Tonight, renowned filmmaker Akira Kurosawa joins us for a lecture: a look into his iconic filmography, brilliant mind, the thrilling world of movies, and “culture.” But… why can’t he stop talking about yogurt? In this whimsical world premiere, playwright Julia Izumi weaves through media and memory to examine cultural imperialism, “healthy” consumption, and why we make art. 

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Akira Kurosawa Explains His Movies and Yogurt (with live & active cultures!)

Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company

You already know presenter Ella Michiels from introductions at both AMUZ and the Queen Elisabeth Hall. During this exclusive meeting, you will get to know her and her work more closely. What does it entail to present classical concerts? How does one prepare? And what stories does she know after her many years with the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra?

Friends' activity: Behind the scenes with Ella Michiels

Antwerp Symphony Orchestra

Art? What is it good for?

Join the Quines for this one-off Quines Cast Live special as we come together to explore the role of art to the feminist movement and the role of the feminist movement in art! A night not to miss, with a riot of feminist voices bringing down the house.

Music, culture, discussion led by your favourite hosts Hannah Lavery and Caitlin Skinner. Bring your friends, and let’s gather together once more and stake our claim on the state of play.

Quines Cast Special

Traverse Theatre

Juilliard-trained concert pianist and Harvard-educated psychiatrist Dr. Richard Kogan returns to Jones Hall with a can’t-miss deep-dive into the mind and music of Frédéric Chopin. Dr. Kogan will use his background in psychiatry and music to offer unique insights into both the mind and works of one of classical music’s most celebrated pianists and composers. This special event precedes the May 24 performance of Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1 featuring International Chopin Piano Competition winner Bruce Liu.

The Mind and Music Of Chopin

Jones Hall

Legendary filmmaker, actor and comedian Albert Brooks will take the stage for a great night of conversation and laughs at the Lobero Theatre on May 29th.

Comedian Kevin Pollak will be the guest host on this very special evening.

An Evening with Albert Brooks

Lobero Theatre

Hosted by YSO Principal Hornist and Central Washington University School of Music professor Dr. Jeffrey Snedeker, ConcerTalks delve into the music performed on that evening’s performance. With your charming and witty host, ConcerTalks explore the composers of the works on the concert and their milieu as well as an in-depth look at each composition on the program. Never “stuffy” or “formal,” yet at the same time chock-full of interesting (and entertaining) information, ConcerTalks truly bring the music to life and make YSO concerts that much more enjoyable – an informed listener makes the entire concert experience much more rewarding! ConcerTalks are free. 

ConcerTalk – Mahler's First Symphony

Capitol Theatre

Craig Revel Horwood is a national treasure. The longest-serving judge on BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing is the master of the Glitter Ball.

Craig Revel Horwood

The Anvil

Plus, join us for a private reception with meet and greet after the concert with guest artist Inon Barnatan.

Breman Museum Night

The Woodruff Arts Center

Lingua toscana in bocca romana - Handel’s (not only musical) experiences in Italy

Händel-Haus

Join the Australian Haydn Ensemble (AHE) for the third instalment of our exciting new series of interactive lecture-recitals, 18th Century Unpacked — designed to deepen your connection with our mainstage touring programs.

During Mozart In Salzburg, we journey to 18th-century Salzburg to explore the formative years of one of history’s greatest musical minds. Discover the influences that shaped the young prodigy — from his travels through Europe with his family, to the music of composers he encountered along the way, and the cultural life of his native city. This fascinating program offers a glimpse into the genius already evident in Mozart’s earliest works.

18th Century Unpacked - Mozart In Salzburg

State Library of New South Wales

The 2025 International Academic rence takes a closer look at the Italian texts Handel set to music and his contacts with Italian literature and librettists, and attempts comparisons with other 18th-century composers. In a round table chaired by Prof. em. Reinhard Strohm (Oxford), questions concerning the critical edition, translation and digitisation of Handel’s Italian texts will be investigated and discussed. The event will start with the awarding of the 2025 International Handel Research Prize.

