Cal Performances

W o W. 🤘 A beloved favorite is none other than the Danish String Quartet! Their February 2nd program is far ranging and EXCITING including Haydn, Caroline Shaw, and Shostakovich! It seems there’s nothing these players can’t do… Video: DSQ plays the “lesser chill passage” from Shostakovich’s String Quartet No. 10 🥶 Tickets: https://bit.ly/3WZokGe Danish String Quartet Feb 2, 2025, 3pm Hertz Hall, UC Berkeley

For her second engagement of the season, Julia Bullock is joined by the *incredible* period-instrument ensemble the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment in its long-awaited return to Berkeley! The collective brings a fresh approach and a spirit of inquisitiveness to Baroque music performance—and is known for making historic instruments sing in the repertoire originally composed for them. The program highlights Bullock’s gleaming soprano in arias from operas by Handel, Lully, Rameau, and Purcell in Italian, French, and English, as well as instrumental showpieces by Vivaldi, Bach, Pachelbel, and Handel. Tickets: https://bit.ly/4buUBtd Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment Julia Bullock, soprano Jan 19, 2025, 3pm Zellerbach Hall, UC Berkeley Video: OAE Dido & Aeneus Overture-Clip

Anyone who saw Alejandro Iñárritu’s film Birdman when it was released in 2014 can recall the moment when they realized—wow, this is not your usual Hollywood film soundtrack! In this special screening and concert, Antonio Sánchez, drummer and composer of the Birdman score, celebrates the film’s 10th anniversary with a live performance. “There’s no one better to inject the volatile tempos of New York City than jazz drummer Antonio Sánchez…[he adds] a vitality that maps out the emotions of the film’s characters with precision and almost no sentimentality” (The Guardian). For tickets, visit the link in bio! Antonio Sánchez Birdman LIVE Jan 18, 2025, 8pm Zellerbach Hall, UC Berkeley Tickets: https://bit.ly/3WY3585

The famed taiko troupe Kodo is back! The living bearers of a centuries-old Japanese folk tradition, the ensemble’s athletic drummers create a universe of sound and emotion through thunderous percussion and polished theatricality. “Their sound stretches from the lightest of rainfall to cataclysmic thunderclaps” (The Guardian). KODO One Earth Tour 2025: Warabe Jan 25–26, 2025 Zellerbach Hall at UC Berkeley Tickets: https://bit.ly/3WSMySB #taiko #taikodrum #berkeley #kodo #bayarea #percussion

Wishing each of you the most glorious January 1 full of new laid plans, revised hope, and plenty of performing arts. We are so grateful to you, our audiences, artists, and everyone that makes our performances possible. This past year, we’ve been reminded many times of one of the invaluable roles the performing arts play in our lives: one of providing respite and a place to experience peace, and connection, of the joys we feel when community comes together. See you at Zellerbach Hall very soon, we hope. 🩵 #berkeley #bayarea #ucberkeley

The largest university performing arts organization situated within a world-class public university, Cal Performances introduces our audiences and community to performing arts and artists in a way few other presenters can. Through our residencies, artistic partnerships, and academic integration, we provide a unique depth to our programs. These amazing arts experiences are only possible with your support. On this last day of the year to give, consider us. 🩵 Give with the following link: https://bit.ly/41ew8Gp #supportthearts #berkeley #bayarea #artssupporter

Past the holidays and new year brings a spring season that aims to bring you the best performing arts we can find. 🫶 #performingarts #dance #music #theater #berkeley

Did you hear about the added event?! Rhiannon Giddens and the Old Time Revue June 21, 8pm, Zellerbach Hall Tickets: https://bit.ly/4i5fuz9 Video: “I Shall Not Be Moved” from Other Voices Live

Asmik Grigorian with pianist Lukas Geniušas are devoted to one of Grigorian's favorite composers, Sergei Rachmaninov. Heard here, and on her Dec 15 Cal Performances' debut recital, we are unbelievably excited to bring this music to you! “Most of Rachmaninov’s romances really demand operatic power. In fact, he wrote ‘mini-operas’ which last a few minutes.” - Grigorian This is a must-see and hear recital... Asmik Grigorian, soprano Lukas Geniušas, piano Dec 15, 2024, 3pm Hertz Hall at UC Berkeley Tickets: https://bit.ly/3UHMjr5

Samara Joy and her father sing "O Holy Night" and we are listening on repeat. 🔁 Joy comes to Cal Performances Feb 5, however, if you are knee deep in holiday music YOU MUST listen to her album "A Joyful Holiday". It is SO GOOD! ❄️ Samara, we can't wait to see you live soon.

Celebrate the season Bay Area style! The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus’ Holiday Spectacular is back with carols, hilarious sketches, dazzling drag, and all the holiday cheer. 🎄 From classics like “Deck the Halls” to pop hits and parodies, it’s heartfelt, hilarious, and full of community spirit. 🎅 The show is nearly sold out, but you can get on a waitlist! More: https://bit.ly/4bvAQ4O

Wow… 🤩 Be taken away by Asmik Grigorian's electrifying voice when she makes her Cal Performances debut Dec 15 in a rare visit to the US! (Except for her recent debut at the Met which this video is from, Grigorian has sung only one other time in the US.) Grab your tickets: https://bit.ly/3UHMjr5 ______ Video: Grigorian sings “Che tua madre” from Madama Butterfly at the Metropolitan Opera. #Soprano #Voice #Opera #PerformingArts #Berkeley