The Ethiopian Student Association at the University of Minnesota is proud to present its 29th annual cultural showcase, Bound by Land. This special event invites community members to celebrate and explore the rich cultural heritage of Ethiopia.

Bound by Land: 29th Annual Cultural Show

Northrop

Northrop Organist Greg Zelek teams up with the University Singers, led by University of Minnesota professor and director of choral activities Matthew Mehaffey, for a can’t-miss concert blending choral and organ works. This lively program will feature a mix of selections written for choir and organ, including an arrangement of Louis Vierne’s “Kyrie” from “Messe Solennelle, Op. 16,” alongside inventive arrangements of pop hits  — such as Harold Arlen’s “Over the Rainbow” and Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” — highlighting the extraordinary range of both the singers and the magnificent Northrop organ. Join us to close out the 2025-26 Northrop Music Series with an electrifying program that showcases this powerful combination!

An Evening of Organ & Choir: Featuring University Singers and Northrop Organist Greg Zelek

Celebrate the legacy, impact and evolution of artistic icon Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Join us in the Best Buy Theater ahead of Sunday’s performance for an inspiring moderated conversation with a member of the company’s leadership. Get a deeper look into the legendary history and programmatic continuation of Ailey's groundbreaking mission — to uplift, enlighten and unite through the African American cultural experience and the transformative power of modern dance — while forging fresh creative paths for the future.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Performance Preview

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to Northrop with more dance The New York Times calls “transfixing, pulsating and galvanizing.” Embarking on its next era under the leadership of new Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack, the company remains guided as ever by Alvin Ailey’s pioneering legacy — continuing to push the bounds of what the human body can do and what the human spirit can achieve. Audiences will be treated to different programming each night, including some classic favorites alongside several new works by contemporary choreographers that promise to propel dance in exciting new directions. Both programs culminate with Ailey’s ultimate anthem to resilience and joy, “Revelations.”

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

This 90-minute class is intended for intermediate/advanced dancers and will focus on Horton technique, the foundation of many of Alvin Ailey’s works, including “Revelations.” This class, available to participants thanks to a partnership between Northrop and TU Dance, will be led by Alvin Ailey company dancer Yannick Lebrun and will begin with warm-up exercises, followed by combinations at the center and across the floor that integrate Horton studies, such as lateral stretches, stags and more.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Community Class

TU Dance Center

The Belgian formalist Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker — one of the world's most celebrated choreographers — ignites the Walker stage with her ecstatic collaboration featuring rising Moroccan-Belgian star Radouan Mriziga. Together they breathe new life into one of classical music’s most iconic works, Antonio Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons.” While Mriziga and De Keersmaeker draw from very different movement vocabularies, the two artists share a keen interest in geometry, nature and humankind’s increasingly troubled relationship with the natural world.

EPSG:4326

“Il Cimento dell’Armonia e dell’Inventione”

Walker Art Center

The Somali Student Association (SSA) proudly presents Somali Night 2026: Echoes From the Past (“Dhawaaqii Wagii Hore”) celebrating 28 years of community, culture and excellence at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. As the grand finale of our annual Somali Culture Week, this highly anticipated event brings together students, families and the broader Twin Cities community to experience the richness and vibrancy of Somali heritage.

Somali Night 2026: Echoes From the Past

For the final work in a three-year artistic partnership with Northrop and the Walker Art Center, award-winning choreographer Shamel Pitts and multidisciplinary arts collective TRIBE present the world premiere of the Walker and Northrop Centennial Commission Marks of RED. A work of magical realism narrated by and featuring the viewpoints of six women, Marks of RED continues Pitts’ research exploring Black embodiment, aliveness and human connection.

Shamel Pitts | TRIBE Marks of RED

In an era driven by data, what kinds of information counts, and who decides? While we often think of data as numbers, spreadsheets or digital records, many communities have long relied on oral history, memory and story as essential forms of knowledge. This event centers lineage as data — the ancestral, cultural and place-based transmissions that shape who we are, where we are from and how we belong. What happens when that thread of lineage is broken by displacement, forced migration, incarceration or structural erasure? And how are people and communities reclaiming connection after these lines have been broken?

