>
Jupiter String Quartet
Friday, November 30, 2012
8:00 PM, Mahaney Center for the Arts, Concert Hall
Jupiter String Quartet
"Every so often a performance leaves us in awe of its loving sophistication, its attention to the finest details of balance and expression. That's how it was with the Jupiter String Quartet's performance"—Dallas Morning News. This prize-winning quartet is in high demand around the globe. The program includes Mozart's first Prussian Quartet, Bartók's Quartet no. 1 in A Minor, and Brahms's Quartet in C Minor, op. 51/1. See associated concert on November 29. This free Performing Arts Series concert is made possible with generous support from the Institute for Clinical Science and Art, in memory of F. William Sunderman Jr. and Carolyn Reynolds Sunderman. Free; no tickets required.
Read the press release>>
Cyrus Chestnut Trio
Friday, January 11, 2013
8:00 PM, Mahaney Center for the Arts, Concert Hall
Cyrus Chestnut Trio
Virtuosic and playful, jazz pianist Cyrus Chestnut’s hard-swinging, soulful music blends contemporary jazz, traditional jazz, and gospel, with a taste of Latin and samba. “His brand of crisp articulation and blues inflected harmony evokes another era. . . . multi-faceted and dynamic . . . Mr. Chestnut was the evening’s star and he brought charisma to the role”—New York Times. Sponsored by the Performing Arts Series. Residency activities are made possible by the Rothrock Family Fund for Experiential Learning in the Performing Arts. Reserved Seating. Tickets: $25/20/6. Go to the Box Office>>
Read the press release>>
The Method Gun: Rude Mechs
Friday–Saturday, January 18–19, 2013
8:00 PM each evening, Mahaney Center for the Arts, Seeler Studio Theatre
The Method Gun
Rude Mechs
According to the New York Times, the Rude Mechs are one of three ensemble-theatre companies in the country “making theatre that matters.” Their daring play The Method Gun explores the life of Stella Burden, actor and training guru of the ’60s and ’70s. Her training technique, The Approach (often referred to as “the most dangerous acting technique in the world”), fused Western-acting methods with risk-based rituals in order to infuse even the smallest role with sex, death, and violence. Sponsored by the Performing Arts Series, Theatre Program, and Committee on the Arts. Residency activities are made possible by the Rothrock Family Fund for Experiential Learning in the Performing Arts. Tickets: $25/20/6. Go to the Box Office>>
Please note this performance includes adult content and nudity.
Read the press release>>
Shai Wosner, piano
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
7:30 PM, Mahaney Center for the Arts, Concert Hall
Shai Wosner, piano
Local audiences were wowed by Israeli-born pianist Shai Wosner’s performance with Sophie Shao and Friends a couple years ago, and we jumped at the opportunity to bring him back. Wosner’s programming, called “inventively conceived and impressive” by the New York Times, often explores the inner connections between the musical languages of two composers. Schubert and Widmann are paired on the first half of his recital, and Debussy and Beethoven (the Waldstein sonata) are paired after the interval. Sponsored by the Performing Arts Series and Performing Arts Series Society (PASS) members Marny and Rob Lichtenstein. Reserved Seating. Tickets: $20/15/6. Go to the Box Office>>
February 13, Wednesday
Dinner and Conversation with Friends
6:00 PM, Mahaney Center for the Arts, Lower Lobby
Back by popular demand! Before settling into the Concert Hall for an evening of piano music by Shai Wosner, please join us for dinner and a Creative Conversation about the arts in our community. The menu includes panko-crusted pork cutlet with a demi glaze, penne puttanesca, garden salad, rice pilaf, seasonal fresh vegetables, and gourmet assorted cupcakes, plus a cash bar and coffee service. Tickets: $25. Go to the Box Office>>
Escher String Quartet
March 8, Friday
8:00 PM, Mahaney Center for the Arts, Concert Hall
Escher String Quartet
Currently one of the BBC’s prestigious New Generation Artists, the Escher String Quartet has received acclaim for its individual sound, unparalleled artistry, and unique cohesiveness. “Put simply, this group has all the qualities necessary to be the next Emerson or Juilliard Quartet . . . rare musical insight and a profound level of cohesion”—Denver Post. The concert program includes Beethoven's second "Razumovsky" quartet, Britten’s Quartet No. 3 in D, and Mendelssohn’s op. 44/1. This free Performing Arts Series concert is made possible with generous support from the Institute for Clinical Science and Art, in memory of F. William Sunderman Jr. and Carolyn Reynolds Sunderman. Free; no tickets required.
JUST ADDED!
