CU Presents is the home of performing arts on the beautiful University of Colorado Boulder campus. With hundreds of concerts, plays, recitals and more on our stages each year, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. cupresents.org · 303-492-8008
For more than 80 years, the Artist Series has brought the globe's finest jazz, classical, world music and dance performers to Boulder. We invite you to join the thousands of patrons who come every year to experience both world-renowned and emerging artists. Page 3
The Grammy Award-winning string quartet has been moving audiences and selling out concerts at CU Boulder for more than three decades. Page 12
From orchestras, bands and choirs, to jazz and world music ensembles, the College of Music brings hundreds of stunning, free performances to Boulder audiences throughout the academic year. Page 14
Chick Corea Trilogy: Oct. 9 Nobuntu: Oct. 30 Pierre-Laurent Aimard, piano: Nov. 19 Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy: Dec. 17 Cirque Mechanics: Jan. 17 A Far Cry: Feb. 8 Pilobolus: March 2 Kronos Quartet: March 19
Whether you're interested in the classics or modern musicals, HipHop or contemporary dance—or perhaps a bit of it all—remarkable performances are the heart of CU Theatre & Dance. Page 20
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago: April 4
Since 1958, the festival has celebrated and explored Shakespeare and his continuing influence and vitality through productions of superior artistic quality, education and community engagement. Page 21
Artist Series
Chick Corea Trilogy
With Christian McBride and Brian Blade Wednesday, Oct. 9, 7:30 p.m.
The legendary Chick Corea brings his Grammy-winning acoustic trio to Boulder. Powerhouse bassist Christian McBride and drum master Brian Blade join Chick for a spectacular evening of Corea classics, jazz standards and boundless musical exploration. Starting at $22
Sponsored by friends of Diane Dunn 3
Artist Series
Nobuntu
Wednesday, Oct. 30, 7:30 p.m.
“Nobuntu”—an expression meaning feminine familial love, humility and kindness—is a female a cappella quintet from Zimbabwe that has drawn international acclaim for its breathtaking performances of traditional Zimbabwean songs, afro jazz and gospel. Starting at $20
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Pierre-Laurent Aimard, piano Beethoven the Avant-gardist Tuesday, Nov. 19, 7:30 p.m.
Hailed as “a brilliant musician and an extraordinary visionary� (Wall Street Journal), world-renowned pianist Pierre-Laurent Aimard is as recognized for his unparalleled, powerful technique as he is for his sensual interpretations of music from every age. Starting at $20
Sponsored by Boulder CPA Group 5
Artist Series
Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy A Celtic Family Christmas Tuesday, Dec. 17, 7:30 p.m.
The holidays truly become a family affair when married duo Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy—two of the globe’s best and brightest fiddle players—invite their children onstage for an unforgettable night of holiday fun. Starting at $22
Co-sponsored by Hurdle’s Jewelry 6
Cirque Mechanics
42FT – A Menagerie of Mechanical Marvels Friday, Jan. 17, 7:30 p.m.
Cirque Mechanics’ latest theatrical invention brings the lore of the one-ring circus to historic Macky Auditorium. With exhilarating thrills, death-defying feats and a bit of clowning around, 42FT – A Menagerie of Mechanical Marvels introduces modern audiences to the world of strongmen, acrobats and aerialists. Starting at $20
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Artist Series
A Far Cry Memory
Saturday, Feb. 8, 7:30 p.m.
Known for its innovative, unpredictable approach, the conductor-less, Grammynominated string orchestra A Far Cry offers a fresh perspective on Mozart, Tchaikovsky and other masters in a performance that is “a far cry” from any classical concert you’ve heard before. Starting at $15
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Pilobolus
Come to your senses.
Monday, March 2, 7:30 p.m.
Back by popular demand! Pilobolus returns for an athletic and arresting performance that invites you to Come to your senses. Engage with childlike wonder in the miracle of your senses through both classic and brand new repertory that begins by examining our biology and ends by utilizing the senses in a refreshing immersion in the biosphere. Starting at $23
Sponsored in celebration of the life of Diane Dunn 9
Artist Series
Kronos Quartet
Music for Change: The 60s, The Years That Changed America Thursday, March 19, 7:30 p.m.
Kronos Quartet’s singular experimental style “has broken the boundaries of what string quartets do” (The New York Times). This season, Kronos returns to Boulder with a program exploring the social, political and cultural upheavals of the 1960s. The program includes a celebration of Pete Seeger’s music, as well as a performance of Zachary J. Watkins’ “Peace Be Till,” a piece inspired by the moment just before Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech. Starting at $20
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Hubbard Street Dance Chicago Saturday, April 4, 7:30 p.m.