What Happened to the Family Tree?

The University of Minnesota (UMN) Dance Program and Northrop welcome their communities from across Minnesota, as well as college and university dance programs throughout the region, to Minnesota Moves, a showcase of dance artists who make their artistic home in the Twin Cities. The performance samples the breadth and depth of concert dance created in Minnesota, from contemporary to Krump, pulsing with currents of community and social justice.

Minnesota Moves: American College Dance Association Welcome Performance

Catch up on and celebrate 70 years of The Joffrey Ballet’s artistic excellence. In an engaging moderated conversation, Artistic Director Ashley Wheater discusses the history and forward-thinking programming of the Joffrey, including the performance of American Icons at Northrop. Discover how this globally premier dance company has redefined ballet for the 21st century — honoring its revolutionary roots while pushing artistic boundaries with new works and dynamic storytelling.

The Joffrey Ballet: American Icons Performance Preview With Artistic Director Ashley Wheater

In honor of their 70th anniversary, the beloved Joffrey Ballet revisits Northrop with American Icons, a tribute to four dance legends. Featuring iconic works that have shaped the history of American dance, the soaring program is brought to life with live orchestra, including a stirring piece played by Northrop Organist Greg Zelek that highlights our glorious Aeolian-Skinner Op. 892. Witness the daring and enduring spirit that defines the Joffrey's maverick legacy. American Icons celebrates dynamic works by four trailblazing 20th-century artists: Joffrey co-founders Gerald Arpino and Robert Joffrey, prolific dance pioneer Martha Graham and Joffrey alum Glen Tetley.

The Joffrey Ballet:  American Icons

Experience Encore Delights: Dinner, Dance, Dessert!

Encore Gala With The Joffrey Ballet

Join The Joffrey Ballet Rehearsal Director Adam Blyde for a 90-minute class that will focus on advanced concepts and exercises to further develop coordination, technicality, musicality and agility. This class, intended for advanced dancers who are secure with the terminology of a ballet class, is available to participants thanks to a partnership between Northrop and Minnesota Dance Theatre (MDT).

Advanced Ballet Class With The Joffrey Ballet

Minnesota Dance Theatre

Jazba’s 12th season hails teams from around the nation to compete for qualifying points towards Legends, the Desi Dance Network’s Official Bollywood-Fusion Dance Championship. In addition to providing a grand spectacle of culture and entertainment, Jazba is proud to continue a 12-year-long partnership with Women In Need (WIN) — their organizational nonprofit partner in Nagpur, India who works toward empowering and rehabilitating women in India suffering from conditions such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, leprosy, sexual assault, mental illness, neglect and more.

Jazba 2026

Lift your voice and sing for justice as VocalEssence presents songs of resilience and resistance that inspire all to continue the march towards freedom and racial reconciliation. Hear the rhythmic cry for freedom found in "The Justice Symphony" by Damien Geter, echoing anthems from the Civil Rights Movement and accompanied by a live symphony orchestra. Experience the poignant and beautiful sounds of the Negro spiritual in the world-premiere performance of two newly commissioned works by the multi-talented composer B.E. Boykin. Embrace the unifying spirit of community!

WITNESS: Symphony of Spirituals

Minneapolis-based, nationally touring artist Joe Davis and The Poetic Diaspora, an ensemble of Twin Cities powerhouse vocalists and multi-instrumentalists, unite for an energizing album celebration concert that explores Black Diasporic music and poetry. Influenced by icons like Gil Scott-Heron, Langston Hughes, Nina Simone and Sun Ra, the eclectic collective delivers Diaspora: On the Rise — a genre-defying fusion of funky gospel, soulful harmonies and raw poetic lyricism, grooving to the themes of Black joy, Black love and Black liberation.

