Cadenza Magazine - Fall 2023 - Winter 2024

preeti Vasudevan & Thresh

Interview with Preeti Vasudevan, the founder of Thresh Dance Theatre, about her socially impactful projects

guy mendilow ensemble

How one group uses musical and visual storytelling to ask big questions and inspire growth

residency Spotlight: Learn about our immersive residency projects

iCadenza tips: Success is NOT a Straight Line

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LETTER FROM THE FOUNDER

Dear Fellow Arts Leaders,

All four of my grandparents were holocaust survivors from Ukraine For generations, my family lived day to day with a single prayer: that tomorrow would provide another day of safety from persecution, unpredictable dictatorial government officials and, at times, war I was born in the USSR but when I was very little, my family left everything they knew and fled to the US, hoping that the California shores would provide me (an only child) a life privileged with security, constancy, and freedom Pursuit of happiness would be a cherry on top. Recently, the war in Ukraine has spurred impossible questions, as I found myself on daily calls with friends and family members who were having to flee in similarly dramatic circumstances - literally fighting for their lives in our civilized time of 2022-23 A number of the artists and groups that we represent and collaborate with have also been impacted All this has occurred on the heels of the intense pandemic period that we all experienced The collective trauma is substantial, and there is intense emotional processing required to survive and thrive through it And while most of us are lucky to live in relative safety and certainty (at least in the fact that we will have a roof over our heads tomorrow), the truth is that almost everyone I know is going through a lot these days

Times of transition are never easy, and we are living in a time of extreme shifts and rapid change Gone are the days of predictable ticket sales and analyses based on prior years’ data These days, it can feel like the wheel is moving faster than we can acclimate to it and, whether we like it or not, we are being called to reinvent how we do what we do and who we partner with to achieve our goals

The great news is that we all get to work with some of the most creative minds on the planet every single day: artists If we allow ourselves to lean on them, they will help us return our finger to the pulse of today’s zeitgeist

Coast to coast, the message is consistent: audiences are seeking a new concert-going experience, one that is richer in engagement, novelty, creative uses of technology, and topics relevant to their lives and interests Audiences have higher expectations for experiences that will prompt them to venture out and away from their many screens at home

In observing these shifting trends, our roster has sprung into action, developing even more immersive, culturally relevant, and timely projects, paired with transformational community residencies

Once again the Cadenza Artists roster features some of the preeminent artist leaders in the world: artists who are showing a renewed commitment to the environment, to beauty, to arts activism, to delivering transformational community residencies, and of course to crafting impactful, resonant artistic experiences.

Our cover girl is Indian-American dancer, choreographer, and arts activist Preeti Vasudevan who, through her company Thresh Dance Theatre, has produced multiple commissioning projects and touring productions Also featured in this issue is Guy Mendilow - producer, director, and co-writer of The Forgotten Kingdom, a show that gives us a glimpse into history to reconcile some of the challenges we face in the present, allowing us to emerge inspired and changed. Both of these artists have produced multi-genre shows that feature unique visuals and completely novel artistic expression alongside powerful newly-commissioned music and engaging performances Both have also committed themselves to creating immersive residencies that employ storytelling and artistic expression as a tool to build bridges across cultures, including underrepresented cultures

This year we have included many of our symphony projects in this magazine, alongside a more in-depth look at our community/residency offerings and a full slate of available commissioning projects which, when shared with a group of consortium members, are actually quite affordable.

Audiences are asking for more and Cadenza's artists are delivering with shows that are memorable, meaningful, engaging, and attractive to ticket buyers

With warm wishes,

Julia Levitan CEO & Co-Founder, Cadenza Artists // President & Co-Founder, iCadenza

NEWS

After an NPR Tiny Desk concert in April, acclaimed pianist, producer, curator, storyteller, and cultural visionary Lara Downes found herself as a New York Times Sunday crossword clue this past June! Always innovating, Lara is touring several collaborative projects and, in 2024, she celebrates the centenary of Gershwin’s Rhapsody In Blue by exclusively performing a vibrant new arrangement by Puerto Rican composer Edmar Colón

Impro Theatre recently revived its hit improv musical, Sondheim UnScripted (a completely improvised 2-act musical), by special request for the prestigious Pasadena Playhouse As part of the Playhouse’s 6-month Sondheim Celebration, Impro Theatre, which specializes in narrative improv, was honored to perform alongside Bernadette Peters and others After its successful run, Impro Theatre has added Sondheim UnScripted back to its list of currently touring shows which includes the sellout Jane Austen UnScripted

To celebrate the Miller Outdoor Theatre's 100th Anniversary Season in November 2023, Cadenza Artists' BELLA GAIA teamed up with William Close & the Earth Harp Collective for an epic collaboration between two long-running stage performances dedicated to giving a voice for planet Earth The spectacular sounds of the Earth Harp lend themselves beautifully to the sweeping soundscapes and audio/visual story of BELLA GAIA that audiences have grown to love.

