April / May

Leif Ove Andsnes, piano

Tue, Apr 1, 7:30pm, Zellerbach Hall

The Norwegian virtuoso has a special affinity for the music of his homeland, and pairs Edvard Grieg’s piano sonata with Geirr Tveitt’s Sonata Etere, a colorful work that reflects the composer’s deep immersion in Norwegian folk music.
Major Support: The Bernard Osher Foundation
Patron Sponsor: Anonymous
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Story Boldly’s Defining Courage
An Immersive Live Event

Fri, Apr 4, 8pm, Zellerbach Hall

Defining Courage commemorates the struggles and sacrifices of the Nisei soldiers of World War II through vivid cinematography, stirring live music, eyewitness interviews, and deft storytelling.
Patron Sponsor: Anonymous
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An Illuminations: "Fractured History" event.

Patti LuPone
Joseph Thalken, piano

Songs from a Hat

Sat, Apr 5, 8pm, Zellerbach Hall

The decorated Broadway star sings an intimate cabaret-style evening of songs, with the titles randomly chosen from a hat. Expect signature favorites from the musicals that made Lupone a household name, such as Evita, Gypsy, Company, and Les Misérables, woven together with stories from her remarkable life in the limelight.
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Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Tue–Thu, Apr 8–10, 7:30pm
Fri, Apr 11, 8pm
Sat, Apr 12, 2pm & 8pm
Sun, Apr 13, 3pm, Zellerbach Hall

Strength, precision, and passion remain the hallmarks of this august company more than 65 years after its inception. Ailey’s dancers return to Berkeley with new and classic works that illuminate the rich panorama of Black American experience.
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Owls

Alexi Kenney, violin
Ayane Kozasa, viola
Gabriel Cabezas, cello
Paul Wiancko, cello

Sun, Apr 13, 3pm, Hertz Hall

The two-cello string quartet collective featuring some of chamber music’s most creative voices makes its Berkeley debut with a wildly eclectic program that includes works by cellist Paul Wiancko, Azerbaijani composer Franghiz Ali-Zadeh, minimalism pioneer Terry Riley, jazz legend Chick Corea, and French Baroque composer François Couperin.
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BAY AREA PREMIERE

Grupo Corpo
21 and Gira

Fri–Sat, Apr 25–26, 8pm, Zellerbach Hall

Co-led by brothers Paulo and Rodrigo Pederneiras, the riveting Brazilian company visits in its Cal Performances debut, with two works rooted in classical ballet but enriched by folk and popular dance, and exploring the profound connections between music and movement.
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An Illuminations: "Fractured History" event.

The English Concert
Handel’s Giulio Cesare in Egitto

Harry Bicket, conductor
Sun, Apr 27, 3pm, Zellerbach Hall

The celebrated British ensemble returns with a concert performance of Handel’s blockbuster heroic opera, a story of love, betrayal, family drama, and political intrigue that recounts the historic meeting of Julius Caesar and Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt.
Patron Sponsors: Beth DeAtley, Bernice Greene, Anonymous
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An Illuminations: "Fractured History" event.

The Tallis Scholars
Palestrina 500

Peter Phillips, director
Fri, May 2, 8pm, First Congregational Church

The incomparable vocal ensemble, masters of Renaissance polyphony, celebrates Palestrina’s 500th birthday with a program featuring one of his lesser-known mass settings, two of his greatest motets, and works by his contemporary, Orlando di Lasso.
Patron Sponsors: Michael A. Harrison and Susan Graham Harrison
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Mark Morris Dance Group
Pepperland

Mark Morris, choreography
Ethan Iverson, composer
Fri–Sat, May 9–10, 8pm; Sun, May 11, 3pm, Zellerbach Hall

Pepperland is back! A joyous romp through the Beatles’ groundbreaking concept album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band that is bursting with energy and buoyant creativity, neon costumes, spectacular ensemble numbers, inspired Beatles arrangements, and original music.
Patron Sponsors: Helen and John Meyer (5/9), Beth DeAtley (5/11)
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