Handel’s Italian Texts and His Librettists

Join us for a cherished SMF tradition—a captivating lecture by former SMF Music Director Robert Levin! Renowned for his incredible expertise and engaging style, Levin shares insights on topics like performance practice, improvisation, music history, and music theory, inspiring both Fellows and audiences alike. Stay tuned for the announcement of the 2025 lecture topic—it’s sure to be a highlight of the season!

Levin Lecture

Sarasota Orchestra

Join the ISO for Into the Music, a free series featuring a lively discussion followed by a performance—with full orchestra—of the highlighted classical work. Maestro Jun Märkl will co-host an on-stage discussion joined by Ryan Ahlwardt, who serves as co-host of Indy Now on FOX59.

Into the Music: Berlioz

Hilbert Circle Theatre

Colin, who worked as head of a Metropolitan Police murder squad, tells the stories of how he caught some of the UK’s most evil murderers, from serial Killer Levi Bellfield to ‘Night Stalker’ Delroy Grant.

The inspiration for the ITV drama series Manhunt, Colin will talk you through his remarkable career and what it is like to chase and catch a serial killer in this unique one off night at the theatre.

The Makings of a Murderer: The Real Manhunter

Chelmsford Theatre

Join composer/librettist Derek Bermel and author/librettist Sandra Cisneros for an insightful conversation about creating The House on Mango Street. Discover how this poignant story of identity, belonging, and resilience was transformed for the stage. Bermel and Cisneros will share their creative journey, explore the opera’s themes, and discuss the collaborative process that brought this groundbreaking work to life. Enhance your experience with this behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of a modern masterpiece.

2025 Pipeline Talk

Alice Busch Opera Theater

Cromarty, Forth, Tyne ... The Proms celebrates the centenary of the Shipping Forecast, heard daily on BBC Radio 4, a lifeline to all those at sea and a poetic salve for countless others on land.

BBC Proms: 100 Years of the Shipping Forecast

Ulster Hall Belfast

Join the Australian Haydn Ensemble (AHE) for the fourth instalment of our dynamic new series of interactive lecture-recitals, 18th Century Unpacked — designed to deepen your connection with our mainstage touring programs.

In Haydn in London, we delve into one of the most remarkable chapters of the composer’s life — his celebrated visits to London in the 1790s. These were years of artistic triumph, creative freedom, and international fame. Haydn’s music dazzled audiences and shaped the future of the symphony.

18th Century Unpacked Haydn In London with Andrew Ford

Emma Kenny returns with an enthralling new show that plunges into the depths of love twisted into terror. After her triumphant 'The Serial Killer Next Door' tour, Emma captivates yet again, solidifying her status as one of the UK's foremost crime presenters. This time, she invites you to delve into the dark world of "Killer Couples."

Emma Kenny’s Killer Couples 2025 Tour

The Cresset

Come to a free pre-concert talk with Maestro Daniel Hege!

Maestro Visit

Broome County Arts Council

Riverside Towers

Good Shepherd Village

Dr. Julia Grella O'Connell, the Philharmonic's Director of Education and Community Engagement, gives a free talk about the music on tonight's program.

Akira Kurosawa Explains H...

Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company

Friends' activity: Behind...

Antwerp Symphony Orchestra

Quines Cast Special

Traverse Theatre

The Mind and Music Of Cho...

Houston Symphony

An Evening with Albert Br...

Lobero Theatre

ConcerTalk – Mahler's Fir...

Yakima Symphony Orchestra

Craig Revel Horwood

Anvil Arts

Breman Museum Night

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

Lingua toscana in bocca r...

Händel-Festspiele Halle

18th Century Unpacked - M...

Australian Haydn Ensemble

Handel’s Italian Texts an...

Händel-Festspiele Halle

Levin Lecture

Sarasota Orchestra

Into the Music: Berlioz

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra

The Makings of a Murderer...

Chelmsford Theatre

2025 Pipeline Talk

Glimmerglass Festival

BBC Proms: 100 Years of t...

Ulster Orchestra

18th Century Unpacked Hay...

Australian Haydn Ensemble

Emma Kenny’s Killer Coupl...

The Cresset

Maestro Visit

Binghamton Philharmonic

Pre-Concert Chat

Binghamton Philharmonic