Prepare for a captivating series of musical performances as Newark and Princeton host an array of events celebrating the timeless genius of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. From the New Jersey Symphony's enchanting rendition of Scheherazade to the intimate Isidore String Quartet debut at Princeton University, and the anticipated return of the Mahler Chamber Orchestra with Mitsuko Uchida, there's something for every classical music aficionado. Highlights also include an all-Mozart showcase by Orli Shaham and a special evening with violinist Julia Fischer and pianist Jan Lisiecki.

Musical Masterpieces: Mozart's Legacy in Newark and Princeton

Princeton and Newark are set to host a series of remarkable concerts featuring the timeless works of Johann Sebastian Bach. Join Igor Levit, The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Raphaël Feuillâtre, Thomas Dunford, and the New Jersey Symphony for unforgettable musical experiences that span from piano to lute, and orchestral masterpieces.

Extraordinary Bach Performances Across Princeton and Newark

Join us in Princeton for a series of mesmerizing classical music performances. From Benjamin Grosvenor's remarkable piano recital to Janine Jansen's anticipated debut, and the captivating voices of Christian Gerhaher and Julia Fischer, these events highlight the timeless works of Robert Schumann and other classical greats.

Classical Music Highlights in Princeton: Celebrating Schumann

This season, Princeton is the place to be for classical music enthusiasts. Dive into Ludwig van Beethoven's masterpieces with the Princeton Symphony Orchestra's performances of the Triple Concerto and Sixth Symphony, the Takács String Quartet's rendition of Beethoven's String Quartet No. 1, and an enchanting evening with Julia Fischer and Jan Lisiecki performing Beethoven's Violin Sonata No. 5.

Celebrate Beethoven with the Princeton Symphony Orchestra and More

Embark on a cultural journey with McCarter Theatre Center's exceptional lineup of events. From the timeless charm of 'A Christmas Carol' to the groundbreaking performances of 'Noli Timere,' these events promise to entertain and inspire. Featuring electrifying jazz from Sun Ra Arkestra and Chief Adjuah, the musical genius of Bach's Brandenburg Concertos, and the powerful vocals of Mandy Patinkin, there is something for every art lover. Join us as we explore the transformative power of art and celebrate the diverse creativity of these unforgettable performances.

A Symphony of Culture: McCarter Theatre Center's Unforgettable Events

The McCarter Theatre Center is set to host an incredible lineup of events in early 2025, showcasing a diverse array of talents from the world of music, dance, and theater. From revolutionary jazz performances and Broadway legends to classical concerts and thought-provoking plays, this season promises to deliver unforgettable experiences. Notable highlights include Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah's genre-defying jazz, Mandy Patinkin's captivating concert, the Czech National Symphony Orchestra's masterful renditions, and the Bereishit Dance Company's innovative choreography. Join us as we delve into these artistic showcases, celebrating creativity and cultural richness.

Unveiling Artistic Diversity at McCarter Theatre Center: A Celebration of Music, Dance, and Drama

This spring, the McCarter Theatre Center in Princeton, NJ, offers an impressive lineup of events that promises to captivate a diverse audience. From the soulful rock of Dawes to the innovative choreography of Twyla Tharp, the rhythmic wonders of Zakir Hussain, the profound insights of Yo-Yo Ma, the theatrical brilliance of Primary Trust, and the creative explorations of Pilobolus, each event invites attendees to experience the profound impact of artistic expression. Join us for an unforgettable journey through the realms of music, dance, and theater.

Exploring Artistry: A Captivating Lineup at McCarter Theatre Center

The McCarter Gala is our theatre’s most significant and highly anticipated annual fundraising event. At the 2025 event, Gala supporters raised almost half a million dollars for McCarter, including  Stage Door Access —providing unparalleled opportunities for students and neighbors to access and experience McCarter’s premier arts and education programs.

EPSG:4326

McCarter Gala

Lewis Arts Complex

Brandee Younger is revolutionizing the harps’ role in modern music. Over the past fifteen years, she has worked relentlessly to stretch boundaries and limitations for harpists.  In 2022, she made history by becoming the first Black woman to be nominated for a GRAMMY Award for Best Instrumental Composition. That same year, she was also nominated for an NAACP Image Award and later, the winner of the 2024 NAACP Image Award in the category of Outstanding Jazz Album for her latest album Brand New Life.  Ever-expanding as an artist, she has worked with cultural icons including Common, Lauryn Hill, John Legend, Pharoah Sanders and Christian McBride.

The Brandee Younger Trio

McCarter Theatre Center

Hamilton de Holanda is one of Brazil’s most celebrated musicians, a global ambassador for Brazilian music, and a master of improvisation. Picking up the mandolin at the age of five, he revolutionized the 10-string version of the instrument, blending Brazilian traditions like choro with jazz and other global influences.

Hamilton de Holanda Trio

Christian McBride is an eleven-time GRAMMY-winning bassist, composer, and bandleader. He is the Artistic Director of the historic Newport Jazz Festival, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), the TD James Moody Jazz Festival, and the National Jazz Museum in Harlem. McBride is also a respected educator and advocate for youth, and serves as Artistic Director of Jazz House KiDS and the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Summer Sessions. In addition to artistic directing and consistent touring with his ensembles, he hosts NPR’s “Jazz Night in America” and "The Lowdown: Conversations With Christian" on SiriusXM. Whether behind the bass or away from it, Christian McBride is always part of the music. From jazz to R&B, and pop/rock and hip-hop/neo-soul to classical, he is a luminary with one hand ever reaching for new heights, and the other extended in fellowship—and perhaps the hint of a challenge—inviting us to join him.

Christian McBride & Ursa Major

Internationally acclaimed musician and educator Oran Etkin brings his beloved Timbalooloo show to life in an interactive musical adventure for the whole family. Known for performances on concert stages around the world and on a Grammy Award–winning album, Etkin is equally at home surrounded by children, spinning imaginative stories where instruments become living, breathing characters.

Oran Etkin: Timbalooloo

The GRAMMY-nominated voice-and-piano duo celebrate classic jazz traditions, blending Sean Mason’s sophisticated piano with Catherine Russell’s brilliant, timeless voice. Their new album, My Ideal, nods to the roots of blues, R&B, jazz, and pop while offering fresh, invigorated interpretations.

Catherine Russell & Sean Mason

The Mark Morris Dance Group’s “Dances to American Music” is a vibrant celebration of the rich tapestry of American music and dance. Featuring choreography by the legendary Mark Morris, this dynamic program includes Going Away Party (music by Bob Wills), Three Preludes (music by George Gershwin), Northwest (music by John Luther Adams), and You’ve Got to be Modernistic (music by James P. Johnson). Mark Morris has captivated global audiences with his profound humanity, humor, and the unique ability to fuse live music and dance into an experience that transcends the ordinary.

Mark Morris Dance Group: Dances to American Music

In 2026, Madeleine Peyroux marks the tenth anniversary of her album Secular Hymns and the thirtieth anniversary of her breakthrough recording Dreamland—the milestone that carried her from a teenage busker on the streets of Paris to the world’s concert halls.

Madeleine Peyroux

In 1926, Agatha Christie vanished, then reappeared eleven days later without explanation. It was a tabloid sensation—a mystery that remains unsolved nearly a century later.