With its first edition taking place in São Paulo, Brazil, composer, multi-instrumentalist, and vocalist Clarice Assad launches VOX FEST, an international festival focusing on the voice as an instrument This multi-day mobile festival features headlining vocal artists from around the world meeting to perform, collaborate, and engage in educational programs. VOX FEST will be coming to Performing Arts Centers across the United States in 2024-25 and 2025-26

In April 2024, legendary composer Henry Mancini's 100th Birthday will be celebrated with a film documentary, a new album of his recordings with recording artists such as John Williams, Quincy Jones, Michael Bublé, and more, plus Cadenza Artists' newest project on the roster, Moon River & Me, starring Mancini's daughter Monica and produced by son-in-law and 8-time GRAMMY® Award Winner, Gregg Field

With two sold out performances at the LA Opera, Atlanta Opera joins as the second company to perform the newest edition of Michael Shapiro's original score for Frankenstein with live orchestra, now available as an operatic version for SATBB solo voices or choir Programmed in October, there will be a costume contest and DJ’d disco afterparty. The whole evening promises to be a ton of fun!

With much fanfare, the premiere of Peace on Your Wings takes place in Japan The award-winning youth musical by Cadenza Artist Laurie Rubin and Jenny Taira is a fun, poignant, and inspiring pop-rock show with traditional Japanese influences Based on the true story of young Sadako Sasaki and her 1000 paper cranes, now a symbol of World Peace and hope, this is a multilayered musical with lasting impact for all

Animator and performing artist Miwa Matreyek engages in a residency in the UAE, through NYU-Abu Dhabi and the US Embassy, as an important part of their national conversation leading up to COP 28, the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai occurring in December 2023 She will also be part of the prestigious Hong Kong Arts Festival in 2024!

After postponing a 65-city US tour due to the pandemic, New Zealand based singer/entertainer Will Martin is finally back in the US, performing in the Pacific NW in Spring 2024 During the interim, he has been keeping busy performing Marius in Les Miz at the esteemed Auckland Civic Theatre, appearing on television, and giving concerts both online and in person in NZ

Preeti Vasudevan Contemporary

Dancer, Choreographer and Cultural Storyteller

Known for her provocative theatrical works, Preeti Vasudevan ignites classical Indian dance motifs in contemporary ways to illuminate myths, oral histories, and cultural identities. Preeti’s many collaborations draw upon dance, music, poetry, mime, visual art, and theatre. Preeti is both a soloist and the leader of Thresh Dance Theatre, her performing arts collaborative featuring cross-cultural theatrical storytelling, residencies, and outreach programs for underrepresented peoples on a variety of social issues. We sat down with her to get the latest on her new creations.

Preeti, you are known for crafting highly collaborative projects that join live performance art with cuttingedge visuals in order to tell deep cross-cultural stories. What are your creative processes and influences?

I start with, “Who am I, and what story am I telling that will matter for my audience and myself?” Communication is very important to me, and we communicate in many ways Multi-disciplinary work is key because it opens up the storytelling kaleidoscopically with many entry points of meaning This gives access and significance to different cultural communities and brings together shared experiences and emotions. By exploring personal questions and my place in the larger community, the collaborations become more vulnerable and honest with challenging moments that tell deeper stories and thoughts. The work allows audiences to emote more freely and deepen their understanding of the conditions we choose to create and live in.

Currently, you have a new work, Indian Letters, in the workshopping process. Can you share more about this project and its meaning for you?

