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Krannert Center: A Hub of Artistic Excellence and Cultural Celebration

The Krannert Center for the Performing Arts in Urbana, IL, is an epicenter of vibrant artistic experiences. With a rich lineup of events ranging from orchestral performances, soul-stirring music ensembles, Shakespearean theatre, and revolutionary new works by students, the Center offers something for everyone. Notable performances include Illinois Wind Symphony's captivating orchestral concerts, the thought-provoking Shakespearean play 'The Winter's Tale,' and the exhilarating 'Carnaval,' which celebrates diverse cultural expressions through music and dance.

Feb 17, 2025
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1. Illinois Wind Symphony
The UI Graduate Saxophone Quartet is featured in a performance of William Bolcom’s Concerto Grosso, and guest conductor Juan José Navarro leads the Illinois Wind Symphony in music by Pascual Marquina Narro, Amando Blanquer Ponsada, and Gerónimo Giménez.
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Feb 15, 2024 - Feb 18, 2025
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

Urbana, IL · Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

2. The Winter's Tale
### Event Description: The Winter's Tale at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts **Event Title:** The Winter's Tale **Presented by:** Illinois Theatre **Playwright:** William Shakespeare **Director:** Bill Kincaid **Event Overview:** Join us for a captivating performance of William Shakespeare's "The Winter's Tale" at the Colwell Playhouse, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. This timeless play, directed by Bill Kincaid, delves into themes of jealousy, betrayal, romance, and the transformative power of forgiveness. Through Shakespeare's rich language and playful theatricality, the story questions power and loyalty, making it surprisingly relevant to contemporary audiences. **Performance Dates and Times:** - **Friday, April 4, 2025:** 7:30 PM CT - **Saturday, April 5, 2025:** 7:30 PM CT - **Wednesday, April 9, 2025:** 7:30 PM CT - **Thursday, April 10, 2025:** 7:30 PM CT - **Friday, April 11, 2025:** 7:30 PM CT - **Saturday, April 12, 2025:** 7:30 PM CT **Venue:** Colwell Playhouse, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts **Ticket Information:** Tickets for "The Winter's Tale" are not yet available. Please check the Krannert Center website for updates on ticket sales. **Additional Information:** For more details about the event, including directions, parking, and accessibility, visit the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts website. **Share This Event:** Feel free to share this event with friends and family who appreciate the magic of Shakespearean theatre. **Related Events:** - **Quantum Voyages:** April 19, 2025 - **The Daniel J. Sullivan Playwright-in-Residence - New Work Performance:** September 27-28, 2024 - **Sister Sylvester: Drinking Brecht:** October 10-12, 2024 - **Orlando:** November 1-9, 2024 Experience the drama, intrigue, and emotional depth of "The Winter's Tale" and immerse yourself in a night of unforgettable theatre.
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Apr 4, 2024 - Apr 12, 2025
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

Urbana, IL · Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

3. Krannert Center Uncorked with Illinois Soul
### Event Description: Krannert Center Uncorked with Illinois Soul **Date:** Thursday, February 20, 2025 **Time:** 5:00 PM CT **Location:** Stage 5, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign **Admission:** Free #### Event Overview: Join us for an enchanting evening at the Krannert Center Uncorked with Illinois Soul. This event promises a delightful blend of soulful music and a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for unwinding and enjoying the rich cultural offerings of the Krannert Center. #### Event Highlights: - **Live Music:** Experience the captivating sounds of Illinois Soul, a group known for their dynamic performances and soulful melodies. - **Free Admission:** This event is open to the public at no cost, making it accessible for everyone to enjoy. - **Venue:** The event will take place at Stage 5, a premier location within the Krannert Center, known for its excellent acoustics and intimate setting. #### Additional Information: - **Intermission:** Details regarding intermission will be provided during the event. - **Event Length:** The total length of the event will be approximately calculated and announced on the day of the event. #### Support the Arts: With deep gratitude, Krannert Center thanks all Patron Sponsors and Corporate and Community Sponsors. If you believe in the life-affirming experiences that Krannert Center and the performing arts at Illinois make possible, please consider making a gift. Your support ensures the future impact of Krannert Center. Donations can be made at [KrannertCenter.com/Give](http://KrannertCenter.com/Give) or [faa.illinois.edu/giving](http://faa.illinois.edu/giving). #### Contact Information: For more details about the event, visit the [Krannert Center Event Page](http://KrannertCenter.com). Come and be a part of this soulful evening, celebrating music and community at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts!
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Jun 20, 2024 - Feb 27, 2025
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

