MODLIN ARTS PRESENTS
NATU CAMARA
April 12, 2024 | 7:30 PM
Camp Concert Hall
UNIVERSITY of RICHMOND
MODLIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS
msical
PHOTO CREDIT: JAMIE AMBLER
Thank You
THIS ENGAGEMENT OF NATU CAMARA IS MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY THE GENEROUS SUPPORT OF Clinton Webb Fund
THANKS TO OUR 2023 -2024 MODLIN ARTS PRESENTS SEASON SPONSORS & COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Louis S. Booth Arts Fund
E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation
Cultural Affairs Committee
Department of Music, University of Richmond
Dewitt Fund for the Arts
A. Dale Mayo Fund
Virginia B. Modlin Endowment
H. Gerald Quigg Arts Endowment
Norman and Gay Leahy
William and Pamela O’Connor
Welcome
Welcome
WE ARE DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE OUR 2023-2024 SEASON!
At Modlin Center for the Arts, we are committed to providing the University of Richmond campus and our broader community with the best in diverse, thought-provoking, and captivating performances. Each season is cultivated with our attention to showcasing artists who provide insight into our shared humanity. At the University of Richmond, we pledge to you—our patrons and partners, on campus and in our region—that the arts will provide broad access to rich voices, creative passion, and unforgettable experiences.
Modlin is more than our presenting series. We operate as the home for our academic partners within the School of Arts & Sciences, providing spaces for conversation, connection, and collaboration across disciplines. Explore the full range of opportunities from the Department of Music, Department of Theatre & Dance, and University Museums. Don’t miss the extensive calendar of FREE concerts, performances, and exhibits, and make plans to join us.
I hope that you will also consider a contribution to the Modlin Center for the Arts. Your backing is a vital endorsement of the value that Modlin contributes to our cultural landscape. We are deeply grateful to have you include Modlin in your cultural investments. Thank you for being a valued member of our community of the arts.
I look forward to seeing you at Modlin performances in 2023-24 and to hearing what moves you this year!
Paul Brohan, Executive Director
FALL MODLIN ARTS
AUGUST 2023
2023/24 Calendar
P Ticketed: Paid
F Free: Tickets/Registration Required
F Free: No Tickets/Registration Required
Modlin Arts Presents
Department of Theatre and Dance
Department of Music
University Museums
Tucker Boatwright Festival
Queer Pioneers: LGBTQ+ History Through the Photographs of Robert Giard
On view 28 Aug - 8 Dec F
Making Your Mark: Prints and Drawings from the Hechinger Collection
On view 28 Aug - 8 Dec F
Crystals: Minerals from the Collection
On view through 4 May F
Therefore I Am: Portraits from the Joel and Lila Harnett Print Study Center
On view through 30 Jun F
SEPTEMBER
David Esleck Trio
Thu 7 Sep 7:30pm
Marty Stuart
Thu 14 Sep 7:30pm
Volcano Theatre, Book of Life
Sat 23 Sep 7:30pm
We All Break & Leyla McCalla
Thu 28 Sep 7:30pm
Family Weekend Concert
Fri 29 Sep 7:30pm F
F
P
P
P
OCTOBER
Rhiannon Giddens & The Legendary Ingramettes
Sun 1 Oct 7pm P
White Pearl
Thu-Sat 5-7 Oct 7:30pm
Sun 8 Oct 2pm F
Company SBB // Stephanie Batten Bland, Embarqued: Stories of Soil
Fri Oct 6 7:30pm P
The Acting Company, Odyssey
Wed 11 Oct 7:30pm P
Sankai Juku, KŌSA–between two mirrors
Thu 19 Oct 7:30pm P
Davison Plays Davison
Fri 20 Oct 7:30pm
13th Annual Celebration of Dance @ UR!