One of the most original forces in contemporary dance, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago “is going to take your breath away” (The Washington Post) with its virtuosity. Featuring adventurous, versatile works choreographed by Ohad Naharin, Crystal Pite, Alejandro Cerrudo and more. Starting at $22
Co-sponsored by James & Associates and Hurdle’s Jewelry 11
Takács Quartet The Grammy Award-winning string quartet has been moving audiences and selling out concerts at CU Boulder for more than three decades. Their irresistible blend of virtuosic technique and engaging personality has led The Guardian (London) to proclaim, “The Takács Quartet are matchless, their supreme artistry manifest at every level.”
Chamber Series
Encore Series
Sunday, Sunday, Sunday, Sunday, Sunday, Sunday,
Monday, Monday, Monday, Monday, Monday, Monday,
Grusin Music Hall, 4 p.m. Sept. 8 Oct. 27 Nov. 10* Jan. 12 March 8 May 3
Grusin Music Hall, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 9 Oct. 28 Nov. 11* Jan. 13 March 9 May 4
*Featuring the Tesla Quartet: starting at $20 All other Takács performances: starting at $37
Tesla Quartet
“We are held together, like the stars in the firmament, with ties inseparable. These ties cannot be seen, but we can feel them.” Inspired by Nikola Tesla’s words, the Tesla Quartet seeks to make music the binding force that unites audiences with colorful and intimate renditions of both new and established repertoire. Tesla Quartet members: Ross Snyder and Michelle Lie, violins; Edwin Kaplan, viola; and Serafim Smigelskiy, cello.
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College of Music: Eklund Opera Program
It’s a Wonderful Life An Opera in Two Acts
Macky Auditorium, Nov. 15-17 It may be Christmas, but for George Bailey it is anything but the most wonderful time of the year. Based on the 1946 movie of the same name, Jake Heggie and Gene Scheer’s brand new opera adaptation of It’s a Wonderful Life follows a young guardian angel named Clara as she attempts—with heart and just a bit of holiday magic—to prove to George what an incredible impact he’s had on his small town. Starting at $15 It’s A Wonderful Life, An Opera in Two Acts; Based on the 1946 Frank Capra movie of the same name (by permission of Paramount Licensing Inc.) and The Greatest Gift by Philip Van Doren Stern; Music by Jake Heggie; Libretto by Gene Scheer; Commissioned by the Houston Grand Opera with Co-Commissioners San Francisco Opera and the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University; Premiered by the Houston Grand Opera in December 2016.
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The Marriage of Figaro
An opera by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Macky Auditorium, March 13-15
When a lecherous count sets his sights on his servant Figaro’s fiancée, Figaro and his friends seek retribution in the form of hilarious hijinks and mischievous escapades. A rollicking combination of wit and seductive orchestrations, Mozart’s infamous Italian caper about the differences between the working and ruling classes “is subtle, witty ... and immensely sophisticated—but also tuneful and infectious” (NPR). Starting at $15
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College of Music: Eklund Opera Program
Béatrice et Bénédict An opera by Hector Berlioz Music Theatre, April 23-26
Marriage isn’t for everyone, least of all verbal sparring partners Beatrice and Benedict. But if they can be convinced to set aside their differences, each might see what their friends already know—Beatrice and Benedict are a perfect match. Based on Shakespeare’s comedy Much Ado About Nothing, Béatrice et Bénédict is a boisterous romance about the preposterous act of falling in love. Starting at $20
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College of Music: Holiday Festival 2019
Holiday Festival 2019
Boulder’s beloved holiday tradition Macky Auditorium, Dec. 6-8
Delight in the twinkling lights, seasonal greenery and beautiful music at CU Boulder’s Holiday Festival, an annual tradition that’s enchanting for all ages. The decades-old celebration brings together student choirs, bands and orchestras— along with world-class faculty performers—for a concert of holiday favorites and new surprises. Starting at $20
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College of Music: additional events
Faculty Tuesdays series Most Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m.