Indian Letters is a piece for two people relating as artists and humans. It's about friendship, trust, and exploring the profound question of “Where is Home?” Amar Ramasar (former principal dancer at NYC Ballet) and I started this work in 2016 as an experiment between ballet and bharatanatyam. From the first moment, we realized we shared a deeper vulnerability that we decided to explore through our individual forms of dance Through each step, we came to know one another and we began developing a series of duets about our growing friendship through the ups and downs of our lives We share the common heritage of India and, at the peak of our hardest times, we went to India to deeply explore where trust lies and what our friendship means Our journey through this most ancient and spiritual land was a very reflective period for us, and we plan to incorporate the documentary film we shot during that time into our live performance of Indian Letters

Listen is perhaps your biggest and most ambitious commission to date. Why is this project so important?

Listen is a terrific project that MUST be produced -- it’s so important to push the status quo and question what ‘normal’ means It's also a project that pushes my own growth as an artist - to explore and dive into new worlds and collaborate with those who approach life very differently The project’s inspiration is Shannon Stocker’s book, Listen – the powerful story of deaf percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie, her hearing loss as a child, and the impact on her life journey

My vision is to create a fantastical theatrical piece to tell her story, bringing together deaf and non-deaf movement artists, ASL and other cultural gestures, and live symphonic music. Some of the goals of this piece are to show how we

can listen to each other and why non-verbal communication is a true way of ‘listening’. This commission creates a space where deaf and non-deaf communities can meet and learn from each other, and hopefully open the doors for varied audiences to experience a different way of listening

How do your roots influence your stylistic context?

I trained deeply in Indian classical dance-theater from the age of 5 While training, my teacher would always make us observe life outside the dance studios India is a culture of contrasts -- silence within chaos; color within a single shade; spirituality meets modernity The notion of identity was also key for me -- who we are as individuals within a complex larger community These are my foundation and, by immersing myself in the arts, I have been able to swim in almost any culture and experience multiple ways of observing and learning My stylistic content has been impacted by this complex approach, where I build a space to experiment with constant learning and collaborations with very creative and interesting artists who all explore the dialogue between identity and our place in society

Your extensive work with First Nations Peoples has inspired a powerful arts-based outreach project and another commission. Can you share more?

As a naturalized American my first question was “What does this mean to me?”: I am an immigrant in a country of immigrants and have been collaborating with artists of differing backgrounds But there was a bigger question of what is important about being called ‘American’. First Voices, my work with the First Nations of this country, has opened that question to a much deeper and more significant level. By knowing the stories of the original

people of this land, I feel that we will start to truly understand our collective journey into what we call America These stories are timeless and teach us about the people, land, environment, and value of this place we call home Given the deeply troubled history of Native Americans and the decimation of their identities, I think its critical we listen deeply to each other's stories, languages, and cultures - from the past and present - to open doors to understanding each other so that future generations are united through the wisdom of these timeless stories

Your company, Thresh Dance Theatre, turns 20 in 2025. What is the next chapter of creative work for Thresh?

For the past 20 years, Thresh has been building a significant voice in the quest to erase boundaries through performance. Starting as an experimental platform to question and challenge classical arts, the company has grown to be a center for multidisciplinary collaborations with storytelling as the centerpiece in creative dialogue. As we enter the next 20 years, we will be creating a platform for the next generation of artists to create their works, push the status quo, and continue the dialogue on identity Thresh will bring mentors in the form of artists, scientists, philosophers, etc to question how we can bring change to the future We also have some great creative productions planned as we continue the deeper dive into identity, community, and dialogue between our heritage cultures and contemporary lives

Learn more about Preeti's projects on page 9 & 15 and visit her website at www.threshdance.org

“

...can only be described as amazingly purposeful...constantly investigating fresh questions on existentialism and personal identity.” - Vogue

GUY MENDILOW ENSEMBLE

Live Multimedia Ensemble

The Guy Mendilow Ensemble is a collection of worldclass musicians, singers, visual artists, and theatrical designers. Through moving multimedia performances such as The Forgotten Kingdom, residencies/ facilitations and consultancy, GME creates spaces of listening for people to explore experiences and perspectives different from their own, and the ways their stories intersect with those of others. Cadenza interviewed Guy to learn more about his projects and community work.

Your works often feature themes of cultural shifts, societal change, and deep personal reckoning. They are often historically rooted but deeply relevant today. Are you making a statement on current realities or is that happening as a mere consequence of telling timeless stories?