Mrs. Christie

João Bosco has reason to celebrate. He kicks off his U.S. tour in celebration of his 80th birthday and more than 50 years of his career with a special performance at McCarter, cementing his status as one of the most influential figures in modern Brazilian music.

João Bosco Quartet

SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK has been described as one of the most vibrant, versatile, and ever-relevant musical ensembles performing today. Founded in Washington, D.C. in 1973, the GRAMMY-nominated groupwas built on the principles of empowerment, education, and entertainment. The current lineup features Carol Maillard, Louise Robinson, Aisha Kahlil, Nitanju Bolade Casel, and Rochelle Rice, with bassist Romeir Mendez and American Sign Language interpreter Barbara Hunt.

Sweet Honey In The Rock

Step into a realm where imagination knows no limits. The boundaries of gravity and creativity blur, offering an intimate window into the essence of creativity itself with Pilobolus's re:CREATION Tour. re:CREATION is a dynamic collection of dance pieces - daring experiments and groundbreaking new collaborations, keeping the company at the forefront of innovation, which stand alongside the classics that have altered the landscape of dance and theater, making re:CREATION both timely and timeless.

Pilobolus re:CREATION

A New York Times Critics Pick, hailed as a “a five-star, exceptional, buffed-to-gleaming jewel” by the Daily Beast, this play arrives fresh from its acclaimed, sold-out premiere.

Primary Trust

Celebrating a career spanning four decades, internationally revered cellist Yo-Yo Ma presents an evening of conversation and music moderated by PBS NewsHour correspondent Jeffrey Brown. Through personal anecdotes and musical interludes, Yo-Yo Ma explores how culture can help us all seek truth, build trust and act in service of one another.

An Evening with Yo-Yo Ma a Special Event

Experience unmatched rhythm and cultural fusion with the virtuoso tabla star, Zakir Hussain, hailed for his “virtuosity that is barely to be believed” (The Washington Post). Hussain returns to McCarter with his electrifying Masters of Percussion program.

Zakir Hussain’s Masters of Percussion

### Twyla Tharp 60th Anniversary Tour at McCarter Theatre Center

**Date and Time:**  
Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 7:30 PM

**Venue:**  
Matthews Theatre, McCarter Theatre Center

**Event Overview:**  
Join us for an extraordinary evening celebrating the 60th Anniversary Tour of the legendary choreographer Twyla Tharp. This tour marks six decades of innovation, re-invention, and excellence in dance. Twyla Tharp, known for her versatility as a classicist, modernist, postmodernist, and sometimes even a feminist and Romantic, brings her unique style and humor to the stage. The New York Times describes her as having "a strong streak of the clown: tough, solemn-deadpan, with crazy timing, making a joke of how impossible things can be."

This must-see retrospective will feature a lifetime of significant works, ranging from classical ballet to modern dance, showcasing the breadth and depth of Tharp's illustrious career. Don't miss this opportunity to witness a dance legend and her iconic dance group as they make a victory lap around the country.

**Tickets:**  
Tickets are available for purchase. Secure your seats today to experience this landmark event.

**Special Offer:**  
Subscribe today for the best seats at the best prices.

**Additional Information:**  
For more details on getting here, accessibility, dining, and attractions, please visit the McCarter Theatre Center's website.

Twyla Tharp 60th Anniversary Tour

Celebrating the release of their latest album, Oh Brother, brothers Taylor and Griffin Goldsmith bring an intimate yet dynamic performance to the stage. This new chapter showcases their deep musical bond, with songs that are both introspective and electrifying. Co-produced by the Goldsmiths and longtime friend Mike Viola, Oh Brother cements Dawes as one of the most earnest, “no-bs” musical acts out there. Don't miss this chance to see one of California's most sincere and versatile rock bands, delivering everything from folk rock to epic jams. Join us for a night of music that reflects 15 years of heartfelt artistry and collaboration.

An Evening with Dawes

### Event Description

**Julia Fischer, Violin & Jan Lisiecki, Piano**

**Date and Time:** Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at 7:30 PM  
**Venue:** Matthews Theatre, McCarter Theatre Center

**Overview:**
Experience an evening of pristine, lyrical, and intelligent music as internationally acclaimed violinist Julia Fischer and piano sensation Jan Lisiecki take the stage. This unique musical partnership brings fresh and innovative interpretations to classical music, inspired by their mutual influences and distinctive perspectives. Witness the seamless harmony and technical mastery of these two musical giants in a program that celebrates the legacy and beauty of classical music.

**Program:**
- Mozart Sonata in B major KV 378
- Beethoven No. 5 in F major Op. 24 "Spring"
- Schumann Sonata No. 2 in D minor Op. 121

**Tickets:**
Secure your seats for this extraordinary event. Subscribe today for the best seats at the best prices.

Don't miss this opportunity to see Julia Fischer and Jan Lisiecki perform live at the Matthews Theatre.

Julia Fischer, violin & Jan Lisiecki, piano

### Event Description: Legacy of Light at McCarter Theatre Center

**Event Title:** Legacy of Light  
**Playwright:** Karen Zacarías  
**Director:** Sarah Rasmussen  
**Dates:** March 20 - April 6, 2025  
**Venue:** Matthews Theatre, McCarter Theatre Center, Princeton, New Jersey  

**Overview:**
Join us for "Legacy of Light," a deliciously quirky and entertaining new comedy that intertwines subtle ironies, wry humor, and intellectual depth. This bright and funny play, written by Karen Zacarías, explores the science of love and parenthood across two different eras. In present-day Princeton, a brilliant astrophysicist is on a quest to become a mother. Meanwhile, 300 years earlier in France, a mathematician, scientist, and lover to Voltaire discovers she is about to become a mother. From the writer of "Native Gardens" and "Destiny of Desire," this play promises to be a thought-provoking and delightful experience.

**Accessibility:**
- **American Sign Language (ASL) Accessibility:** April 5, 2025, at 2 PM. For the best seats for ASL access, please contact Patron Services at 609-258-2787, Tuesday through Saturday, 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM.
- **Audio Described and Open Caption Accessibility:** April 6, 2025, at 2 PM. For the best seats for Open Caption access, please contact Patron Services at 609-258-2787, Tuesday through Saturday, 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM.

**Post Show Discussions:**
- March 30, 2025
- April 5, 2025

**Tickets:**
Tickets are available for performances from March 20 to April 6, 2025. Secure your seats today for an unforgettable theatrical experience.

**Contact Information:**
For ticket purchases and accessibility arrangements, please contact Patron Services at 609-258-2787, Tuesday through Saturday, 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM.

**Subscribe Today:**
Subscribe now for the best seats at the best prices and ensure you don't miss this captivating production.

Experience the magic of "Legacy of Light" at the McCarter Theatre Center and delve into a story that spans centuries, exploring life, the universe, and the joys and challenges of parenthood.

Legacy of Light

Born in France and raised in Princeton, Laurie Berkner cut her teeth in rock bands before stumbling on an innate talent for writing songs that connected with kids. Her music has captivated generations of children, speaking to their experiences and empathizing with their humanity, free of condescension. 