Urbana, IL · Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

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Sep 26, 2024 - Feb 21, 2025
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

Urbana, IL · Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

5. Theatre Studies New Works Project
### Theatre Studies New Works Project **Event Overview:** The Theatre Studies New Works Project is a unique, laboratory-style program that showcases student-driven new plays in various stages of development. This event is supervised by Latrelle Bright and features the creative efforts of both graduate and undergraduate students from the Department of Theatre at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The project provides a platform for students to experiment with innovative forms of live theatre and imaginative world-making, exploring dynamic approaches to playwriting, devising, and directing as they reimagine theatre for the 21st century. **Event Details:** - **Dates and Times:** - **Friday, February 21, 2025** - 7:30 PM CT - **Saturday, February 22, 2025** - 7:30 PM CT - **Location:** Studio Theatre, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - **Admission:** Free ticket required (Tickets not yet available) **Additional Information:** - **Supervision:** Latrelle Bright - **Venue:** Studio Theatre - **Associated Links:** Illinois Theatre **Related Events:** - **Quantum Voyages:** April 19, 2025 - **The Daniel J. Sullivan Playwright-in-Residence - New Work Performance:** September 27-28, 2024 - **Sister Sylvester: Drinking Brecht:** October 10-12, 2024 - **Orlando:** November 1-9, 2024 Join us for an evening of innovative theatre as students push the boundaries of traditional performance and explore new, adventurous forms of storytelling.
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21 - 22 Feb, 2025
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

Urbana, IL · Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

6. Mark Morris Dance Group and Music Ensemble
### Event Description: Mark Morris Dance Group and Music Ensemble at Krannert Center **Event:** Mark Morris Dance Group and Music Ensemble **Venue:** Tryon Festival Theatre, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign **Dates and Times:** - Friday, February 21, 2025, at 7:30 PM CT - Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 3:00 PM CT **Event Overview:** The Mark Morris Dance Group and Music Ensemble, founded in 1980 by the renowned choreographer Mark Morris, is set to perform at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. Known for their technical excellence, musicality, and human authenticity, the group has been hailed as the preeminent modern dance organization of our time. **Program Highlights:** 1. **Candleflowerdance** - Set to Stravinsky’s "Serenade in A," this piece showcases Morris' ability to explore and respond to music through his unique movement language. 2. **Excursions** - Accompanied by Barber’s "Excursions for Piano," this work continues the evening's theme of light-hearted, piano-accompanied dance. 3. **Via Dolorosa** - A meditative piece set to Nico Muhly’s composition "The Street" for solo harp, inspired by the poetic texts of Alice Goodman. Premiered in the spring of 2024, this evocative work is performed against a striking sunset-like backdrop by Howard Hodgkin. The piece is described as a meditation on the stations of the cross, offering a universal narrative that transcends religious boundaries. **Critical Acclaim:** The San Francisco Chronicle’s Datebook praises "Via Dolorosa" for its narrative and spiritual depth, highlighting Morris' mastery of physical expression. The piece is noted for its powerful final moments, where grief and suffering transform into graceful, airy leaps. **Additional Information:** - **Intermission:** 20 minutes - **Total Event Length:** Approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes - **Tickets:** Not yet available **About the Mark Morris Dance Group:** Based in Brooklyn, New York, the Mark Morris Dance Group has been touring with its own musicians, the Music Ensemble, since 1996. The group is committed to community engagement and provides educational opportunities in dance and music to people of all ages and abilities. **Support the Arts:** Krannert Center extends deep gratitude to all Patron Sponsors and Corporate and Community Sponsors. To support the life-affirming experiences made possible by Krannert Center and the performing arts at Illinois, please consider making a gift at [KrannertCenter.com/Give](http://KrannertCenter.com/Give) or [faa.illinois.edu/giving](http://faa.illinois.edu/giving). **Contact Information:** For more details, visit the event page on the Krannert Center website or contact the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Join us for an evening of extraordinary dance and music that promises to be both inspiring and transformative.
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21 - 22 Feb, 2025
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