I am concerned with tendencies to reduce complex situations, people and choices into simplistic binaries usually an “us” vs a monolithic, dehumanized “them,” whether Black vs White, Good vs Evil, Democrat vs Republican, and so on Ways out of this generally start with people’s experience of being understood and accepted (importantly, agreement is not necessary). But a paradox is that these sorts of reductions often shut their own exits Just listening to someone from the opposite camp can feel threatening But stories can make a difference Stories have a subtle but powerful priming effect on ways we perceive ourselves, others and environments around us. The more a story moves us, the stronger the impact That’s one reason I’m drawn to live multimedia storytelling The combination of powerful spoken word with music - whether as emotionally-driving underscore or main story-teller - and with captivating visual narratives can create stirring experiences

These lead audiences to feel personal connections with situations and people that may not have figured on their emotional landscapes. Connection drives curiosity, and curiosity opens greater possibilities to be surprised: to NOT have quick, easy answers; to suspend assumptions; to probe ambiguity Over time, and especially with deft facilitation, this changes people’s choices. Like painter Mark Rothko put it, “the art of living is an adventure into the unknown world which can be explored only by those willing to take risks ”

The Forgotten Kingdom is a powerful show that was produced in innovative ways. What made this particular show so challenging from a production perspective?

We assigned ourselves several production challenges For example, it was important that the show tour affordably, with minimal footprint. I wanted it to be easily flown, not trucked. We developed a scenic design relying on lightweight fabrics built around the most easily-sourced screen we could find These scenic elements fit into two flight cases and, unlike typical theatrical scenery, go up in hours. We also ensured the performance would be mountable with abbreviated theatre time, using a skeletal touring crew

The studio-filmed, theatrically projected sand art by Kseniya Simonova is key to the performance and is present from start to finish, ‘following’ the live narration and score This required inventing editing, projection and lighting techniques to allow sand to play ‘support’ roles when the music or narration is ‘lead’ storyteller, as distinguished from times when the sand is the principal storyteller and creates, then obliterates or morphs images to form fluid narratives We had little precedent to guide us in theatrically projecting sand animation in these ways, and it was Kseniya’s first time creating an evening-length story with recurring characters and settings, so we learned through experimentation

Sand Artist, Kseniya Simonova

The Forgotten Kingdom in performance

What was so significant about TFK that you chose to stick with it through so many development iterations? Why this story? Why now?

At first, I was mainly motivated by convictions that these songs and stories simply deserved recognition Then I got wrapped up in larger societal questions For example, Ottoman citizenship encompassed Muslim, Christian and Jewish ethnic groups, with little intergroup violence for hundreds of years until fragmenting into ethnic nationstates. What are the implications of a society premised on difference as norm, even strength? The further I dug, the more it became apparent that many of the show’s underlying struggles persist and I’ve been drawn to the show’s more personal questions. For example, Kseniya and her children continue to live out the turmoil of the Russian war in Ukraine As a father, I am haunted by the notion of curating a memory book for a child so that, decades from now, they would feel how it is to live now, and so they might understand the choices we, today, make or fail to make.

You have a unique approach to working with presenters. Can you share a bit about your process of exploration and building connections in communities?

The more residency explorations touch on participants’ experiences and needs, the more resonant the impact Which of a show’s themes and questions seem most alive for these people? How do these themes and questions play out in their lives? To get at this, residency design typically launches with site-visits to cultivate trust and mutual excitement, and to open windows into people’s aspirations. Along with structured gatherings like listening sessions, site visits include unstructured time for organic relationshipbuilding, unexpected conversations, and participation in the community’s day-to-day. What we learn informs the residency purpose that guides design decisions

For example, at Babson College a theme that surfaced in listening sessions with students, faculty and staff was that many students struggled with risks, often conflating unwanted outcomes with personal failure In extremes, this inhibited learning, undermining self-confidence or leading to rigidly dismissing others Drawing on my training, I created Reframing Risk In these workshops, purposeful movement and group improvisation created a bank of personal experience, allowing students to recognize more of their assumptions about risks, failures and frustrations, reframing their stories to ones that, over time, scaffold greater well-being and growth.

Along with demand as a composer and performer, you are also in demand for board retreats and your work with communities and groups. Can you share a bit about that work?