The Laurie Berkner Band

Jazz at Lincoln Center comes to Princeton bringing the soul of New Orleans and the spirit of Mardi Gras to this amazing evening. Let the good times roll and celebrate the composers and inspired songs of the Crescent City, the historic epicenter of jazz.

New Orleans Songbook

Drawing from many sources, including martial arts and street dance, Bereishit Dance Company creates groundbreaking performances that take your breath away. This Seoul-based group is celebrated for its athletic precision and creative choreography, approaching Korean traditional culture from a contemporary perspective.

Bereishit Dance Company

Celebrated for its vibrant interpretations and broad musical repertoire, the Czech National Symphony Orchestra (CNSO) brings the heart of Czech musical tradition to the stage under the baton of the esteemed conductor John Fiore.

Czech National Symphony Orchestra

Before he was an Emmy-winning TV star, Mandy Patinkin was already a Tony-winning Broadway legend. Mandy Patinkin In Concert: BEING ALIVE presents the acclaimed actor/singer/storyteller in his most electrifying role: concert performer. “Mandy Patinkin is in the business of showstopping,” raves The New Yorker, and that’s exactly what he does in this powerful, passionate evening of song.

Mandy Patinkin In Concert: Being Alive

Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah, formerly Christian Scott, is a revolutionary force in jazz, renowned for his creation of "Stretch Music," a genre-defying blend of styles and cultures. A Berklee College of Music graduate and a Grammy-nominated artist, Adjuah's innovative techniques, such as the “whisper technique,” have garnered critical acclaim.

Chief Adjuah

Noli Timere, Latin for “be not afraid,” brings an innovative world premiere spectacle to McCarter through a five-year collaboration between Director/Choreographer - and Princeton University Professor - Rebecca Lazier and sculptor Janet Echelman. This groundbreaking aerial performance features eight multidisciplinary performers dancing up to 25 feet in the air within a voluminous, custom-designed Echelman net sculpture. Choreographed to an original score by JORANE, this fusion of contemporary dance, avant-garde circus, and sculpture explores the delicate interconnectedness and fragility of our world, offering a profound commentary on navigating our unstable ecosystem through art and advanced engineering.

Noli Timere

Prepare to be transported by The Crossing, a trailblazing and Grammy award-winning chamber choir helmed by the visionary Donald Nally. Pushing the boundaries of choral music, The Crossing presents a dynamic fusion of new compositions that delve into pressing social, environmental, and political issues. With an impressive repertoire boasting nearly 170 commissioned premieres, their performances offer a captivating journey through the evolution of choral expression.

The Crossing

Princeton University

Join the legendary Sun Ra Arkestra for an evening of cosmic jazz and Afro-futurism. Founded in the mid-1950s by the innovative Sun Ra, the Arkestra blends big-band swing, space-age jazz, and vibrant Afro-pageantry into their electrifying performances. Known for their groundbreaking use of synthesizers and their message of positive vibrations, the Arkestra has recorded over 100 albums. Don’t miss the chance to experience this iconic ensemble as they continue their inter-galactic tour with shows at major festivals and venues worldwide.

Sun Ra Arkestra

Hailed as the “best theatre of the year” (Los Angeles Times) this celebrated new production from Tony-nominated director Moisés Kaufman and the Tectonic Theater Project (The Laramie Project), comes to Princeton with an unmissable, two-week-only engagement.

Here There Are Blueberries

### The Brandenburg Concertos by The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center

**Date and Time:**  
Monday, December 16, 2024, at 7:30 PM

**Venue:**  
Richardson Auditorium in Alexander Hall on the campus of Princeton University

**Event Overview:**  
Join The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center for an enchanting evening as they perform Johann Sebastian Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos. Hailed by the New Yorker as "joyous, effervescent, and yes, festive," this concert promises to immerse you in the unparalleled beauty of Bach’s compositions. Known for their exceptional performances, the Society will bring to life Bach’s captivating melodies, unmatched mastery, and musical ingenuity.

**Program:**  
- Brandenburg Concerto No. 6 in B-flat major, BWV 1051
- Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 in F major, BWV 1046
- Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 in D major, BWV 1050

**Intermission**

- Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 in G major, BWV 1049
- Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G major, BWV 1048
- Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 in F major, BWV 1047

**Tickets:**  
Secure your seats for this extraordinary event. Subscribe today for the best seats at the best prices.

Dive into the festive spirit and experience the timeless beauty of Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos with The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center.

The Brandenburg Concertos

### Event Description: A Christmas Carol at McCarter Theatre Center

**Event:** A Christmas Carol  
**Adapted and Directed by:** Lauren Keating  
**Dates:** December 10 - 29, 2024  
**Venue:** Matthews Theatre, McCarter Theatre Center

**Overview:**
McCarter Theatre Center's annual holiday tradition returns with "A Christmas Carol," a timeless classic by Charles Dickens. Follow Ebenezer Scrooge on a magical journey through Christmases past, present, and future. This festive spectacle is filled with magic, music, and merriment, creating unforgettable memories and ushering in the spirit of the season with delight, wonder, and generosity.

**Special Accessibility Performances:**
- **American Sign Language (ASL) Accessibility:** December 21, 2024, at 1 PM. For the best seats for ASL access, please contact Patron Services at 609-258-2787, Tuesday through Saturday, 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM.
- **Audio Described and Open Caption Accessibility:** December 22, 2024, at 1 PM. For the best seats for Open Caption access, please contact Patron Services at 609-258-2787, Tuesday through Saturday, 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM.
- **Relaxed Performance:** December 29, 2024, at 1 PM.

**Tickets:**
Tickets are available for purchase from December 10 to 29, 2024. Don't miss out on this enchanting holiday experience!

For more information and to buy tickets, visit the McCarter Theatre Center website or contact Patron Services.

A Christmas Carol

**Event: The Moth at McCarter Theatre Center**

**Date and Time:** Saturday, November 23, 2024, at 7:30 PM

**Venue:** Matthews Theatre, McCarter Theatre Center

**Overview:**
Join us for an unforgettable evening with The Moth, the most trusted name in storytelling. Renowned for its popular podcast and Radio Hour, The Moth features true stories told live and without notes. Since its inception, The Moth has shared over fifteen thousand stories with enthusiastic audiences worldwide, celebrating the power of stories to connect us through shared human experiences. Originating from poet and novelist George Dawes Green’s porch in Georgia, The Moth has grown into a global phenomenon, bringing spellbinding tales from living rooms to theaters like McCarter.

**Tickets:**
Secure your tickets now for an evening of captivating storytelling. Enter a promo code if you have one to enjoy special offers.

Don't miss this opportunity to experience the magic of The Moth live at the Matthews Theatre.

The Moth

### Event Description: Randall Goosby Returns with the Renaissance Quartet

**Date and Time:** Thursday, November 21, 2024, at 7:30 PM  
**Venue:** Matthews Theatre, McCarter Theatre Center

#### Overview
Step into the world of musical innovation with the Renaissance Quartet, a dynamic ensemble led by violinists Randall Goosby and Jeremiah Blacklow, along with violist Jameel Martin and cellist Daniel Hass. Graduates of the prestigious Juilliard School and mentored by the legendary Itzhak Perlman, these four virtuosos blend classical mastery with contemporary flair. Rooted in tradition yet boldly embracing the spirit of the 21st century, their performance is a journey through diverse musical landscapes, infused with jazz influences and remarkable technical prowess.