Diaspora: On the Rise

To “keep your eyes on the prize” means to determine what is important and to muster up the courage to take action towards making the vision a reality. VocalEssence WITNESS: Eyes Still On the Prize II introduces us to three Minnesota women—Dr. Reatha Clark King, Dr. Josie Robinson Johnson, and Rose McGee—who continue to make a positive impact on our society as they speak out about and stand up for change. As you learn more about them and their life’s work, we hope each of you is inspired to consider: What is the prize that your eyes are on? What issues or causes are you willing to work and stand up for to make our society a better place?

Student Matinee:  WITNESS:  Eyes Still on the Prize II

Oromo Night celebrates the rich heritage of the Oromo people with this annual cultural showcase. Hosted by the University of Minnesota Twin Cities Oromo Student Union, the event features traditional and modern Oromo dances, music, fashion and performances that celebrate Oromo history, identity and community. Oromo Night brings together students, families and community members for an engaging and educational evening honoring Oromo culture. Food served beginning at 4:30 p.m.

Oromo Night

Marking the 100th anniversary of Martha Graham Dance Company in 2026, the legendary modern dance company continues its three-year Graham100 tour with a celebratory mixed repertory stop at Northrop. Exemplifying its founder’s timeless and uniquely American style of dance, this once-in-a-lifetime performance honors the theme “American Legacies.”

Martha Graham Dance Company

Leap into the legacy of Martha Graham Dance Company’s (MGDC) 100th anniversary. In this moderated conversation before MGDC’s performance, Artistic Director Janet Eilber shares behind-the-scenes insight into America’s oldest and most iconic modern dance institution. Explore the company’s groundbreaking history, bold new programming and how Graham’s visionary spirit continues to shape contemporary dance today.

Martha Graham Dance Company Performance Preview With Artistic Director Janet Eilber

Marking the 100th anniversary of the Martha Graham Dance Company, the legendary modern dance company presents a program curated especially for middle and high school students. During this hour-long matinee, students will learn about the art of modern dance and the work of Martha Graham, and consider American history from many perspectives, including their own. The matinee will include excerpts from the Graham Americana classic Appalachian Spring, with music by Aaron Copland, as well as the “protest set to banjo” piece (The New York Times) We the People by Jamar Roberts with music by Rhiannon Giddens.

Student Matinee: Martha Graham Dance Company 

Join Ben Schultz of Martha Graham Dance Company for a Graham Technique Class at Zenon Dance — made possible by a partnership between Northrop and Zenon Dance. This 90-minute workshop for intermediate/advanced dancers offers an insider look at the famed physical vocabulary created by Martha Graham. This technique class is designed to give students insight into Graham’s innovations and her concept of “contraction and release,” the foundations of this unique form of physical expression. Previous study of the Graham Technique is not required.

Graham Technique Class

The Cowles Center for Dance & the Performing Arts

Step behind the curtain into the rich history and dazzling artistry of Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo (the “Trocks”) by tuning in to a moderated conversation with Artistic Director Tory Dobrin. Discover how this trailblazing company has redefined classical ballet with wit, skill and fearless creativity, captivating audiences of all demographics worldwide through their tactful blend of tradition and parody.

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo Performance Preview With Artistic Director Tory Dobrin

Following the Sounds of the Season: Relaxed Matinee With Organist Greg Zelek, embark on a tour of the Northrop organ! Guided by Northrop Organ Advisory Board members, attendees will get a behind the scenes look at our Aeolian-Skinner organ, complete with a visit to the nearly 7,000 pipes in the organ loft high above the Carlson Family Stage—behind the proscenium arch medallion screens—and a close-up view of the console.

