There’s something for everyone in CU Presents’ star-studded 2016-17 season lineup. As the Artist Series celebrates 80 years bringing world class performers to Macky Auditorium, local favorites return and incredible new acts arrive. Season ticket sales begin Monday, March 28 at 10 a.m., and single tickets are available beginning Monday, August 15. Tickets are available at cupresents.org or over the phone at 303-492-8008.
Dance lovers will cheer the return of the eye-catching MOMIX and the seductive, Spanish moves of Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana. Fans of world music can take in the joyous, diverse African beats of The Nile Project, the lilting traditional Irish music of Danú, and a special holiday celebration with the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain. Classical superstars abound this season, with solo performances from flutist James Galway, pianist Richard Goode, soprano Deborah Voigt and the sensational cellist Yo-Yo Ma.
This season also features five concert pairs by the Takács Quartet and a special performance by the young, up-and-coming Calidore String Quartet. The Eklund Opera program kicks off with an October performance of “Die Fledermaus,” a worldwide audience favorite. Plus, the beloved Holiday Festival offers four performances this December.
Artist Series, Macky:
• MOMIX, Opus Cactus, Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016. Through daring movement, optical illusions and astounding inventiveness, the dancers of MOMIX create a dreamlike fantasy world. “Opus Cactus” brings the landscape of the Sonoran desert to life with slithering lizards, fire dancers and more. Tickets start at $20.
• Richard Goode, Bach & Chopin, Friday, Oct. 28, 2016, 7:30 p.m. Richard Goode brings tremendous emotional power, depth and expressiveness to the music of Johann Sebastian Bach and Frédéric Chopin. Tickets start at $20.
• Manhattan Transfer and Take 6 The Summit. Friday, Nov. 11, 2016, 7:30 p.m. Spend an unforgettable evening grooving to innovative arrangements of jazz, pop, swing, gospel and R&B songs sung in impeccable harmony. Tickets start at $20.
• Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, Christmas concert. Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016, 7:30 p.m. Celebrate the holiday season with an octet of singing, strumming players from across the pond! The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain delivers a funny, virtuosic, twanging, footstomping evening of classic carols and new favorites. Tickets start at $20.
• Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana, Poema de Andalucía, Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017, 7:30 p.m. Transport yourself to romantic southern Spain with an “infectiously joyful” (The New York Times) demonstration of authentic Spanish dance. This energetic performance combines sensual movement, colorful costumes and irresistible Andalusian folk music. Tickets start at $20.
• The Nile Project. Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017, 7:30 p.m. Take in vibrant, joyful and original music combining the traditions of 11 countries up and down Africa’s diverse Nile River basin. This “committed, euphoric international coalition” (The New York Times) of performers transcends language and cultural barriers to unite in harmony. Tickets start at $20.
• Deborah Voigt, Voigt Lessons, Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017, 7:30 p.m. Experience the moving story of a world-renowned soprano’s successes and struggles in a performance that’s part recital and part one-woman show. “The only diva who might carry on Beverly Sills’ role as ‘opera cheerleader’ in America.”–The New York Times. Tickets start at $20.
• Yo-Yo Ma, Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017, 7:30 p.m. The world’s greatest living cellist gives a once-in-a lifetime solo recital on the Artist Series. From his partnership with the Silk Road Ensemble to his cross-disciplinary collaborations, Yo-Yo Ma is the only musician who can travel seamlessly between genres and cultures. Tickets go on sale to the general public Aug. 15. Tickets start at $60
• Danú, St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Saturday, March 4, 2017, 7:30 p.m. Danú brings together talented players on flute, tin whistle, fiddle, accordion, vocals and more for a high-energy performance of ancient Irish music and new repertoire. This fan favorite returns to Boulder for an unforgettable St. Patrick’s Day concert. Tickets start at $20
• James Galway, Wednesday, March 22, 2017, 7:30 p.m. “The Man with the Golden Flute” pays a visit to Boulder for a mesmerizing, genre-defying performance. Between his classical credits, his star-studded collaborations and his iconic recordings for “The Lord of the Rings” films, Sir James Galway is the premier flutist of our time. Tickets start at $20
• Holiday Festival: Friday, Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, 4 p.m. A lively program of seasonal music and festive holiday decorations in Macky Auditorium inspire sold-out audiences and make the Holiday Festival a favorite annual tradition. Choirs, orchestra, ensembles and faculty soloists from the CU-Boulder College of Music invite you to share the joy and warmth of the season with your family and friends. Tickets start at $20
For information on the Eklund Opera Program and the Takács Quartet programs Visit cupresents.org/.
Photo credit: Jason Bell