A board’s need to navigate uncertainty with flexibility and creativity is not new Nor is it novel to link these qualities of resilience with psychological safety emerging when members feel heard, understood and valued. However what may be somewhat unusual is harnessing experiential approaches in the performing arts, together with purposeful gathering design and facilitation, towards these aims. For example, each group is made of stories and histories that may go unrecognized What happens when artistic principles and strategies are tapped to mirror community members’ own stories in moving ways? If this sounds esoteric, consider your experiences when you feel someone is not listening, when you feel you matter less than whatever else is captivating another person’s attention Now bring to mind how your sharing changes when someone does offer the spacious presence to really listen Sharing these stories in such environments can be transformative for both the speaker and the listener.

Learn more about Guy Mendilow Ensemble's projects on page 9 & 17 and visit their website at www.guymendilowensemble.com

Guy Mendilow

IMMERSIVE RESIDENCIES

Cadenza Artists believes that the arts are one of the most powerful vehicles to connect people in joyful and collective expression, and we consistently hear that many of our partners are committed building deeper connections with their communities. With this in mind, we highlight a few immersive residency offerings that provide opportunities to explore this connectedness in an effort to deepen our work with artists, presenters, partners, and communities. These offerings are of variable lengths, ranging from 1-2 hour workshops to multi-year collaborative residencies.

RADIO PLAY(S) LISTENING LAB: Storytelling to Strengthen Communities

In each person is a world of perspective and experience that takes the shape of story This story, when shared, can help further strengthen communities by building meaningful relationships rooted in curiosity, generous listening, and dignity

Led by composer/storycatcher Guy Mendilow and literary artist Regie Gibson, Listening Labs are facilitated forums wherein moving stories told through powerful spoken word, music, and theatrically projected sand animation invite participants into conversations that are honest, intimate, and alive Imagine: what would it be like for a community to have even greater understanding, even greater respect for its members? Participants are asked to bring their willingness to suspend assumptions and be surprised!

Listening Labs are part of the Radio Play(s) project, addressing mounting civic and social tensions compounded by COVID-19 through innovative performances and social dynamics interventions. From organizational leaders seeking to further strengthen and examine relationships, community and business leaders looking to navigate volatility with greater creativity through deepened understandings and collaborations, to students focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion, US history, and social-emotional learning, participants in the Radio Play(s) project grow as human beings and, in turn, become better leaders.

FIRST VOICES: Social Impact Residency Project

Founded by Preeti Vasudevan, First Voices works with students at reservation high schools and tribal colleges to create digital (video-based) performances of ancestral stories that are published and distributed via a dedicated online portal The narratives selected for the performance range from ancient origin stories to recent colonial-era history

Working with professional teaching artists (Native and nonNative), tribal elders, and storytellers to produce the videos, students convey the narrative by breaking down the story into scenes and applying movement, choreography, visual art, music making with a composer, and directing/filmmaking These are combined as the stories are presented in the original tribal language (with subtitles) to create a rich archive for future generations

First Voices is based on a core belief that learning through the arts is critical to young people's development of selfconfidence, teamwork and leadership Through First Voices, participants reconnect with indigenous ways of knowing as they express ancestral stories within the context of their own lives, and as they build meaningful long-term connections with audiences within their own communities and beyond

Completed story videos and related content are also integrated into cross-curricular lesson plans for educators at high school and college levels.

Guy Mendilow

Preeti Vasudevan

VOX FEST: Interactive Multicultural Festival

Vox Fest is an international festival whose mission is to expand the awareness of the diversity and plurality in vocal music. It does this by delivering dramatic performances by extraordinary artists from across the globe Focusing on the voice as an instrument, the festival is a new branch of Voxploration, an award-winning educational program on spontaneous music creation created by Clarice Assad, Brazilian-American composer, instrumentalist, and vocalist with worldwide reach. As an acclaimed music educator, Clarice teaches vocal techniques such as beatbox, overtone singing, and more, as well as body percussion with rhythmic notation that is accessible to anyone regardless of previous music training. Additionally, participants explore the integration between various forms of art, including theater, dance, music, and visual arts, all while composing scenes and musical numbers in a highly interactive and intuitive way. These workshops serve as an empowerment tool for self-discovery, connection, and unmatched levels of creativity

During the four-day Vox Fest, three other headlining artists from around the world meet to collaborate, engage in educational projects reflecting their specialty, and perform a set for the first 3 nights On the fourth night, the final show engages all the headliners and workshop participants in a public performance where the artists share the stage in different configurations with repertoire not previously showcased For the Grand Finale, audience members are in for a surprise: A 15-minute new work by Clarice Assad for the headliners and the participants in the VOXploration Workshop Sessions which also includes audience participation, one of Clarice's specialties

I BELIEVE: Community Transformation Initiative

Musician, activist, and cultural catalyst, Lara Downes’ education and community transformation initiative, I Believe, invites young people across the United States to share what they believe in, creating a "credo" for our time and a vision of our future by voicing the beliefs that can unite us in a vision of shared humanity and a greater good.