Sat 21 Oct 7:30pm F
Family Arts Day: Barefoot Puppet Theatre, New Squid on the Block
Sun 22 Oct 1pm-4pm P
Kenny Barron Voyage Trio
Wed 25 Oct 7:30pm P
Inon Barnatan, Alisa Weilerstein & James Ehnes, Swan Song, The Schubert Project
Fri 27 Oct 7:30pm P
Schola Cantorum & Women’s Chorale
Sun 29 Oct 3pm F
NOVEMBER
ShoutHouse
Fri 3 Nov 7:30pm P
Jazz & Contemporary Combos
Wed 8 Nov 7:30pm F
J’Nai Bridges, Mezzo-Soprano
Thu 9 Nov 7:30pm P
Terence Blanchard, Fire Shut Up in My Bones
Sun 12 Nov 7:30pm P
Sky Hopinka: Masterclass and Film Screening
Mon-Wed 13–15 Nov
Popular Music Ensemble
Tue 14 Nov 7:30pm F
Jazz Ensembles: Little Big Band with Black & White
Wed 15 Nov 7:30pm
Kiara Vigil: Keynote Lecture
Thu 16 Nov 4:30pm F
Fairview
Thu-Sat 16-18 Nov 7:30pm
Sat 18 - Sun 19 Nov 2pm
Global Sounds
Sun 19 Nov 3pm
UR Wind Ensemble
Mon 20 Nov 7:30pm
Canadian Brass, Holiday Show
Wed 29 Nov 7:30pm P
DECEMBER
50th Annual Festival of Lessons and Carols
Sun 3 Dec 5pm, 8pm
Chamber Ensembles
Mon 4 Dec 7:30pm
University Symphony Orchestra
Wed 6 Dec 7:30pm F
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
MODLIN ARTS
2023/24 Calendar
SPRING
P Ticketed: Paid
F Free: Tickets/Registration Required
F Free: No Tickets/Registration Required
Modlin Arts Presents
Department of Theatre and Dance
Department of Music
University Museums
Tucker Boatwright Festival
JANUARY 2024
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton
Marsalis, Max Roach Centennial
Thu 25 Jan 7:30pm P
Richard Becker Piano Concert
Wed 31 Jan 7:30pm F
FEBRUARY
Hamid Rahmanian, Song of the North
Fri 2 Feb 7:30pm P
Paul Hanson Piano Concert
Sun 4 Feb 3pm F
Layale Chaker & Sarafand, with Kinan Azmeh
Fri 16 Feb 7:30pm P
Emily Riggs, soprano
Sun 18 Feb 3:00
Zuill Bailey, Cello
Wed 28 Feb 7:30pm P
Yiman Wang: Keynote Lecture
Tue 20 Feb 12pm F
Alexa Joubin: Keynote Lecture
Thu 22 Feb 12pm F
F
MARCH
MOVING | BODIES BODIES | MOVING University Dancers
39th Annual Concert
Fri-Sat 1-2 Mar 7:30pm
Sun 3 Mar 2pm F
Doris Wylee-Becker Piano Concert
Sun 3 Mar 3pm F
Richmond Piano Trio
Mon 4 Mar 7:30pm F
Martha Graham Dance Company
Fri 22 Mar 7:30pm P
Brad Mehldau, Piano P
Sun 24 Mar 7:30pm
Chris Thile, Mandolin
Wed 27 Mar 7:30pm P
APRIL
Emanuel Ax, Piano
Fri 5 Apr 7:30pm P
UR Wind Ensemble
Mon 8 Apr 7:30pm F
UR Jazz & Contemporary Combos
Thu 11 Apr 7:30pm F
Natu Camara
Fri 12 Apr 7:30pm P
Schola Cantorum & Women’s Chorale
Sun 14 Apr 3pm
Popular Music Ensemble
Tue 16 Apr 7:30pm F
UR Symphony Orchestra
Wed 17 Apr 7:30pm F
Everybody
18-20 Apr 7:30pm
21 Apr 2pm F
Danish String Quartet
Sat 20 Apr 7:30pm P
Global Sounds
Sun 21 Apr 3pm F
UR Chamber Ensembles
Mon 22 Apr 7:30pm
Cuban Spectacular
Thu 25 Apr 7:30pm
F
F
F
MODLIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS PRESENTS NATU CAMARA
Tonight’s performance will be announced from the stage, and will run approximately 75 minutes, without intermission.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Hailing from the heart of West Africa, Natu is a dynamic singer and songwriter whose music not only reflects her rich heritage but also electrifies stages with her mesmerizing performances. If you merged Miriam Makeba with Nina Simone, added a dose of Tracy Chapman and sprinkled on some Tina Turner, you might begin to explain Natu Camara. Her unwavering commitment to social justice adds an inspiring dimension to her artistry, making her a true luminary in the world of music.
Born in Ivory Coast, of Guinean origin, Natu began her musical journey by co-founding West Africa’s first ever female R&B/hip-hop ensemble, the Ideal Black Girls. Their debut album, “Guinea mou monèra” (“It’s not a shame to be a woman”), struck a chord with audiences, selling millions of copies and earning a nomination for best album in 2002 in Guinea, and also made them known on the international scene. Made popular on televisions and radios in the sub-region of Guinea, Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast... and presented in the video documentary by RFI, Télésud TV and TV5 Afrique and the film “Il va rain in Conakry.
PHOTO CREDIT: JAMIE AMBLERThe Ideal Black Girls not only took the music scene by storm, but also lit a fire of inspiration in a generation of young girls, proving that women could excel in the music industry and any field of their choice thanks to initiatives like the revolutionary Rhapsodie festival. Festival and the timeless anthem “Didi”, a symbol of love frequently heard at weddings, with male colleagues. Their second album, recorded in Senegal, consolidated Natu’s place in the world of music, but it also marked a turning point in their career.
