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Experience the magic of Pilobolus' re:CREATION during the 2024-25 Season, a captivating dance performance that invites audiences into a world where the imagination soars without limits. This retrospective production blurs the lines between gravity and creativity, offering an intimate glimpse into the essence of the creative process. Following a successful three-week summer residency at the Joyce Theater in New York, Pilobolus embarks on a nationwide tour, showcasing their celebrated collection of repertory to audiences across the country. re:CREATION is more than just a dance performance; it's a transformative journey of reinvention. Audiences, alongside the artists, will rediscover, redefine, and recreate timeless narratives, exploring new visions of history, myth, and the innate human need for expression. As noted by Robert Krulwich, host of NPR’s Radiolab, Pilobolus doesn't just dance; they tell stories that captivate and inspire. This special performance will take place at Zellerbach Hall over Thanksgiving Weekend, with shows on November 30th at 2pm and 8pm, and December 1st at 3pm. Tickets start at $36, with season subscriptions available now and single tickets going on sale at noon on August 6th. Don't miss this opportunity to witness the innovative and boundary-pushing artistry of Pilobolus during their re:CREATION tour. It's an odyssey of artistic exploration that promises to engage, entertain, and enlighten.

**Dorrance Dance: The Nutcracker Suite - A Holiday Classic Reimagined** **Dates:** December 14-15, 2024 **Location:** Zellerbach Hall **Showtimes:** December 14 at 8:00 PM, December 15 at 3:00 PM **Tickets:** Starting at $35 **Ticket Sales:** Season Subscriptions available now. Single Tickets on sale from August 6, noon. This holiday season, immerse yourself in a captivating performance as Dorrance Dance presents the Bay Area Premiere of "The Nutcracker Suite" at Zellerbach Hall. Experience a unique blend of explosive tap dance and hot jazz rhythms in this intoxicating production of the beloved holiday classic. Artistic Director Michelle Dorrance, along with collaborators Hannah Heller and Josette Wiggan, brings a fresh and imaginative twist to Tchaikovsky's masterpiece. Danced to Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn's marvelously inventive 1960 reinterpretation of the classic score, this version of "The Nutcracker Suite" transforms the traditional ballet into a vibrant 21st-century spectacle. Watch as the Sugar Plum Fairy becomes the slinky Sugar Rum Cherry, the March of the Toy Soldiers turns into a swinging brass Peanut Brittle Brigade romp, and the original ballet’s pageant of national dances receives a modern-day makeover. The New York Times praises the orchestrations as "playful, surprising, imaginative," with Dorrance and her collaborators responding in kind to create a truly unforgettable performance. Don't miss this opportunity to kick off your holiday season with a show that amazes, entertains, and uplifts. Secure your tickets early and prepare to be dazzled by the artistry and innovation of Dorrance Dance's "The Nutcracker Suite." For more information and to purchase tickets, visit [Cal Performances](https://calperformances.org/events/2024-25/dance/dorrance-dance-the-nutcracker-suite/).

Join us for an exquisite afternoon of music as Lithuanian soprano Asmik Grigorian, hailed for her electrifying performances and velvet-wrapped steel voice, graces the stage at Hertz Hall. Accompanied by the talented pianist Lukas Geniušas, Grigorian will make a rare U.S. appearance, presenting an all-Russian-language debut recital for Cal Performances. This special event is set to take place on December 15, 2024, from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm. The program promises an intimate exploration of the Russian romantic repertoire, featuring rarely heard songs described by Grigorian as "small pieces of opera in a few minutes." Audiences can look forward to an emotional journey through the works of Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff, including beloved pieces such as "None but the Lonely Heart" by Tchaikovsky and "Spring Waters" by Rachmaninoff, among others. Each selection showcases the depth of Russian romanticism, from the poignant melodies to the rich, expressive harmonies. Tickets for this captivating recital start at $78, with season subscriptions available from April 23 and single tickets going on sale on August 6. Don't miss the opportunity to witness Asmik Grigorian's Cal Performances debut, an event made possible in part by S. Shariq Yosufzai and Brian James. Experience the power of Grigorian's voice as she and Geniušas bring to life the soul-stirring beauty of Russian song in the intimate setting of Hertz Hall.

