Artelize - Soka Performing Arts Center: A Year of Musical Mastery and Cultural Harmony
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Soka Performing Arts Center: A Year of Musical Mastery and Cultural Harmony

Soka University of America's Performing Arts Center is set to host a remarkable series of concerts, featuring a blend of classical and modern music. From the grandeur of Brahms to the soulful rhythms of jazz and the vibrant beats of world percussion, this lineup promises an unforgettable musical experience. With renowned artists like Shunta Morimoto, Kurt Elling, and Zakir Hussain taking the stage, each event is a celebration of diverse musical traditions, artistic brilliance, and cultural exchange.

Jan 2, 2025
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1. Brahms And Bennett With Shunta Morimoto, Scott Dunn And The Four Seasons Orchestra
“Music has always been my first, and strongest, language to communicate with people from different countries and backgrounds.” - Shunta Morimoto
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Jan 25, 2025
Soka University of America - Performing Arts Center

Aliso Viejo, CA · Soka Performing Arts Center

2. Kurt Elling Celebrates Weather Report With Special Guest, Peter Erskine & The Yellowjackets
L.A.’s own Yellowjackets, boasting four decades of musical excellence, will headline and open this double-billing featuring two debuts!. Kurt Elling “The standout male vocalist of our time” (-The New York Times), reimagines Weather Report tunes with original band member Peter Erskine. Highlighting compositions by Wayne Shorter, Weather Report stands as the quintessential modern jazz group of the 1970s and 1980s.
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Feb 14, 2025
Soka University of America - Performing Arts Center

Aliso Viejo, CA · Soka Performing Arts Center

3. Blind Boys Of Alabama & Shemekia Copeland
“Credited with soundtracking the American Civil Rights movement … they’re showing no signs of stopping. The Blind Boys of Alabama are here to stay” - CNN
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Feb 22, 2025
Soka University of America - Performing Arts Center

Aliso Viejo, CA · Soka Performing Arts Center

4. Nikolai Lugansky
“The pianist of the overwhelming sensitivity, who puts forward not himself, but the music…” - The Daily Telegraph (UK)
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Feb 23, 2025
Soka University of America - Performing Arts Center

Aliso Viejo, CA · Soka Performing Arts Center

5. Cancelled: Zakir Hussain's Masters Of Percussion
Due to the passing of Zakir Hussain, his scheduled performance at Soka Performing Arts Center has been canceled. The undisputed tabla star of his generation, Zakir Hussain possesses a “virtuosity that is barely to be believed” (The Washington Post). For his legion of Cal Performances fans, Hussain returns with his dazzling Masters of Percussion program, a gathering of fellow musical heavyweights representing a myriad of cultures and traditions, from Indian classical music to jazz. The spirit of collaboration and exchange runs in Hussain’s veins—he began touring more than two decades ago in a duo with his late father and mentor, the legendary Ustad Allarakha, and today keeps that artist’s memory alive through these spirited concerts featuring the world’s finest percussionists. This year’s Masters of Percussion group features Hussain joined by Indian sarangi player (and son of legendary sarangi player Ustad Sultan Khan) Sabir Khan; Colombian-born jazz master Tupac Mantilla; balafon, barra, djembe, and conga player Melissa Hié, and master of the dholak and tabla student of Hussain’s father Ustad Allarakha, Navin Sharma.
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Mar 22, 2025
Soka University of America - Performing Arts Center

Aliso Viejo, CA · Soka Performing Arts Center

6. Pacific Symphony Plays Mozart & Bruch With Amaryn Olmeda, Violin
Pacific Symphony, under the direction of conductor Dr. Jacob Sustaita, continues to enchant audiences with its dynamic performances and innovative programming. Celebrating its 45th anniversary, the Symphony has established itself as the largest orchestra formed in the U.S. in the last 50 years, gaining recognition on both national and international stages. Soka Performing Arts Center is proud to be the home of the Pacific Symphony Chamber Orchestra.
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Mar 23, 2025
Soka University of America - Performing Arts Center

Aliso Viejo, CA · Soka Performing Arts Center

7. Leif Ove Andsnes
Leif Ove Andsnes is a pianist whose artistry has been recognized with eleven GRAMMY® nominations and seven Gramophone Awards, cementing his status as a leading figure in classical music. His performances are celebrated for their elegance, power, and profound insight, making each concert a must-see event for any music enthusiast.
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Mar 30, 2025
Soka University of America - Performing Arts Center

Aliso Viejo, CA · Soka Performing Arts Center

8. Gil Shaham, Violin And Orli Shaham, Piano
Gil Shaham and Orli Shaham, two musical virtuosos in their own right, are joining forces for an extraordinary recital. GRAMMY® Award-winning violinist Gil Shaham, celebrated for his flawless technique and unmatched warmth, and acclaimed pianist Orli Shaham, recognized for her grace and brilliance, are set to deliver a performance that promises to captivate and inspire.
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Apr 5, 2025
Soka University of America - Performing Arts Center

Aliso Viejo, CA · Soka Performing Arts Center

9. Randall Goosby
At age 13, violinist Randall Goosby performed with the New York Philharmonic in a Young People’s Concert earning him a rave review from The New York Times, “…his performance won him a deserved standing ovation for its sheer virtuosity.” The San Diego native returns to take audiences on a musical journey.
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Apr 6, 2025
Soka University of America - Performing Arts Center

Aliso Viejo, CA · Soka Performing Arts Center

10. Terence Blanchard Featuring The E-Collective And The Turtle Island Quartet
NEA Jazz Master, two-time Emmy and Oscar nominee, and eight-time GRAMMY®-winning trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard has established himself as the quintessential 21st-century Renaissance man. In celebration of his artistic achievements, Blanchard will reimagine the music from his critically acclaimed album FLOW for a 20th-anniversary tour in 2025.
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Apr 12, 2025
Soka University of America - Performing Arts Center

Aliso Viejo, CA · Soka Performing Arts Center

Conclusion
The Soka Performing Arts Center's upcoming musical series is more than just a collection of concerts; it is a celebration of cultural diversity, artistic excellence, and the universal power of music. Each event is carefully curated to not only entertain but also to inspire and connect people from different walks of life. As audiences gather to enjoy these performances, they will be reminded of music's unique ability to transcend boundaries and bring people together. Whether you're a fan of classical symphonies, soulful jazz, or global rhythms, this series promises a rich tapestry of sounds and experiences.
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