#### Program
- **Mendelssohn:** Quartet No. 1 in E flat, Op. 12
- **Janáček:** Quartet No. 1 Kreutzer Sonata
- **Daniel Hass:** Quartet No. 1 Love and Levity

#### Tickets
Secure your seats for an evening of exceptional music. Subscribe today for the best seats at the best prices.

Don't miss this opportunity to experience the visceral rhythmic energy and nostalgic lyricism of the Renaissance Quartet. Join us for an unforgettable night of music at the Matthews Theatre.

Randall Goosby Returns: Renaissance Quartet

**Event Description: The Hot Sardines at McCarter Theatre Center**

**Date and Time:** Friday, November 8, 2024, at 7:30 PM  
**Venue:** Matthews Theatre, McCarter Theatre Center

Join us for an unforgettable evening with The Hot Sardines, a band that has taken the postmillennial early-jazz scene by storm. Known for their infectious energy and unique twist on timeless jazz music, The Hot Sardines are set to deliver a performance that promises to revitalize classic jazz and bring people together. Having captivated audiences worldwide, from the Montreal Jazz Festival to sold-out shows in NYC, this is your chance to experience their joyful and unifying power live onstage.

**Tickets:** Available now. Don't miss out on this opportunity to see The Hot Sardines in action!

**Overview:**  
"The Hot Sardines are bringing their infectious energy to McCarter, promising an evening of timeless jazz music, with a fresh twist that only they can deliver. With a mission to revitalize classic jazz and bring people together, The Hot Sardines have captivated audiences worldwide, from the Montreal Jazz Festival to sold-out shows in NYC and beyond. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the joyful, unifying power of The Hot Sardines live onstage." - WBGO

Secure your tickets today and be part of an evening filled with the vibrant sounds of The Hot Sardines!

The Hot Sardines

Experience the musical genius of Ebo Taylor, a legendary guitarist, composer, and producer whose work has shaped the soundscape of Ghana and beyond. With a career that spans over fifty years, Taylor’s impact on African music is profound. 

Ebo Taylor & Pat Thomas

### Event Description: Yunchan Lim at McCarter Theatre Center

**Event:** Yunchan Lim, Pianist  
**Date:** Thursday, September 21, 2023  
**Time:** 7:30 PM  
**Venue:** Matthews Theater, McCarter Theatre Center

#### Overview:
Experience the extraordinary talent of Yunchan Lim, an 18-year-old classical pianist from South Korea, who has taken the world by storm with his technical brilliance and heartfelt performances. Yunchan Lim made history last summer by becoming the youngest person ever to win the gold medal at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. He also received the Audience Award and Best Performance of a New Work at the same competition. His final performance at the Cliburn Competition, featuring Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 3, has garnered millions of views on YouTube, solidifying his status as a rising star in the classical music world.

#### Program:
- **Tchaikovsky:** The Seasons Op.37 - Complete
- **Interval**
- **Chopin:** 12 Etudes Op.10 - Complete

#### Tickets:
Secure your seats for this unforgettable evening of classical music. For premium seating options, consider subscribing to the 2023-2024 Classical Music Series. For more information, call 609-258-2787.

Don't miss this opportunity to witness one of the most promising young talents in classical music today. Join us at the Matthews Theater for an evening of breathtaking performances by Yunchan Lim.

Yunchan Lim

When it comes to EPIC anthems, it doesn’t get BIGGER than Queen! So unleash your inner Freddie Mercury, grab your best friends and frenemies, and create harmonies that will blow the roof off the place! Choir! Choir! Choir! is the interactive show where the audience becomes the performer and We Will CHOIR! You! will be the most fun you’ve had in years.

Choir! Choir! Choir! Presents

Join the infectious energy of SW!NG OUT, where spectacular swing dance meets cutting-edge choreography. Superstar choreographer Caleb Teicher, "one of the brightest lights in tap today" (The New Yorker), is joined by collaborators Evita Arce, LaTasha Barnes and Nathan Bugh and more incredible dancers for Lindy Hop choreography and improvisation, all set to live music by the Eyal Vilner Big Band. Culminating in an on-stage jam session inviting the audience to join in on the fun, you’ll agree there is no better time in history to swing out!

Sw!ng Out

Experience an extraordinary evening of musical innovation with Makaya McCraven and SHABAKA. McCraven, a visionary drummer and composer, will perform pieces from his latest album, In These Times, blending jazz, folk, and hip-hop in a genre-defying experience. SHABAKA, renowned for his work with bands like Sons of Kemet, the Comet is Coming, and SHABAKA and the Ancestors will showcase his newest flute-forward album, Perceive its Beauty, Acknowledge its Grace, offering a rich sound that spans cultures and traditions. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to witness two trailblazing artists pushing the boundaries of contemporary jazz music.

Makaya McCraven & SHABAKA

Rosanne Cash and John Leventhal will revisit the music and stories behind The Wheel, celebrating the album's 30th anniversary. Co-produced by Cash and Leventhal, The Wheel marked a pivotal reinvention in Cash's career and the beginning of their creative partnership. Together, they have produced seven albums and numerous side projects, including the Grammy-winning The River & the Thread. Cash, a four-time Grammy-winning composer and bestselling author, has also collaborated with prestigious institutions like Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. Leventhal, a six-time Grammy winner, joins her for must-see return to McCarter.

Rosanne Cash with John Leventhal

Inspired by Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet, two fueding families engage in a battle of skill, each competition more daring than the last — while a pair of star-crossed lovers struggles to escape the showdown. Exhilaration and danger provide a thrilling backdrop to The 7 Fingers' one-of-a-kind daredevil theatrical extravaganza. For all ages.

Duel Reality

Natalia Lafourcade, the brilliant singer-songwriter from Mexico, has carved a unique niche in the music world with her exceptional talent and diverse influences. Rooted in Latin American traditions, her music seamlessly weaves together elements of rock, jazz, pop, bossa nova, and folk, creating a rich tapestry of sound that has captivated audiences globally. The most awarded female artist in Latin GRAMMY history, Natalia’s work reflects both her deep cultural heritage and innovative spirit. Her lyrical storytelling and soulful voice have made her a beloved figure in contemporary music. In this performance, Natalia will play solo guitar on stage and share stories.

An Evening with Natalia Lafourcade

### Event Description: Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert

**Date and Time:** Friday, October 4, 2024, at 7 PM  
**Venue:** Matthews Theatre, McCarter Theatre Center

**Event Overview:**
Create magical memories with the whole family at **Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert**. This interactive performance and screening features live music by Banda de la Casita, bringing Disney’s beloved film to life. Follow the enchanting story of the Madrigal family, especially Mirabel, as she discovers her unique talents.

**Highlights:**
- **Live Music:** Enjoy the Academy Award and Grammy-winning soundtrack by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Germaine Franco, including hits like "We Don’t Talk About Bruno" and "Surface Pressure."
- **Interactive Experience:** Sing along to your favorite songs and immerse yourself in the magical world of Encanto.
- **Dress Up:** Come dressed as your favorite character and join in the fun of this enchanting musical adventure.