As “I Believe” video and audio submissions are received, they are shared to social media and web galleries that represent a wide diversity of young American voices and perspectives Shandela Contreras, a Los Angeles Youth Poet Laureate finalist, says, “I believe in progression I believe that you compose your heart's anthem." Fourteenyear old rising star violinist, Amaryn Olmeda, shares her credo: "I believe in the power of music to bring people together in peace and harmony.” These and other credos can be heard at www.laradownes.com/i-believe

The I Believe project is highlighted during Lara's tours, and coordinated nationally via partnerships with institutions including the Los Angeles Master Chorale, the Philadelphia Orchestra, Classical California KDFC and KUSC, Saratoga Performing Arts Center in New York, and many others.

I Believe was inspired by the music of Duke Ellington, Margaret Bonds, George Gershwin and other American composers whose music expresses a vision of equality, unity and community In an essay for NPR, Lara wrote, “One of our greatest freedoms maybe the most important is the freedom to know what we believe in; to have a voice and to have our voice be heard That’s why I am asking: `What's your Credo?’”

Clarice Assad Lara Downes

Are you going through a challenging time or experiencing a setback? The way you measure success might be making things harder than they have to be

You see, there’s a big difference between what we think success looks like versus how it actually happens

iCadenza Tips: Success Is NOT A Straight Line

by Julia Levitan

Many people have a misguided perception that for other people, success looks like a straight line or even an exponential curve... standing sharp contract with our own experience

But the truth is, the circuitous route to success is far more common - for everyone! Indeed, for most people, the journey towards success looks like the squiggly line above

This is the experience of every single client I've worked with, from a Fortune 500 CEO to an artist who is still in high school

My own journey has been very similar

Here are some tips to help you along the inevitable downturns of the journey.

Learning Often Doesn’t Look Like Success Right

Away. In fact, it's usually the opposite.

If you measure your progress while you're in the learning process about something new, it’s not going to look like success. It might even feel like you’re going backwards. Instead, you are doing something vital: you are planting the seeds for future growth

If you don’t learn new things, you’ll fail to grow And without growth, long-term success will be stunted

Drop the measuring stick

There is more than one way to measure success

We can think about success as merely progress towards a goal or we can consider that we are on a larger journey, recognizing that everything we experience is a part of the evolution of our soul, our wisdom, our higher self. And the success path from that vantage point is less obvious Sometimes, it is in the downturns that our soul might evolve the most.

Remember that personal growth can occur on many levels, some much richer than the career growth and outward success that we can observe with our naked eye.

Learning and evolution don't always look as neat and tidy from the outside but the impact is profound and lasting. And this is often easier to observe looking back on the experience later rather than while you're in the thick of it

Shortcut: connect with your soul line

Often, when we are growing the most, we're not visibly moving forward on the goal line as rapidly as we think we want to

But what I've learned is that the soul growth approach is actually a short cut.

If we allow ourselves to grow here, we can move faster and often even skip some of the stops we would have otherwise taken We can move on exponential curves rather than straight ones

Personally, some of my greatest challenges and blunders led to the most accelerated growth in my life, allowing me to ultimately ascend faster on the "success" curve

So the next time you're experiencing a perceived setback, try not to muscle through it with resistance and complaints and explore what's possible if you embrace it as a potential shortcut in your larger journey

iCadenza is a coaching and consulting firm for professional musicians and arts organizations. Learn more and schedule a complimentary consultation at www icadenza com