Join the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus for a dazzling Holiday Spectacular on December 21, 2024, at 5:00 pm in the iconic Zellerbach Hall. This annual tradition promises an evening filled with holiday carols, satirical sketches, and an array of festive attire from ugly Christmas sweaters to Santa outfits, complemented by guest dancers and drag artists. Revel in nostalgic classics like "Little Drummer Boy," "Sleigh Ride," and "Deck the Halls," alongside holiday pop hits from George Michael, the Jackson 5, and the Manhattan Transfer, not to mention hilarious parodies that will have you laughing all night long. This heartfelt and humorous celebration is a testament to the community and holiday spirit unique to the Bay Area. Given the sell-out success of last season's concert, early ticket purchase is highly recommended to ensure your spot at this beloved holiday event. Tickets start at $40, with season subscriptions available from April 23 and single tickets on sale from August 6. Don’t miss out on this spectacular blend of music, comedy, and holiday cheer.

Experience the electrifying fusion of cinema and live music at Cal Performances with "Antonio Sánchez: Birdman LIVE." This unique event, set for January 18, 2025, at 8:00 pm in the iconic Zellerbach Hall, celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Academy Award-winning Best Picture, "Birdman." Renowned jazz drummer Antonio Sánchez, whose dynamic and largely improvised solo drum score earned a Grammy, BAFTA, and a Critic’s Choice Award, will perform live, providing a thrilling soundtrack to the film screening. Sánchez's performance is not just a musical act but a vital component of the film's narrative, offering a deep dive into the psychological turmoil of the protagonist, played by Michael Keaton. His drumming acts as a companion, counterweight, and commentary, adding a layer of intensity and emotion to the cinematic experience. The Guardian praises Sánchez for injecting "the volatile tempos of New York City" into the film, mapping out the characters' emotions with precision and an almost lack of sentimentality. Tickets for this one-of-a-kind event start at $36, with season subscriptions available now and single tickets going on sale at noon on August 6. Don't miss this opportunity to witness the fusion of film and live music in a performance that promises to be as unforgettable as the film itself. For more information and to secure your tickets, visit the Cal Performances website.

Join us for an exquisite afternoon of Baroque music as the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, featuring the radiant soprano Julia Bullock, graces the stage of Zellerbach Hall on January 19, 2025, at 3:00 pm. This performance marks Bullock's second appearance of the season and the much-anticipated return of the period-instrument ensemble to Berkeley. Under the theme of "Illuminations: Fractured History," the ensemble, celebrated for its fresh approach to Baroque music, will perform alongside Bullock, showcasing her gleaming soprano voice through a selection of arias from operas by Handel, Lully, Rameau, and Purcell. The program will be sung in Italian, French, and English, offering a rich tapestry of Baroque vocal music complemented by instrumental showpieces by Vivaldi, Bach, Pachelbel, and Handel. Highlights of the program include Handel's "Overture from Music for the Royal Fireworks," Vivaldi's "Concerto in E major, Op. 8, No. 1, Spring from The Four Seasons," and Bach's "Schafe können sicher weiden from BWV 208," among others. This performance not only promises to be a celebration of Baroque music's enduring beauty but also a testament to the timeless appeal of historic instruments and the repertoire composed for them. Tickets for this enchanting afternoon start at $56, with season subscriptions available now and single tickets going on sale on August 6 at noon. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the sublime artistry of Julia Bullock and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment in a program that bridges the past and present through the universal language of music.

Immerse yourself in the rhythmic heart of Japan with KODO's latest tour, "One Earth Tour 2025: Warabe," coming to Zellerbach Hall on January 25th and 26th, 2025. This performance by the world-renowned taiko troupe KODO is not just a concert; it's an exploration of the primal and authentic impulse to communicate through the art of drumming. With "Warabe," KODO delves into the essence of musical expression, channeling the innocent joy and boundless energy of a child playing drums. Experience a captivating universe of sound, from the gentle patter of rainfall to the explosive power of thunderclaps, as KODO's athletic drummers showcase their polished theatricality and thunderous percussion. This performance is a testament to the troupe's role as living bearers of a centuries-old Japanese folk tradition, offering audiences a profound connection to the elemental forces of nature and the human spirit. Join us at Zellerbach Hall for two exclusive performances: January 25th at 8pm and January 26th at 3pm. Tickets start at $42, with season subscriptions available now and single tickets going on sale at noon on August 6th. Don't miss this opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring artistry of KODO, as they bring the simple heart of a child to the grand stage through the universal language of drumming. For more information and to secure your tickets, visit [Cal Performances](https://calperformances.org/events/2024-25/family/kodo-one-earth-tour-2025-warabe/).