**Tickets:** Available now. Don't miss out on this unique and heartwarming event that promises to be a triumph in every category: art, songs, and heart.

Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with music, magic, and family fun at the Matthews Theatre!

Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert

Princeton favorite, David Sedaris, author of the previous bestsellers Calypso, Naked, Me Talk Pretty One Day, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, and regular National Public Radio contributor returns to McCarter for one night only, following the release of his newest books, A Carnival of Snackery and Pretty Ugly.

An Evening with David Sedaris

### Ballet Hispánico at McCarter Theatre Center

**Date and Time:**  
Saturday, September 28, 2024, at 7:30 PM

**Venue:**  
Matthews Theatre, McCarter Theatre Center

**Event Overview:**  
Join us for an unforgettable evening with Ballet Hispánico, one of America's Cultural Treasures as recognized by the Ford Foundation. This renowned dance company celebrates the joy and diversity of Latinx culture through a mesmerizing fusion of classical ballet, modern dance, and Latin rhythms. Set to the intoxicating beats of conga, rumba, mambo, and more, Ballet Hispánico promises a stirring showcase that is both a cutting-edge crowd pleaser and a tribute to Latinx heritage.

**Program Highlights:**
- **Sombrerísimo** by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa
- **Buscando a Juan** by Eduardo Vilaro
- **Club Havana** by Pedro Ruiz

**Tickets:**  
Secure your seats now for the best prices and the best views. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the largest Latinx/e/Hispanic organization in the United States as they bring their vibrant and dynamic performances to the Matthews Theatre stage.

**Additional Information:**  
For more details on tickets, subscriptions, group tickets, and student tickets, please visit our website. 

Celebrate the rich cultural tapestry of Latinx dance with Ballet Hispánico at McCarter Theatre Center!

Ballet Hispánico

Multi-platinum selling, five-time Grammy-nominated artist Michael Feinstein celebrates the unparalleled legacy of his late friend Tony Bennett with heartfelt renditions of Bennett’s greatest hits, supported by the dynamic Carnegie Hall Ensemble. The performance will feature iconic songs like "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" and "The Best is Yet to Come," enhanced by a lush big band backdrop, capturing the essence of an era in all its glory.

Michael Feinstein in Because of You

Overflowing with optimism, ‘90s counterculture, rooftop dancing, and the spirit of punk rock, Empire Records tells the story of a band of idealist misfits fighting to save their beloved record store from a corporate takeover. With tactics ranging from desperate to dangerous, the team comes together during a visit by over the hill pop star Rex Manning to discover the true value of friendship, love, and music—all in one extraordinary, unforgettable day.

Empire Records

An inventive and invigorating stage show that blends dance, music, and theater, the eight performers in STOMP manage to wield energizing beats without a traditional narrative into an electric and unforgettable performance. The show draws sounds from found objects—Zippo lighters, push brooms, wooden poles, hammer handles, garbage cans, inner tubes, matchboxes, even the kitchen sink—for a unique sound that the audience feels as much as it hears. Originally founded in London, STOMP has been a New York City institution since the early 90s (with more than 10,000 performances to date), and brought its distinctive vision all around the world, becoming a rite of passage for fans of dance, music, and the theater.

STOMP

GRAMMY Award-winning violinist Joshua Bell returns to McCarter Theatre, alongside celebrated soprano Larisa Martinez, who has been sought after for her “smoky soprano” (Opera News), and acclaimed pianist Peter Dugan, the host of NPR's From the Top. "Voice and the Violin" is an evening of romantic arias and modern classics, including selections from Mendelssohn, Hérold, Puccini, Bernstein, and more. 

Voice and the Violin

In this comic, surreal and thought-provoking play, journalist Zipporah Zunder has landed the story of her life-- investigating a controversial social phenomenon that could reframe the way we think about the right to choose. Diving deep into this complex story, she’s forced to reexamine her past, her (sometimes absurd) present, and the choices that have shaped her life. Playwright Winnie Holzman is best known as the bookwriter of the international hit musical “WICKED,” with songs by famed songwriter Stephen Schwartz, and for creating the beloved 90’s TV series MY SO-CALLED LIFE. Most recently she penned both screenplays for the upcoming movie adaptations of WICKED.

Choice

For 50 years, audiences have reveled in the comedic and athletic talents of Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, dubbed the World’s Foremost All-Male Comic Ballet Company. Performing in drag and en pointe, the company wields its technical ability with an inventive hilarity, offering a more lighthearted take on the often-dour art of ballet. They celebrate their 50th anniversary in the 2023-2024 season presenting works from throughout the company’s history, including an updated version of the early Trocks classic Yes Virginia, Another Piano Ballet, choreographed by company co-founder Peter Anastos. 

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo: 50th Anniversary

If there were a Mount Rushmore of women in country music, it would undoubtedly include the faces of Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, and Dolly Parton, three towering voices that have forever altered the course of the culture. Proving women artists’ commercial viability with chart-topping hits and record-breaking sales, these indomitable singer-songwriters wove threads of contemporary womanhood throughout the tapestry of country music. This tribute show, featuring soloists Miko Marks, Country Music Television’s 2022 “Next Woman of Country” and Nashville based singer Kristina Train, will perform works from the artists’ sizable discographies supported by a 5-member, all-woman band.

Trailblazing Women of Country - A Tribute to Patsy, Loretta, and Dolly

A classical tabla virtuoso of the highest order, Zakir Hussain is a national treasure in his home country of India, a chief architect of the contemporary world music movement. A consistently brilliant and exciting performer, Hussain has become one of India’s reigning cultural ambassadors, working with the likes of George Harrison, YoYo Ma, Van Morrison, Pharoah Sanders, and many, many more. Here, he performs with eight-generation sarangi master Sabir Khan, who draws from both the hypnotic loops of Sufi music and the rhythms of Indian classical dance, and Debopriya Chatterjee, the Indian Hindustani bansuri player trained in both Indian and Western classical music, and best known for being one of the illustrious “Flute Sisters” with her sibling Suchismita.

Zakir Hussain (tabla) with Sabir Khan (sarangi) and Debopriya Chatterjee (bansuri)

One of the most original forces in contemporary dance, for 45 years Hubbard Street has brought top choreographers and works to Chicago and beyond, assembling artists, art, and audiences to enrich, engage, educate, and change lives through the experience of dance. With an ever-evolving repertory created by today’s leading choreographic voices, the main company has performed globally in 19 countries and 44 US states. They return to McCarter with their new artistic director Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell, paying homage to the company’s journey and to its founder Lou Conte. 

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago

A touring version of the popular stage show that faithfully brings Eric Carle’s classic children’s books to life on stage. Created by Jonathan Rockefeller, the critically acclaimed show features a menagerie of more than 75 puppets from Carle’s stories, including Brown Bear, Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, The Very Lonely Firefly, and the star of the show, the famously Very Hungry Caterpillar, who eats his way through the week before metamorphosing into a beautiful butterfly. Children and adults alike are sure to marvel at the stunning puppetry that breathes life into the characters and their messages of community, self-expression, and the power of creativity.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show

In 1963 Louisiana, Caroline is a Black woman working as a maid, and Noah is a Jewish boy coming of age after personal tragedy. Their lives intertwine in this passionate and powerful musical set against the backdrop of the Kennedy assassination, the Civil Rights movement, and two families trying to make sense of the world and each other.  