Urbana, IL · Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

7. School Performance: Hero: The Boy from Troy
### Event Description: School Performance - Hero: The Boy from Troy **Event Title:** Hero: The Boy from Troy **Date and Time:** Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM CT **Venue:** Tryon Festival Theatre, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign **Event Overview:** Join us for a captivating school-day performance of "Hero: The Boy from Troy," part of the Krannert Center Youth Series (KCYS). This musical production, written by Nambi E. Kelley and produced by First Woman, takes the audience on a journey through the life of Congressman John Lewis, a key figure in the Civil Rights movement. **Synopsis:** Jayden, a young student stuck in detention, discovers a book about Congressman John Lewis and embarks on a musical journey through history. The story highlights how the heroes of the Civil Rights movement inspired young John Lewis to fight against injustice and engage in "good trouble." From his early dreams of becoming a preacher to his encounters with Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., John Lewis's journey is both enlightening and inspiring. Through this narrative, Jayden learns the importance of taking a stand against injustice. **Creative Team:** - **Playwright:** Nambi E. Kelley - **Music and Lyrics:** Joe Plummer - **Commissioned by:** Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera's Gallery of Heroes Program - **Supported by:** Development Partner The Center at Governor State University in University Park, Illinois **Target Audience:** Recommended for students in grades 3-6, this performance aims to educate and inspire young minds about the significance of the Civil Rights movement and the power of standing up for what is right. **Additional Information:** - **Event Length:** Approximately 1 hour - **Intermission:** None **Support and Sponsorship:** Krannert Center extends its deep gratitude to all Patron Sponsors and Corporate and Community Sponsors. If you believe in the life-affirming experiences that Krannert Center and the performing arts at Illinois make possible, please consider making a gift at [KrannertCenter.com/Give](http://KrannertCenter.com/Give) or [faa.illinois.edu/giving](http://faa.illinois.edu/giving). **Tickets:** For ticket requests and more information, please visit the [Event Page](#). **Image:** ![Hero: The Boy from Troy](heroboyfromtroyarchiecarpenterphotography.jpg) Share this event with friends and family to spread the word about this enriching educational experience!
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Feb 26, 2025
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

Urbana, IL · Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

8. Terence Blanchard: Fire Shut Up in My Bones—Excerpts in Concert
### Event Description: Terence Blanchard: Fire Shut Up in My Bones Excerpts in Concert **Date and Time:** Thursday, February 27, 2025 - 7:30 PM CT **Venue:** Colwell Playhouse, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign **Event Overview:** Join us for an extraordinary evening featuring excerpts from Terence Blanchard's Grammy-winning masterpiece, "Fire Shut Up in My Bones." This concert presentation will showcase a hybrid classical/jazz/R&B/gospel-inflected score that narrates the compelling story of a young man's journey to overcome and transcend a life of trauma and hardship. The work is based on the widely acclaimed memoir by New York Times columnist Charles M. Blow. **Performers:** - **Terence Blanchard** and his E-Collective ensemble - **Turtle Island String Quartet** - Guest singers **Nicholas Newton** and **Adrienne Danrich** - Video projections by **Andrew F. Scott** **About Terence Blanchard:** A 2024 NEA Jazz Master and a member of the 2024 class of awardees for the esteemed American Academy of Arts and Letters, Terence Blanchard is one of jazz’s most esteemed trumpeters and a prolific composer for film, television, opera, Broadway, and orchestras. An eight-time Grammy winner and twice Oscar-nominated film composer, Blanchard has composed scores for over 60 film projects, including extensive work with Spike Lee, and has released some 20 solo albums. His second opera, "Fire Shut Up in My Bones," premiered at the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis in 2019 and received unparalleled success at the Metropolitan Opera in 2021, marking the first work by an African American composer in the institution’s 138-year history. **Content Advisory:** This performance addresses adult themes and contains adult language. **Tickets:** Tickets are not yet available. Please check the Krannert Center website for updates. **Support the Arts:** With deep gratitude, Krannert Center thanks all Patron Sponsors and Corporate and Community Sponsors. If you believe in the life-affirming experiences that Krannert Center and the performing arts at Illinois make possible, please consider making a gift at [KrannertCenter.com/Give](http://KrannertCenter.com/Give). **Contact Information:** For more details, visit the event page on the Krannert Center website. Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience a powerful musical statement that reflects the Black experience in America today. Mark your calendars and join us for an unforgettable evening of music and storytelling.
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Feb 27, 2025
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