Pre-concert Talk for PASS Members
7:00 PM, Mahaney Center for the Arts, Room 221
Members of the Performing Arts Series Society (PASS) are invited to a pre-concert talk about the music being performed by the Escher String Quartet, given by Professor Greg Vitercik of the Department of Music. Enjoy a backstage peek into the pre-concert experience. A members-only event. Free
The Opulence of Integrity
Friday–Saturday, March 15–16, 2013
8:00 PM each evening, Mahaney Center for the Arts (MCA), Dance Theatre
The Opulence of Integrity
INSPIRIT Dance Company
The life and legend of Muhammad Ali has inspired a new work by choreographer and Middlebury College dance faculty member Christal Brown. Her company INSPIRIT performs a suite of dances that incorporate elements of boxing, hip-hop, martial arts, and modern dance, with a sound score by Farai Malianga. See associated events on March 12 and 13, below. Sponsored by the Performing Arts Series, the Dance Program, and Committee on the Arts. Tickets: $20/15/6. Go to the Box Office>>
Associated residency activities:
March 12, Tuesday
Master Class with INSPIRIT Dance Company
9:30 AM, MCA Dance Theatre
Beginning and Intermediate technique class. Space is limited. Contact the dance program to pre-register: dance@middlebury.edu or 802.443.5245. See associated events throughout the week at go/opulence. Free
March 13, Wednesday
Master Class with INSPIRIT
2:50 PM, MCA Dance Theatre
Intermediate and advanced level technique class. Space is limited. Contact the dance program to pre-register: dance@middlebury.edu or 802.443.5245. See associated events throughout the week at go/opulence. Free
March 13, Wednesday
Lecture/Demonstration: The Opulence of Integrity
4:30 PM, MCA Dance Theatre
Learn more about The Opulence of Integrity and the creative process from choreographer Christal Brown. Reception to follow; Professor of Film and Media Culture Leger Grindon will sign copies of his book Knockout: The Boxer and Boxing in American Cinema. Residency activities are made possible by the Rothrock Family Fund for Experiential Learning in the Performing Arts. Free
Photos: Robert Mayer
Nathan Laube, organ
Thursday, March 21, 2013
7:30 PM, Mead Memorial Chapel
Nathan Laube, organ
Considering Johann Sebastian Bach’s reputation as an organist and composer for organ, it seems only fitting to host an organ recital on his birthday. Nathan Laube has quickly joined the organ world’s elite performers as a star among young classical musicians. His brilliant playing, creative programming, and gracious demeanor have thrilled audiences (including our own) and have earned high praise from critics and peers alike. Laube performs works by Bach, Mendelssohn, Widor, and more. Sponsored by the Performing Arts Series. Pre-concert lecture by Laube at 6:45 PM. Tickets: $20/15/6.* Bring-a-Friend Promotion: Buy one ticket, get a second free! The perfect way to introduce a friend to the beautiful music of the Performing Arts Series. Go to the Box Office>>
Read the press release>>
Sophie Shao and Friends
Saturday, April 6, 2013
8:00 PM, Mahaney Center for the Arts, Concert Hall
Sophie Shao & Friends
Cellist Sophie Shao’s impromptu chamber ensembles are always brimming with passion and talent, but this configuration also includes cherished Middlebury favorites. Shao is joined by pianist Pei-Yao Wang (returning from Taiwan), violist Roger Tapping (formerly of the Takács Quartet), and the Houston Symphony’s concertmaster, violinist Frank Huang. The program includes Brahms’s Piano Quartet in A Major and a Beethoven piano trio. Sponsored by the Performing Arts Series. Please see related PASS event below. Reserved Seating. Tickets: $25/20/6. Go to the Box Office>>
Read the press release>>
Associated event:
April 6, Saturday
7:00 PM, Mahaney Center for the Arts, Lower Lobby
Performing Arts Series Society (PASS) Reception
A festive evening is planned for members to gather and celebrate the first year of PASS. Membership information: 802.443.PASS (7277) or go.middlebury.edu/pass
Rafal Blechacz, piano
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
7:30 PM, Mahaney Center for the Arts, Concert Hall
Rafal Blechacz, piano
In 2005, at the tender age of 20, Polish pianist Rafal Blechacz became the sole recipient of all five first prizes at the 15th International Frederick Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw. ABC News reported that one of the judges felt he “so outclassed the remaining finalists that no second prize could actually be awarded.” He makes his Vermont debut with a program featuring Bach’s Partita no. 3, Beethoven’s op. 10/3, Szymanowski’s first sonata, and two polonaises and a scherzo by Chopin. Sponsored by the Performing Arts Series. Reserved Seating. Tickets: $20/15/6. Go to the Box Office>>
Read the press release>>
NEW! Pre-concert Lecture: Ruth Ochs
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
6:45 PM, Mahaney Center for the Arts, Room 221
Princeton conductor, musicologist, and Orwell native Ruth Ochs provides insights into Rafal Blechacz's program, and in particular, the music of Szymanowski. Sponsored by the Performing Arts Series. Free
Rajeev Taranath, sarod; 05/06/2013
Monday, May 6, 2013
7:30 PM; Mahaney Center for the Arts, Concert Hall
Rajeev Taranath, sarod
Anindo Chatterjee, tabla
Internationally acclaimed performer Rajeev Taranath is one of the world's leading exponents of the sarod, and a distinguished disciple of Maestro Ali Akbar Khan. His performances masterfully combine the depth and rigor of the tradition of Hindustani classical music with an inspired imagination and emotional intensity. Anindo Chatterjee is recognized as a tabla master, and one of India’s most eminent tabla players. He is a highly popular performer and in-demand collaborator. This Performing Arts Series event is made possible through support from the Rothrock Family Fund for Experiential Learning in the Performing Arts, established in 2011, which supports opportunities that broaden the scope of Middlebury students' experience in the performing arts. Free; no tickets required.