Grusin Music Hall, August-March Renowned faculty members perform in a weekly concert series featuring guest artists, students and professional colleagues. Free and open to the public 18
Student Ensembles September-April
The University Symphony Orchestra, Thompson Jazz Studies Program, choirs and other student ensembles thrill audiences with timeless classics and groundbreaking new works. Most concerts are free and open to the public
Student Recitals, Guest Performances and more September-April
The hard work of our student artists, the intriguing findings of music scholars and countless more events await! Most concerts are free and open to the public 19
Department of Theatre & Dance University Theatre
A Broadway Christmas Carol Created by Kathy Feininger Nov.15-Dec. 8, starting at $24
Spring Awakening
Music by Duncan Sheik; Book & Lyrics by Steven Sater; Based on the play by Frank Wedekind March 6-15, starting at $24
Acting Studio
A Human Interest Story (Or the Gory Details and All) By Carlos Murillo Sept. 26-29, free reserved tickets available Aug. 26
Play Therapy
By Oliver Gerland 2018-19 New Play Festival Winner Nov. 7-10, free reserved tickets available Oct. 7
The Language Archive
By Julia Cho Feb. 27-March 1, free reserved tickets available Jan. 27
A Perfect Likeness
By Daniel Rover Singer April 2-5, free reserved tickets available March 2
2019-20 New Play Festival April 15-19, free and open to the public
Photo: Hecuba, 2018
Loft Theatre
Burning the Old Man
By Kelly McAllister Oct. 10-13, starting at $16
Shakuntala
Written by Kalidasa; Adapted by Jashodhara Sen and Nolan Carey Oct. 31-Nov. 3, starting at $16
The Popular Mechanicals
By Keith Robinson, Tony Taylor and William Shakespeare Feb. 13-16, starting at $16
As You Like It
By William Shakespeare April 9-12, starting at $16 A Broadway Christmas Carol is presented through special arrangement with Chanticleer Productions, LLP. Spring Awakening Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com. A Perfect Likeness is produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc. (www.playscripts.com).
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Charlotte York Irey Theatre [UN] W.R.A.P. Dances That Don’t Look Like Dances
Catapult
Sans Souci: Festival of Dance Cinema
Open Space
Sept. 13-15, starting at $20
Curated by CU Dance faculty and alumni Sept. 20-21, free and open to the public
re-membering
An MFA dance concert Oct. 4-6, starting at $16
Lacunae
An MFA dance concert Oct. 25-27, starting at $16
A BFA dance concert Jan. 31-Feb. 2, starting at $16 Curated by CU Dance Connection Feb. 28-March 1, starting at $16
The Current
Dance works by faculty and guest artists April 10-19, starting at $16
FRESH: Spring 2020
A CU dance concert April 24-25, free and open to the public
Colorado Shakespeare Festival Summer 2019 June 7-Aug. 11 Twelfth Night
Directed by Timothy Orr
As You Like It
Directed by Carolyn Howarth
Romeo and Juliet
Directed by Christopher DuVal
King Charles III
A Future History Play by Mike Bartlett Directed by Kevin Rich
King John
Directed by Kevin Rich Photo: Scott Coopwood in Cyrano de Bergerac, 2018
2020 season tickets on sale Oct. 28 21
Venues Macky Auditorium (2000 seats)
Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre (1000 seats)
University Theatre (410 seats) Colorado Shakespeare Festival
University Theatre (410 seats) Department of Theatre & Dance
Grusin Music Hall (500 seats)
Music Theatre (250 seats)
Accessibility
The University of Colorado is committed to providing equal access to individuals with disabilities. For more information, visit cupresents.org/accessibility. 22
Ticket information Season tickets Series name
Savings BOX GC
O1
O2
O3
L1
30%
$477
$453
$283
$200
$128
$291
In Motion
25%
$363
$339
$211
$147
$98
$220
Classics
20%
$159
$159
$99
$71
$44
$103
Takács Chamber*
--
--
$251
--
--
--
--
Takács Encore
--
--
$205
--
--
--
--
Eklund Opera
20%
$99
$99
$66
$48
$40
$66
Artist Series
Colorado Shakespeare 10-40%
Visit cupresents.org/season-tickets
*Please call 303-492-8008 for waitlist information GC=Gold Circle / O=Orchestra (Floor) / BOX=Opera Box / L=Loge (Balcony) Season ticket buyers may add on single tickets and Holiday Festival tickets before they go on sale to the general public on Aug. 19.
Choice option
Pick and choose your own season ticket order from any of CU Presents’ offerings with the Choice Option. To order, simply choose four or more different Artist Series, Eklund Opera or CU Theatre & Dance events and receive a 15% discount off single ticket prices.
Discounts
Discounts for groups, youths, seniors, students and CU employees at cupresents.org/discounts.
Single tickets
Single tickets on sale Monday, Aug. 19.
Make a gift today The performing arts are a timeless gift. With your individual contribution to a CU Presents program of your choice, you help ensure it’s a gift that keeps on giving. Whether you choose to support the Artist Series, the Eklund Opera Program, the Takács Quartet or the Colorado Shakespeare Festival, your gift provides funding for world-class performances, masterclasses, student support and so much more. To make a donation, visit cupresents.org/support or call 303-492-3054. Thank you for your continued support. On the cover: Cirque Mechanics, photo by Maike Schulz. Image credits: Dario Acosta, Jay Blakesberg, Marco Borggreve, CU Boulder Photography, Christopher Duggan, Andrew Elliott courtesy Chick Corea Prod., Jennifer Koskinen, Ligature Creative Group, David Middleton, KB Mpofu, Maike Schulz, The Laundry Designworks, Amanda Tipton, Quinn B Wharton
Global performance. World-class entertainment. You have to be here. Artist Series programs are sponsored in part by:
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