Urbana, IL · Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

9. HERO: The Boy from Troy
### Event Description: HERO: The Boy from Troy **Event Title:** HERO: The Boy from Troy **Date and Time:** Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 11:00 AM CT **Venue:** Tryon Festival Theatre, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign **Event Overview:** Join us for a captivating new musical production, "HERO: The Boy from Troy," which tells the inspiring story of Congressman John Lewis. This engaging performance is designed to resonate with audiences of all ages, particularly recommended for those aged 8 and up. **Synopsis:** Jayden, a modern-day young person, finds himself in detention with a book about Congressman John Lewis. Initially skeptical about the relevance of history, Jayden embarks on a journey through the life of John Lewis. As a boy, John Lewis dreamed of being a preacher and practiced his sermons on a group of singing chickens. His journey takes a pivotal turn during a harrowing road trip through the South, where he witnesses the harsh realities of segregation and racism. Inspired by his encounters with Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., John Lewis rises to become a leader and an American hero. Through this story, Jayden learns the importance of taking a stand and the impact one individual can make. **Creative Team:** - **Playwright:** Nambi E. Kelley - **Music and Lyrics:** Joe Plummer - **Commissioned by:** Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera’s Gallery of Heroes Program - **Produced by:** First Woman LLC from New York - **Supported by:** The Center at Governor State University, Illinois **Additional Information:** - **Tickets:** Not yet available - **Intermission:** Information on intermission and total event length will be provided closer to the event date. **Support and Sponsorship:** Krannert Center extends deep gratitude to all Patron Sponsors and Corporate and Community Sponsors. If you believe in the life-affirming experiences that Krannert Center and the performing arts at Illinois make possible, please consider making a gift. Contributions can be made at [KrannertCenter.com/Give](http://KrannertCenter.com/Give) or [faa.illinois.edu/giving](http://faa.illinois.edu/giving). **Contact Information:** For more details, visit the event page on the Krannert Center website or contact the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. **Share This Event:** Help spread the word about this inspiring production by sharing it with friends and family. Don't miss this opportunity to experience a powerful story of courage, leadership, and the enduring impact of standing up for what is right. Mark your calendars for "HERO: The Boy from Troy" and be part of an unforgettable theatrical experience.
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Mar 1, 2025
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

Urbana, IL · Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

10. Carnaval
### Carnaval at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts **Date and Time:** Tuesday, March 4, 2025 - 6:00 PM CT **Location:** Lobby/Foellinger Great Hall, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign **Event Overview:** Join us for a vibrant celebration of Carnaval, marking the end of the holiday season before the introspection of Lent begins, culminating in Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday. This year, Lyric Theatre Illinois will host an unforgettable evening filled with music and dance from Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean. The event will feature a diverse array of performances, including opera, zarzuela, bossa nova, musical theatre, jazz, and more. **Event Schedule:** - **6:00 PM:** Festivities begin in the Lobby. Patrons are encouraged to bring Mardi Gras masks, dress up, and enjoy refreshments while partaking in various activities. - **7:30 PM:** The celebration moves to the Great Hall for a spectacular concert showcasing the rich cultural tapestry of Carnaval. **Highlights:** - **Music and Dance:** Experience a wide range of musical genres and dance styles from different parts of the world. - **Family-Friendly:** This lively event promises fun for the whole family. - **Festive Atmosphere:** Dress up in your best Mardi Gras attire and immerse yourself in the festive spirit. **Tickets:** Tickets are not yet available. Please check the event page for updates. **Additional Information:** - **Hosted by:** Lyric Theatre Illinois - **Event Length:** Approximately 2 hours Don't miss this dazzling celebration of culture and music at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. Mark your calendars and prepare for an evening of unforgettable performances and festive fun!
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Mar 4, 2025
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

Urbana, IL · Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

Conclusion
The Krannert Center for the Performing Arts stands as a testament to the vibrancy of cultural expression and the power of the arts to unite and inspire. Its diverse array of performances, from orchestral and theatrical brilliance to engaging student works and culturally rich celebrations, makes it a pivotal cultural institution in Illinois. Whether you're a music aficionado, a theatre enthusiast, or someone seeking a lively cultural experience, the Krannert Center offers events that are not only entertaining but also enriching, fostering an appreciation for the arts in all its forms.
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