Caroline, or Change

Six decades of music, sixty-five years of song, generations tied together through the force of will of a matriarchy of powerful women. This is the story of African-American gospel quintet The Legendary Ingramettes, founded in Richmond, Virginia, by Maggie Ingram (who passed away in 2015) as a way to keep her family together through hardship. Inspired by the Black gospel quartets of the 1940s and 50s, Ingram’s “First Family of Gospel” featured herself backed by her five children, with powerful vocals and roof-raising harmonies. Now led by her daughter Almeta Ingram-Miller, Maggie’s legacy lives on in their performance. Their latest work Take a Look in the Book—their first recording since the matriarch’s passing in 2015—draws songs from Appalachian sources like Ola Belle Reed and Bill Withers and reworking family favorites that date back to old spirituals.

The Legendary Ingramettes

Founded in 1918 as Ukrainian State Symphony Orchestra, the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine is one of the country’s principal symphonies and the most-recorded orchestra in any former Soviet territory. Now, with their compatriots defending their homeland against a Russian invasion, the orchestra steps out of Russia’s shadow. For their return to McCarter Theatre the symphony brings some of Ukraine’s most talented and renowned musicians to showcase the country’s rich musical history, with a rich program featuring Ukrainian composer Lyatoshynsky’sGrazhyna Symphonic Picture, Sibelius’ Finlandia, and Strauss’ Don Juan.

National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine

Comprising four Americans from different cultural backgrounds, the American Patchwork Quartet are activists as well as artists, striving to counter pervasive prejudices around the issues of race and immigration, performing a repertoire of centuries-old American folk songs made new with creative arrangements, drawing connections between the nation’s contemporary culture and its immigrant roots. Led by Grammy-winning vocalist Falu Shah, Grammy-winning guitarist/vocalist Clay Ross, 3x Grammy-winning drummer Clarence Penn, and highly acclaimed and sought-after bassist Yasushi Nakamura, APQ breathes new life into the folk canon, accepting accountability for the future of a country both hospitable and hostile towards those that believe most fervently in its dreams of equality.

American Patchwork Quartet

One of the world’s great tap talents, Ayodele Casel is beloved for her musicality, strength, fluid, and generous style. “Chasing Magic,” the latest work from the 2023 Doris Duke Artist Award winner, was developed and first performed in isolation during the pandemic, a celebratory display of artistic encounters and how, after a lost year, they remain right where you left them. Directed by her long-time collaborator Torya Beard, the show features performances by the pianists Arturo O'Farrill and Anibal César Cruz, vocalist Crystal Monee Hall, percussionist Keisel Jimenez, and tap artists Jared Alexander, Amanda Castro, Naomi Funaki, Quynn Johnson, Sean Kaminski, and Dre Torres. 

Ayodele Casel: Chasing Magic

Since its first performance in 1980, the Mark Morris Dance Group has received “highest praise for their technical aplomb, their musicality, and their sheer human authenticity” (Bloomberg News). With a repertory that ranges from 17th and 18th century works by Johann Sebastian Bach and Henry Purcell to more recent scores by Ethan Iverson, Lou Harrison, and Henry Cowell, the Mark Morris Dance Group has toured with its own music ensemble since 1996. The company returns to the McCarter Theatre with a selection of innovative works than span the decades. 

Mark Morris Dance Group

Kaki King has spent her career deconstructing and redefining the boundaries of the guitar, exploring its limits through technique, imagination, and seemingly boundless humanity. Her latest album Modern Yesterdays is a response to the unique time dilation of the COVID-19 pandemic, featuring several songs written as part her experimental theater piece “Data Not Found,” a rumination on themes of connection, alienation, and rebirth. Recorded in Brooklyn with Arjan Miranda and sound designer Chloe Alexandra Thompson, King’s poly-harmonic and -rhythmic approach wields abundant articulations of post-classical, jazz, folk, and blues motifs. In Modern Yesterdays live, King continues to refine her now signature projection mapping performance alongside a new approach to storytelling. Using visually imaginative and carefully choreographed guitar (and drum) performance, Modern Yesterdays bridges what fans have come to love about Kaki King.

Kaki King: Modern Yesterdays

Equal parts singing, comedy, and community-building, Choir! Choir! Choir! is less a performance than it is a dialogue between the audience and the performers on stage. Attendees receive a lyric sheet at the door and learn the vocal arrangement, with the understanding that they, too, have become part of the show, which is recorded. Founded in 2011 by Daveed Goldman and Nobu Adilman as a weekly drop-in singing event, the show has long been a vehicle for fundraising, and has been performed in holes, on hills, and at Carnegie Hall, featuring guest singers such as David Byrne, Patti Smith, Rufus Wainwright, and many, many more. The McCarter Theater edition of Choir! Choir! Choir! is holiday themed.

Choir! Choir! Choir!

A send-up of your average holiday production, the Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged) welcomes its audience to the Annual Holiday Variety Show and Christmas Pageant at St. Everybody's Non-Denominational Church of Acceptance (where all faiths are welcome because they'll believe anything). The only problem? None of the acts scheduled to perform have arrived, so three members attempt to perform the entire show themselves in a raucous display of physical comedy and absurdist humor. Irreverent yet heartwarming, the Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged) does feature comic depictions of violence, mild innuendo, bawdy language, and the occasional rude word, and therefore is not recommended for children under 12.

The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged)

McCarter's annual holiday tradition returns with more magic, more music, and more merriment for all. Follow Ebenezer Scrooge on a fantastical journey through Christmases past, present and future and enjoy this classic story as it comes to life around you. Create magical memories with the ones you love as this festive spectacle ushers you into the spirit of the season with all the delight, wonder, and generosity that Scrooge himself discovers. 

Alan Cumming and Ari Shapiro—the famed British actor of screen and stage and the longtime host of NPR's All Things Considered, respectively—may seem like an odd couple, but the two friends are both storytellers who seek to help audiences better understand themselves and the world around them. Born of an impromptu collaboration on stage at one of Shapiro’s solo shows, “Och & Oy: A Considered Cabaret” is an evening of songs and stories with a tongue-in-cheek title that references their Scottish (Och) and Jewish (Oy) heritage. And while the bawdy and risqué two-man cabaret is not formally scripted, the pair does tend to sing the same songs and hit the same beats with an undeniable chemistry, feeding off each other’s energy on stage. With musical direction by Henry Koperski. 

Alan Cumming & Ari Shapiro: “Och & Oy: A Considered Cabaret”

An Afrofuturist take on the Rodgers & Hammerstein classic, The Sound of (Black) Music fuses jazz, blues, funk, gospel, R&B, hip-hop, and more to pay tribute to the rich, communal history of Black roots music. Brianna Thomas, Chareene Wade, and musical director Vuyo Sotashe lead a dynamic group of more than 20 musicians and vocalists in an electric performance that captures the music’s uplifting spirit. Jazz vocalist Michael Mwenso and producer Jono Gasparro conceived the show—co-directed by Shariffa Ali (Princeton University) and Kamilah Long—in association with Electric Root as a production within a platform, a creative healing space for a troupe of predominantly BIPOC artists. More than just a riff on a beloved musical, the production aims to reclaim the legacy of Black music and highlight its central role in shaping American culture. 