Northrop Public Organ Tour: Sounds of the Season

Celebrate the shared passion and cultural investment that bring world-class performances to the Northrop stage at the Encore Gala — our annual fundraiser! This choreographed culinary experience surrounds and enhances your Complexions Contemporary Ballet performance with a jazzy and fun pre-show party with artistic leaders from the company and a post-show dessert plus celebratory toast with company artists. The Encore Gala provides an exclusive chance to gain insights into the performance, meet the dancers for a direct-from-the-stage perspective and sway to the rhythm of the night while indulging in delectable bites.

Encore Gala With Complexions Contemporary Ballet

Esteemed for passionate expression and thrilling athleticism, Northrop-favorite Paul Taylor Dance Company returns to set the stage ablaze with highly charged, energetic modern dance — accompanied by a live orchestra. The dynamic ensemble, “one of the most exciting, innovative and delightful dance companies in the entire world” (The New York Times) continues to pulse with the powerhouse imagination of its namesake under the “Taylor-made” appointment of Artistic Director Michael Novak.

Paul Taylor Dance Company

The heart of a 2026-27 Northrop Season pulsing with radical joy, energy, healing and connection, Emily Johnson / Catalyst's newest project, Overflow Radio, introduces an entirely new creative experience to Northrop. The creation of Catalyst director and choreographer Emily Johnson, Overflow Radio is a performance gathering — an immersive and transformative communal experience rooted in Johnson’s decades-long practice of gathering people together with good intention, plenty of time and deep support.

Emily Johnson / Catalyst: Overflow Radio

Put on your favorite costume and invite a friend to join us for an evening of mischievous fun as we welcome famed trumpet soloist Caleb Hudson in his Northrop debut. Hudson and Northrop Organist Greg Zelek pair up for a spooky season-inspired concert.

Haunted Harmonies

Take your students on more than just a field trip — give them a chance to experience the energy, spirit and community of the bustling University of Minnesota campus! A student favorite, this rousing and joyful indoor concert offers interactive engagement with the University of Minnesota Marching Band, one of the oldest and most celebrated collegiate bands in America.

Student Matinee: Marching Band Indoor Concert

Gather the whole family for a beloved campus tradition thundering with high-octane Gopher spirit! The University of Minnesota (UMN) Marching Band returns in full force for their 65th annual indoor concert, unleashing rousing stadium energy onto the Northrop stage with fall 2026 halftime favorites and, of course, a special appearance by Goldy Gopher.

65th Annual Marching Band Indoor Concert

Embark upon an “arresting … sparse, beautiful” (NPR Classical) sensory journey through form and identity in this Liquid Music | Northrop Series performance. Composer inti figgis-vizueta presents her 2026 debut record “Music for Transitions” with an evening communing the virtuosity of Grammy Award-winning cellist Andrew Yee; the hypnotic luminosity of Germany-based Rothko String Quartet (RSQ) in their Minnesota debut; and the radiant mastery of organist Aaron David Miller on the historic Northrop pipe organ.

inti figgis-vizueta: Music for Transitions

Feel the gravitational pull of Limón Dance Company’s passionate modern dance radiating with the triumph of the human spirit. Highly acclaimed for dramatic expression, technical mastery and expansive yet nuanced movement, the 80-year-old company continues to captivate audiences worldwide with the refined strength and visceral storytelling of founder José Limón.

Limón Dance Company

Step right up and see the greatest film concert on Earth! The king of silent comedy Charlie Chaplin meets the king of instruments, the Northrop pipe organ, for a big-top event that is anything but quiet. Renowned organist Aaron David Miller will accompany Chaplin’s iconic silent movie “The Circus” (1928), improvising the music live just as was done in early 20th-century theaters. A Q&A with Miller will immediately follow the show.