Join us for an unforgettable musical experience as the renowned Takács Quartet teams up with the extraordinary pianist Jeremy Denk at Hertz Hall. This performance, scheduled for January 26, 2025, at 3:00 pm, promises to be a highlight of the musical season, showcasing the ensemble's unparalleled talent and Denk's profound interpretive insight. The Takács Quartet, celebrated by Scherzo Magazine as "one of the greatest chamber string ensembles on the world stage," will present two riveting programs. For their first performance, they are joined by Jeremy Denk, a MacArthur Genius award winner and well-regarded author known for his intelligence, humor, and interpretive depth. Together, they will explore Brahms’ Piano Quintet in F minor, a masterpiece that weaves together majesty, serenity, joy, tension, foreboding, and despair in a profound musical journey. The program will also feature Beethoven's String Quartet in F major, Op. 18, No. 1, and Janáček's String Quartet No. 1, "The Kreutzer Sonata," culminating in Brahms' Piano Quintet in F minor, Op. 34. This selection of works promises an afternoon of emotional depth and breathtaking musicianship. Tickets for this must-see event start at $110, with season subscriptions available now and single tickets going on sale at noon on August 6. Don't miss this opportunity to witness the Takács Quartet and Jeremy Denk in a performance that is sure to be remembered for years to come.

Join us for an unforgettable evening of innovative music with the Eco Ensemble's winter concert, part of the Cal Performances 2024-25 Season. This special performance is scheduled for February 1, 2025, at 8:00 pm, taking place in the acoustically superb Hertz Hall. Tickets start at $36, with season subscriptions available now and single tickets going on sale at noon on August 6. Under the direction of David Milnes, the Eco Ensemble, the UC Berkeley Music Department’s ensemble in residence, will showcase an array of works by alumni from the university's esteemed composition program. The San Francisco Chronicle has lauded this program as a "constant source of challenging and arresting new compositions." This season's concert will feature both acoustic and electroacoustic pieces from recent and distant graduates, including notable composers Jimmy López Bellido and Mason Bates, among others. The ensemble has earned widespread acclaim for its performances of works by visiting composers like Kaija Saariaho and Toshio Hosokawa, as well as pieces by faculty members Ken Ueno, Edmund Campion, and Cindy Cox. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the cutting-edge of new music, performed by one of the most adventurous ensembles in the field. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the Cal Performances website.

Immerse yourself in the exquisite harmonies and intricate melodies of the Danish String Quartet as they grace the stage of Hertz Hall on February 2, 2025, at 3:00 pm. This performance, a highlight of the Cal Performances 2024-25 Season, showcases the Quartet's unparalleled ability to blend complex contemporary works, ethereal soundscapes, sparkling Baroque arrangements, and earthy folk songs into a seamless musical journey. The program for this captivating afternoon includes Caroline Shaw’s "Entr’acte," inspired by and paired with the Andante from Haydn's String Quartet in F major, Op. 77, No. 2. The Quartet will also delve into Stravinsky's "Three Pieces for String Quartet," and bring to life "Three Melodies" by 19th-century Irish harpist Turlough O’Carolan, including "Mabel Kelly," "Planxty Kelly," and "Carolan’s Quarrel with the Landlady." The emotional depth of the performance reaches its peak with Shostakovich’s intense and brooding "String Quartet No. 15, Op. 144," providing a profound counterbalance to the program's earlier works. Praised by The New York Times for playing as if "joined on a single instrument, armed with four bows," the Danish String Quartet promises an afternoon of sublime music that transcends the boundaries of genre and era. Major support for this performance is provided by The Bernard Osher Foundation, ensuring that attendees experience a presentation of the highest caliber. Tickets for this not-to-be-missed event start at $92, with season subscriptions available now and single tickets going on sale at noon on August 6. Join us at Hertz Hall for a musical exploration that celebrates the legacy and future of chamber music, courtesy of the Danish String Quartet's artful curation and unparalleled performance.