The Sound of (Black) Music

A bass-baritone singer whom The New Yorker declared is “changing what it means to be a classical singer,”  Davóne Tines and his powerful voice first made waves leading operas by Kaija Saariaho (Only the Sound Remains), Matthew Aucoin (Crossing), and Terence Blanchard (Fire Shut Up in My Bones). But the Harvard and Juilliard graduate—who sang some of his first notes with his Baptist church choir in Virginia—really started turning heads with carefully curated, avant-garde recitals such as "Recital No. 1: MASS," a deeply personal statement that finds a throughline between Bach and the Agnus Dei. Whether in conventional roles at opera houses or with his own works that push the boundaries of what we consider “classical,” Tines has undoubtedly established himself as one of the most exciting singers of his generation. For his performance in the Matthews Theater, Tines is accompanied by the Afro-Dominican pianist John Bitoy, who’s performed with both symphonies and Sigur Rós. 

Davóne Tines

Pulitzer Prize-winning author and translator Jhumpa Lahiri returns to Princeton— where she recently served as a professor of creative writing at the university — for an evening of discussion of her newest collection of short stories, which she wrote in Italian and then co-translated into English, about her life’s work, and about the power of translation. Currently the Millicent C. McIntosh Professor of English and Director of Creative Writing at Barnard College, Lahiri received the Pulitzer Prize in 2000 for Interpreter of Maladies, her debut collection of fiction. She held a Guggenheim Fellowship in 2002 and a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship in 2006, and in 2014 was awarded the National Humanities Medal by President Obama. At 45, Italian became her new adoptive language. “Nothing came to me naturally;” she wrote, “I had to pay my dues.” McCarter Theater, Labyrinth Books, and the Princeton Public Library invites Jhumpa Lahiri to explore her life and art with the audience.

An Evening with Jhumpa Lahiri in conversation with Zahid Chaudhary

One of the world’s most innovative musicians, Sir John Eliot Gardiner founded the Monteverdi Choir to share Italian music with a British audience accustomed to the English choral tradition. Over the next 60 years the choir has grown to include an extensive repertoire encompassing music from the Renaissance through 20th century classical music, earning Gardiner a knighthood and the honor of performing at King Charles III’s coronation. Ahead of a performance at Carnegie Hall, Gardiner will conduct the Monteverdi Choir in a performance of Bach’s Mass in B Minor at McCarter with the English Baroque Soloists.

Bach: Mass In B Minor

Alexander Hall

You can find Madison McFerrin’s warm and inviting vocal tones gracing the soundtracks of TV shows like Broad City and Random Acts of Flyness, and sharing stages with the likes of De La Soul, Gallant, and The Roots—the ultimate vibe check for scenes populated with the young, hip, and chill. The vibes run in her veins, the latest generation of a storied musical legacy: Her grandfather is Robert McFerrin Sr., the first black man to sing with the Metropolitan Opera, and her father Bobby McFerrin is the Grammy-winning vocalist of “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” fame. The LA-based musician and singer has wielded her own voice from a young age, developing a genre-bending, emotionally open fusion of electronic pop, jazz, soul, and a cappella that Questlove once dubbed “soul-appella.” McFerrin often performs songs that she builds from the ground up, using merely her voice and a looping pedal; the songs on her first two EPs consist solely of her voice. After expanding her sound on her 2019 LP You+I, she produced much of her latest album I Hope You Can Forgive Me (2023) herself, with contributions from her father Bobby.

Madison McFerrin

A dark and scary mystery unfolds in this masterful theatrical event. The story comes to life as an old man recounts the events of his youth when he went to the fog-embanked countryside of England to settle the estate of a family shrouded in a tragedy that continues to haunt (literally!) anyone who comes too close.

The Woman in Black

Writer, humorist, and master of satire David Sedaris returns to McCarter for an evening of readings and recollections, Q&A, and book signing. One of the country’s preeminent humor writers, beloved for his personal essays and short stories, Sedaris writes in a style both autobiographical and self-deprecating, ruminating on family life, his middle-class, suburban upbringing, homosexuality, drug use, and obsessive behaviors. Several of his books have graced national bestseller lists, including Calypso, Naked, Me Talk Pretty One Day, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim; his latest book Happy-Go-Lucky was published last May by Little, Brown and Company.

The trio of Arooj Aftab, Vijay Iyer, Shahzad Ismaily first coalesced in 2018 in New York City; an unplanned, improvised performance that revealed their natural chemistry. Iyer, a pianist, composer, and MacArthur “Genius,” currently finds himself at the center of the galaxy of improvised music, guiding a storied career through continued evolution with new ideas and new collaborators. He finds worthy peers in Ismaily, a largely self-taught composer and musician who has mastered the electric and double bass, guitar, banjo, accordion, flute, drums, as well as various percussion and electronic instruments; and Pakistan-born, Brooklyn-based Aftab, the ascendant ambient musician and vocalist who was awarded the 2022 Grammy for Best Global Music Performance and is a 2023 United States Artists Fellow and a recipient of the Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Music. Their album Love in Exile is a sparsely recorded synthesis of their alchemical improvisation, an intricate yet minimalist universe built on a handful of Urdu couplets that, as Iyer says, “reveals not just the melody but the birth of a song.”

Arooj Aftab, Vijay Iyer, Shahzad Ismaily: Love in Exile

Fatoumata Diawara is a rarity among Malian singers, wielding her electric guitar to write songs that blend Wassoulou folk music, spiritually centered Afropop, and desert blues. Singing mostly in Bambara, the national language of Mali, Diawara sings about migration, African identity, motherhood, and the struggle of African women. A veteran of the screen and stage, she debuted as an actress in the ‘90s, appearing in films such as Cheick Oumar Sissoko’s La Genèse and the Oscar-nominated Timbuktu. Since her 2011 debut LP Fatou, she’s collaborated with the likes of Herbie Hancock, Bobby Womack, Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Damon Albarn (Blur, Gorillaz), who co-produced her latest album London Ko. In 2019 she became first Malian artist to perform at the Grammys, where she was nominated for Best World Music Album for her 2018 record Fenfo (Something to Say). 

Fatoumata Diawara

Olivier Tarpaga’s deeply humanist piece “Once the Dust Settles Flowers Bloom” gives voice and body to the refugees of Burkina Faso and the Sahel region, who, having fled the shadow of jihadists, settle in camps far from their homes. Looking beyond the horror, the work channels the strength and beauty of this displaced population. With six dancers and five musicians who count themselves among the best in Africa, Tarpaga confronts the tragedy of his homeland with a “feminist Africanist” piece that carries the hope that once the dust has settled, flowers will bloom again, and the songs and dances will return. Tarpaga, a dancer, choreographer, musician, and composer, is the founder and artistic director of the Dafra Drum ensemble and Dafra Kura Band, and a co-founder of Burkina Faso’s internationally acclaimed Compagnie Ta. He is a Lester Horton Award-winning choreographer/director of the African Music Ensembles of Princeton University. He is a Lester Horton Award-winning choreographer/director of the African Music Ensembles of Princeton University. 