“The Circus”: Silent Film Featuring Live Organ by Aaron David Miller

Without further ado, the highly anticipated return of the “Trocks” is on! “The World’s Foremost Gender-Skewering Comic Ballet Company” — famed for performing polished parodies of classical ballet “en pointe” and “en travesti” — continues its quest for global adoration after more than 50 fantastic years of artistic hilarity. Dance aficionados, drag lovers and novices to both art forms alike will revel in the technical skill and uproarious antics of the Trocks, as they are affectionately known. A Northrop audience-favorite returning for the first time since 2000, the Trocks promise “the funniest night you’ll ever have at the ballet” (The Guardian), amazing viewers worldwide with their virtuosity and utter cleverness.

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo

¡Viva México! Take a spellbinding journey through the effervescent soul of Mexico, brought to life onstage with breathtaking dance, vibrant live mariachi music and dazzling traditional costumes by Ballet Folklórico de México. Celebrating 75 years since its founding by the legendary Amalia Hernández, this internationally acclaimed ensemble of 60 world-class dancers and musicians has mesmerized over 45 million spectators with more than 120 original ballets.

Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández

¡Viva México! Take your class on a spellbinding journey through the effervescent soul of Mexico, brought to life on stage in a student-centered performance by Ballet Folklórico de México.

Student Matinee: Ballet Folklórico de México

This extraordinary experience melds film and live music for an immersive, wordless portrait of the relationship between nature, humanity and technology. In a special 40th-anniversary return engagement of this mesmerizing event, The Philip Glass Ensemble (PGE) performs the groundbreaking Philip Glass soundtrack live while the pioneering 1982 film “Koyaanisqatsi” unfurls on the screen. Without dialogue or narration, “Koyaanisqatsi” relies entirely on powerful imagery and the hypnotic, propulsive score to convey its vision. Through time-lapse photography, slow motion and juxtaposed imagery, the film captures the beauty and turbulence of the modern world, moving from vast landscapes to the frenetic pace of urban life.

“Koyaanisqatsi” With The Philip Glass Ensemble

What does diverse, inclusive ballet look like for a new generation? Complexions Contemporary Ballet will show your students in this engaging, fun performance. With three decades of game-changing creativity that shatters historical barriers, Complexions demonstrates that no matter your background or body type, there is a place for you to shine in the spotlight!

Student Matinee: Complexions Contemporary Ballet

A globally celebrated leader in diverse and inclusive dance, Complexions Contemporary Ballet brings three decades of “gamechanging” artistry to its Northrop debut — “forging a path for what ballet can be” beyond historical barriers (The Guardian).

Complexions Contemporary Ballet

Perfume Genius (Mike Hadreas) and choreographer Kate Wallich return to Minneapolis with an uncompromising new collaboration that reshapes the possibilities of role-playing in music and dance, blurring and expanding the boundaries between the two. Combining Perfume Genius’ experimental pop with Wallich’s sharp choreographic lens, “The Lesson” is a raw, visceral performance work inspired by the notorious novel by Austrian Elfriede Jelinek, “The Piano Teacher.” The piece, a Northrop Centennial Commission,  was developed in part during a creative residency at Northrop in May 2024 and weaves together new and existing music by Perfume Genius, with forthcoming releases arriving via Matador Records ahead of the presentation.

Kate Wallich & Perfume Genius: “The Lesson”

Globally renowned for his purity of tone and deft interpretation of baroque, classical and modern repertoire, Grammy-nominated countertenor Reginald Mobley makes his Northrop debut for a restorative evening of jubilant music. Mobley joins Northrop Organist Greg Zelek to skillfully explore the limitless possibilities of pairing pipe organ and voice.

Northrop

Sep 26, 2026

Paul Taylor Dance Company

9 - 12 Oct, 2026

Emily Johnson / Catalyst: Overflow Radio

Oct 27, 2026

Haunted Harmonies

Nov 13, 2026

Student Matinee: Marching Band Indoor Concert

14 - 15 Nov, 2026

65th Annual Marching Band Indoor Concert

May 29, 2026

Bound by Land: 29th Annual Cultural Show

Apr 29 - May 3, 2026

An Evening of Organ & Choir: Featuring University Singers and Northrop Organist Greg Zelek

Northrop