Natu’s journey took a poignant turn when she moved to New York, her life intertwined with tragedy as she lost her husband to cancer. In the midst of grief and isolation in a foreign land, she found solace in the guitar her husband had gifted her. A serendipitous encounter with a peculiar bird at her window in 2013 served as a sign, prompting her to embark on a new chapter. Swiftly mastering English, she formed a band and began a profound musical transformation. Drawing inspiration from luminaries like Ali Farka Toure, Mory Kanté, Fela Kuti, Baaba Maal, Nina Simone, Paul Simon, Lukua Kenza, Richard Bona, and Tina Turner.
After recording two songs with Salif Keita’s band in New York, Natu packed her guitar and headed to Mali to finish her album with famous guitarist Djessou Mory Kanté who introduced her to world-class musicians, alongside sound engineer Abou Cissé, they created the sound she aspired to share with the world. The result was her acclaimed album, “Dimedi” (“Child”), which received praise in his native country and opened the doors to America for him.
PHOTO CREDIT: BRAD BOWIE
Natu’s music transcends borders, touching hearts globally, addressing issues like forced child marriage and disunity in Guinea while shedding light on loneliness and sadness in the developed world. Dedicated to her homeland and mentoring young women, Natu splits her time between Guinea and New York. Her pre-pandemic North American tour was a hit, reaching cities like San Francisco, Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Montreal, Quebec, Washington DC, Port du Prince, and New York. Natu’s exceptional talent earned her an award from NYFA, selected among 1,300 applicants by the NYC Women’s Fund for Media, Music, and Theatre. Despite the pandemic challenges, she performed at virtual festivals like the Madison World Music Festival, The International Festival de Louisiane, Global Arts Live, and a live show for Voice of America in Washington, Duke University and more.
PHOTO CREDIT: WILL FARRINGDON
PHOTO CREDIT: JAMIE AMBLER
In 2021, Natu shone at globalFEST and featured on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series. In 2022, she stormed New York with electrifying performances at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, Celebrate Brooklyn , Summerstage, City Winery, and many other outdoor festivals.
Inspired by her band’s impact during summer outdoor festivals, Natu founded the Harlem Meet Africa Festival in 2022, fostering cultural connections within the Harlem community. Today, Natu Camara is a global musical icon, humanitarian, and visionary entrepreneur. Beyond her artistry, she’s the founder of Dimedi Foundation, for girls’ mentorship and children’s education. CEO of Natuwenta Productions, and the force behind the Harlem Meet Africa Festival. She’s not just an artist but an entrepreneur and educator. Natu, a NYFA awardee, continues her journey while working on her second solo album in New York City, overseeing her ventures with unwavering dedication. Natu Camara’s journey isn’t just music; it’s a testament to the transformative power of music and the indomitable spirit of an artist advocating change.
Learn more at https://www.natucamara.com. Follow @natucamaramusic.
PHOTO CREDIT: MICHAEL BAUMANNModlin Arts Presents
EVERYBODY
BY BRANDEN JACOBS-JENKINS18-21 April 2024
Alice Jepson Theatre
The New York Times calls JacobsJenkins “one of this country’s most original and illuminating writers,” bringing us an inventive 21st-century riff on the 15th-century morality play, Everyman. In this contemporary tale, Everybody (chosen from amongst the cast by lottery at each performance) goes on a compelling journey through our greatest mystery—the meaning of living.
DANISH STRING QUARTET
Sat 20 April 2024
Camp Concert Hall
The Danish String Quartet is renowned for impeccable musicianship and an unmatched ability to play as one. Their palpable joy in music-making has helped make them one of today’s most highly acclaimed classical quartets. Their repertoire includes selections from Haydn and Shostakovich, as well as critically acclaimed original projects and popular arrangements of Scandinavian folk music.
OUT TICKETS AVAILABLE AT MODLIN.RICHMOND.EDU or 804.289.8980
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TICKET INFORMATION
MODLIN BOX OFFICE Regular Hours: Monday - Friday 1pm - 5pm & 90 minutes prior to all ticketed events. Contact us at 804-289-8980 or modlinarts@richmond.edu
TICKET POLICY All sales are final. No refunds are available, except in the event of a cancellation.
TICKETS ARE REQUIRED All ticketed performances require every patron to have a ticket. This includes children, regardless of age. Children are welcome and must always be accompanied by an adult. Parental discretion is advised as some performances may not be suitable for young children.
TICKET DELIVERY Tickets will be delivered as Mobile Tickets via email. If you prefer to have your tickets printed and available for pick up at the Box Office, please select Hold at Will Call as your delivery method.
TICKET DONATIONS Tickets that cannot be used may be returned to the Box Office to be donated for resale.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Please make sure your current email address and phone number are on file so that you can receive purchase confirmations, mobile tickets, and information and reminders about your upcoming performances.
PROGRAMS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE Sometimes this happens with little notice. In the event of a cancellation or date change, we will announce as early as possible, and attempts will be made to contact all ticket holders in advance of the event. Help us keep you informed by ensuring your contact information is up to date.
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