Once the Dust Settles Flowers Bloom by Olivier Tarpaga Dance Project

The poet, singer, songwriter, and visual artist Patti Smith, a singular figure in New York counterculture that continues to create and inspire well into her eighth decade of life. Her 1975 debut album Horses is widely considered one of the greatest albums of all time, and her memoirs serve as a time capsule for a downtown arts scene and some of its most fascinating personalities. She won the National Book Award for Non-Fiction in 2010 for Just Kids, her book about her earliest days in New York making art with Robert Mapplethorpe, and in 2015 published M Train, about her life with and after her husband, the musician Fred (Sonic) Smith, who died in 1994. Her latest book Devotion explores the nature of creative invention. For her performance of Words and Music, Smith is backed by her son Jackson, her daughter Jesse Paris Smith, and her frequent bandmate Tony Shanahan, sharing original spoken-word stories from her life interspersed with songs and taking questions from the audience.

Patti Smith: Words and Music

The South Korean classical pianist Yunchan Lim performs with both the technical brilliance and heartfelt emotion of an artist who has already dedicated their life to music.  Last summer he became the youngest person ever to win gold at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, where he was also honored with the Audience Award and Best Performance of a New Work. His star is quickly rising— a recording of his final appearance at the Cliburn Competition (Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 3) has racked up millions of views on YouTube.

In 1955, in the redwood country north of San Francisco, a multiracial girl grows up in a predominantly white town whose residents pepper their speech with the historical dialect of Boontling. Found floating in a basket on the river as an infant, Bulrusher is an orphan with a gift for clairvoyance that makes her feel like a stranger even around those who think they know her best: the taciturn schoolteacher who adopted her, the madam who runs her brothel with a fierce discipline, the logger with a zest for horses and women, and the guitar-slinging boy who is after Bulrusher's heart. Just when she thought her world might close in on her, she discovers an entirely new sense of self when a Black girl from Alabama comes to town.

Bulrusher

Join McCarter and Princeton Public Library for a free behind-the-scenes conversation about the mysterious and compelling season opener, Bulrusher by Eisa Davis. Associate Artistic Director Nicole A. Watson will be joined by Dramaturg Faye M. Price and Sound Designer Kate Marvin to share the joys and challenges of mounting this unique coming-of-age story, which is set in 1955 in the rural California town of Booneville and features the historical coded language of its residents called Boontling. Watson will also talk about her research road trip to Mendocino County and discuss the choices she and her design team made to create the world of the play, including its immersive visual and aural landscapes. The conversation will be moderated by McCarter Artistic Engagement Manager Paula Alekson and will include a Q&A with the audience.

McCarter Live at the Library: BULRUSHER

Princeton Public Library

Dubbed “The Villain of Broadway” by Playbill, Tony Award nominee and Grammy Award winner Patrick Page (Hadestown) steps into the darkness and invites us along. In a tour-de-force performance, “one of America’s finest classical actors”(The Wall Street Journal) turns to the twisted motivations and hidden humanity at the heart of Shakespeare’s greatest villains, embodying Macbeth’s ruthless ambition, Iago’s seductive manipulation, Richard III’s gleeful cunning, Shylock’s fury, and more.

All The Devils Are Here

The legendary Sun Ra Arkestra returns with exuberant cosmic jazz — a stirring blend of big‑band swing, free jazz, bebop, spiritual jazz and Afrofuturist spectacle. Formed in Chicago in the mid‑1950s as the vehicle for the visionary composer Sun Ra, the Arkestra has spanned seven decades, touring the globe and inspiring generations with its bold, otherworldly sound.

Mei Semones is a Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter and guitarist crafting jazz-inflected indie pop in both Japanese and English. Drawing on her background in jazz guitar and her Japanese heritage, she blends inventive harmonies, intricate rhythms, and bilingual lyricism into a sound that is both intimate and exploratory.

Mei Semones

Julio Torres is an Emmy-nominated, Peabody-winning and WGA-winning writer, director, and comedian from El Salvador.

Julio Torres: Works in Progress

Edmar Castañeda is a Colombian-born harpist, composer, and bandleader widely recognized as one of the most original voices in contemporary jazz. A Latin GRAMMY nominee for Family, he has redefined the role of the harp through a singular technique that seamlessly blends bass lines, harmony, and melody.

Edmar Castañeda Quartet

From the Tony Award-winning producers of Hadestown comes A Beat of Our Own — a brand-new musical comedy that pulls you straight into the pulsating rhythms, kaleidoscopic colors and raw energy of competitive bhangra dance.

A Beat of Our Own

Born in Mozambique and raised in Mouraria, one of Lisbon’s most historic neighborhoods, Mariza grew up surrounded by the voices, guitars, and traditions of fado. From an early age, she embraced that legacy and transformed it into a universal language, becoming the most acclaimed Portuguese artist in the world.

Mariza

Hailed by some as a successor to Billie Holiday, Cécile McLorin Salvant is one of the leading voices in jazz today. A winner of the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition at age 21 and a three-time Grammy Award recipient, she brings a singular clarity and curiosity to everything she sings.

Cécile McLorin Salvant

The holiday tradition you love is back—filled with music, magic, and the timeless spirit of generosity. This year, Cameron Knight returns in the role of Ebenezer Scrooge.

Purpose, the gripping and hilarious new drama from two-time Tony Award-winning playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, is “a thumping, riveting, guns-blazing, major new American play” (NY Daily News) that is “unstoppably fierce, funny, and ruthless!” (The New York Post).

Purpose

With the world-renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (JLCO) and guest artists spanning genres and generations, Jazz at Lincoln Center presents thousands of performances, education programs, and broadcasts each season in New York City at Frederick P. Rose Hall (“The House of Swing”) and around the world.

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis

Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia’s newest production, The Three Little Pigs and Other Tales, presents a fresh and engaging reimagining of three cherished children's stories—Goldilocks and the Three Bears, The Three Little Pigs, and The Three Billy Goats Gruff. Filled with adventure, humor, and heroism, the story follows a brave raccoon and clever mouse who are on a journey to collect treasure. Along the way, they unknowingly help the goats, bears, and pigs, preventing disaster—without any of the animals ever encountering a true villain. This imaginative retelling seamlessly interweaves three classic tales into a heartwarming adventure that celebrates friendship and courage.

The Three Little Pigs and Other Tales

Theatre legend Emma Rice helms a high-velocity take on the Alfred Hitchcock classic North by Northwest in an acclaimed production hailed as “glorious” (The Times of London) and “effortlessly chic” (The Daily Mail). When ad man Roger Thornhill is mistaken for a Cold War spy, he goes on the run dodging airplanes, bad guys and a femme fatale who may not be what she seems.

McCarter Theatre Center

19 - 30 Aug, 2026

All The Devils Are Here

Sep 3, 2026

Sun Ra Arkestra

Sep 4, 2026

Mei Semones

Sep 10, 2026

Julio Torres: Works in Progress

Sep 12, 2026

Edmar Castañeda Quartet

Jun 12, 2026

McCarter Gala

Jun 10, 2026

The Brandee Younger Trio

Articles & News

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