Performing Arts Series

Called a “national theatrical treasure” by the Philadelphia Inquirer, L.A. Theatre Works presents the riveting documentary play SEVEN. Written by seven female writers, it’s based on personal interviews with seven remarkable women who faced life-threatening obstacles—resistance, death threats, entrenched norms, and pervasive violence—yet later brought heroic changes to their home countries of Pakistan, Nigeria, Ireland, Afghanistan, Guatemala, Russia, and Cambodia.

To mark Nordic Music Days 2019, George Matthew, Middlebury Carillonneur, plays a recital that includes a new piece by Middlebury alumna Ellen Lindquist ‘93, entitled The Sacredness of Trees. This piece will be performed on the same day on the carillon of the Cathedral in Bødo, on all other carillons in Norway, and on many carillons worldwide.

Described as “one of the leading figures in the current renaissance of performer-composers” by the New York Times, pianist Michael Brown is the winner of both Lincoln Center’s 2018 Emerging Artist Award and a 2015 Avery Fisher Career Grant. He makes regular appearances with orchestras and festivals across the U.S. and was selected by pianist András Schiff to perform an international solo recital tour.

Celebrating 20 years of music making, the Grammy-nominated Imani Winds have led both a revolution and the evolution of the wind quintet. Their dynamic playing, adventurous programming, imaginative collaborations, and commitment to education have inspired audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Though their playlist embraces traditional chamber music repertoire, they also reach forward into the 21st century, expanding the wind quintet repertoire by commissioning music from new voices that reflect both historical events and present times.

Now entering its 25th season, the Jerusalem Quartet earned praise from the Times, London: “Passion, precision, warmth, a gold blend: these are the trademarks of this excellent Israeli string quartet.” We are thrilled to present the quartet’s Middlebury debut on Fall Family Weekend, performing quartets by Beethoven, Ravel, and Shostakovich. A Nelson Series event. Reserved seating. Tickets: $28/22/10/6

The Middlebury Performing Arts Series presents Avery Fisher Prize-winning clarinetist David Shifrin, one of only two wind players to have been awarded the prestigious prize since the award’s inception in 1974. Shifrin is in constant demand worldwide as an orchestral soloist, recitalist, and chamber music collaborator. In this virtual concert, he’ll perform works by Mozart, Bassi, and Duke Ellington. Fun fact: Duke Ellington performed on Middlebury’s Performing Arts Series in 1960.

Known the world over for “Precise, pure, and deeply felt singing” (New York Times), the multiple Grammy Award-winning vocal ensemble Chanticleer makes its Middlebury debut with a special program called Then and There, Here and Now. This anthology of the ensemble’s repertoire spans musical history in honor of their 40th anniversary season.

Admission: $30 Public/$25 Midd ID holder/$10 Youth/$6 Midd student.  A Performing Arts Series and Nelson Series event