Performing Arts Series

In 2015, internationally acclaimed cellist Steven Isserlis and harpsichordist Richard Egarr released a celebrated disc of baroque viola da gamba sonatas, which the Strad called “a revelation of simple beauty.” The duo opens the eighth Middlebury Bach Festival playing these sonatas by Boccherini, Scarlatti, Handel, and Bach. A Bach Festival and Nelson Series event. Reserved seating. Tickets: $28/22/6

Long requested by Middlebury students, and extolled by the Washington Post as “exuding a sultry sophistication,” the Grammy nominated Imani Winds are renowned for their dynamic playing, culturally poignant programming, and adventurous collaborations. Their program “Classically Improvised” includes arrangements of Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade, a Piazzola tango, classical woodwind quintet repertoire, and more. A Nelson Series event. Tickets: $28/22/6; PASS members $22/16/5

Returning to Middlebury with a new Gramophone Award and second violinist Sara Wolstenholme in tow, the extraordinary Heath Quartet—the series’ first-ever quartet in residence—performs a rich, mixed repertoire program including works by Haydn, Tippett, Bach, and Mendelssohn. Pre-concert lecture by Professor of Music Larry Hamberlin, 7:00 PM, Room 221. Made possible with generous support from Olin C. Robison. A Nelson Series event. Reserved seating. Tickets: $28/22/6

Saxophonist, singer, and composer Grace Kelly plays with the heart and passion of an old soul—yet the genrebending zest and energy of a 24-yearold. A regular on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert’s band—Jon Batiste and Stay Human—Kelly recently released her 10th CD as a bandleader and performs around the globe. Tickets: $28/22/6

Performed by Bedlam; directed by Eric Tucker

He is a dark, enigmatic prince obsessed with seeking revenge for his father’s death. She is a steadfast rebel who challenged the powers of the church to restore France to greatness. Iconic figures from two great dramatic classics— Shakespeare’s Hamlet (Friday) and Shaw’s Saint Joan (Saturday)—are brought vividly to life in riveting, stripped-down stagings by four actors from the acclaimed New York theatre company Bedlam. Tickets: $28/22/6

Performed by Bedlam; directed by Eric Tucker

He is a dark, enigmatic prince obsessed with seeking revenge for his father’s death. She is a steadfast rebel who challenged the powers of the church to restore France to greatness. Iconic figures from two great dramatic classics— Shakespeare’s Hamlet (Friday) and Shaw’s Saint Joan (Saturday)—are brought vividly to life in riveting, stripped-down stagings by four actors from the acclaimed New York theatre company Bedlam. Tickets: $28/22/6

For three decades, Music From China has been at the crossroads of East and West, and has carved a unique place in the music world by playing not only traditional repertoire, but the latest in contemporary works as well. Critics have praised the ensemble as “musicians of extraordinary accomplishment and sensitivity, performing sophisticated, involving music” (Kansas City Star). No strangers to Middlebury, Music From China last performed on the series in 1999, and are frequent visitors to the Summer Language Schools.

Hailed by the Washington Post as “one of the best quartets before the public today,” the Danish String Quartet has established a reputation for integrated sound, impeccable intonation, and judicious balance. Their Middlebury debut program includes Bartók’s first quartet, Beethoven’s first Razumovsky quartet, and arrangements of traditional Nordic folk tunes. A Nelson Series event. Reserved seating. Tickets: $28/22/6

Hailing from Burkina Faso, the Dafra Kura Band fuses the high energy of the griot ancestral tradition and the contemporary sounds of modern African cities sourced from Manding tradition, nomad desert blues, and Afrobeat. Hear the band shine solo before their performances with Baker & Tarpaga Dance Project later in the week. Olivier Tarpaga, artistic director.

Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Caroline Shaw caps her Middlebury residency with an evening of her music, in collaboration with Middlebury College vocal students. In addition to being the youngest-ever winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Music, Shaw sings with the Grammy-award winning vocal ensemble Roomful of Teeth, plays violin with the American Contemporary Music Ensemble, scored the soundtrack for the feature film To Keep the Light, and has collaborated with Kanye West. Sponsored by the Rothrock Family Residency Fund, Ross Commons, Chellis House, and the Department of Music. Free.