THE ROSTER

Bella Gaia

Miwa Matreyek

enra

Impro Theatre

Preeti Vasudevan/Thresh

Canada's Ballet Jörgen

Siudy Garrido Flamenco

Guy Mendilow Ensemble

Celebrating Ella: Live from the Apollo Border Crossing

The Gavilán Brothers

DePue Brothers Band

Bridge & Wolak

Project Trio

Clarice Assad Trio

Clarice Assad w/ Invoke

A Fuego Lento

Vanessa Perez w/ The Dalí Quartet

Mélange

Salute to Vienna, New Year's Eve Concert

Lara Downes

Daniel Ho

Yves Dhar

Kelly Hall-Tompkins

Vanessa Perez

Terry Barber

Laurie Rubin

Spencer Day

Judy Collins

Will Martin

Cosmic Reflection

Aaron Dworkin's The American Rhapsody

Downes: New Works for Piano & Orchestra

Moon River & Me Listen

Tangorium

The Mute

Automation

Frankenstein

March of the Penguins

Hercules vs Vampires

The Secret Garden

Aldo Lopez Gavilán

Clarice Assad

Quinn Mason

Bruce Broughton

Nolan Gasser

Elkhanah Pulitzer

BELLA GAIA

Multimedia Performance Artists

“Out of this World” - US Today

BELLA GAIA is an unprecedented NASA-powered immersive, audiovisual experience that communicates, without words, the natural and cultural BEAUTY of the planet (BELLA), and the INTERCONNECTEDNESS of all things on Earth (GAIA) by combining supercomputer data from NASA, views of Earth from space, photographs, and stirring LIVE performances of music and dance from around the world

Created from the vision of composer/director Kenji Williams, BELLA GAIA has proven, time and again, to generate the elusive but critical emotional response: A Reason to Care A fully scalable production, performances are often paired with community engagement activities and educational workshops

Also available is a new version of BELLA GAIA with an epic collaboration with Willam Close & The Earth Harp Collective where two of the most popular touring shows combine forces for one spectacular evening of connection and appreciation for our Mother Earth The magic of the Earth Harp's strings hung above the audience, combined with an array of dynamic instruments, takes this production to another cosmic level

MIWA MATREYEK

Animation Performance Artist

Matreyek’s critically-acclaimed solo work integrates multiple layers of animation, performance, and video installations Equal parts uncompromising and fantastical, she nonverbally explores themes of environmentalism, global warming, urban planning, and water conservation

Touring Projects Include:

Infinitely Yours

This

“Magical...the sheer breadth of the imagery ... is unlike anything you’ve seen before ”

- Los Angeles Times

enra

Multimedia Performance Artists

“Combining elements of dance, performance art, music, technology, light and more, the versatile Japanese troupe ‘enra’ has stumbled upon magic.” – The Huffington Post

The key to enra’s artistry is the fusion of interactive digital technology with performance art They are a performance company that blends the skills of dancers with backgrounds in martial arts, gymnastics, ballet, animation dance, juggling and street dance with projected digital art. enra creates fresh stories that explore space, time, and gravity

enra is represented in partnership with Empire Entertainment Japan, Inc

IMPRO THEATRE

Comedic Theatre Company

“Watching Impro Theatre make up plays is like watching Cirque du Soleil perform acrobatics a feat that expands the definition of human potential. As high a degree of general excellence in writing, acting, and direction as I have seen in any theater company in America.” – Stage & Cinema

Founded in 1988, Impro Theatre creates completely improvised, full-length plays in the styles of the world’s greatest playwrights, authors and composers

With no pre-planning or prepared scenarios, the performers combine verbal dexterity and robust physicality to bring character and plot to life in an instant, making each Impro Theatre show unique and unlike any other theatrical experience

Touring Programs Include:

Jane Austen UnScripted

Shakespeare UnScripted

Twilight Zone UnScripted

Fairytales UnScripted

Sondheim UnScripted

PREETI VASUDEVAN

award-winning Indian-American choreographer, performer, cultural storyteller, and thought leader, founder and artistic director of Thresh Dance Theatre

NOW BOOKING: Stories by Hand

An autobiographical solo exploring Preeti’s personal experiences as a contemporary Indian woman in the United States This piece takes the intricate hand gestures of Bharatanatyam (classical Indian dance) as the basis for a storytelling dance-theatre -- interweaving east and west, past and present, the mythic and the everyday -- as the dancer searches for individual identity

Indian Letters

A collaboration between Preeti and Amar Ramasar (Former Principal dancer for NYCB), Indian Letters is an immersive digital-theater project about two people, both dancers, who rediscover themselves through a dynamic dialogue of cultural exchange by asking the question, "where is home?" and to throw new light on issues of race, assimilation, faith and identity in the twenty-first century Music by composer Kamala Sankaram.

CURRENTLY SEEKING CO-COMMISSIONERS FOR OTHER PROJECTS INCLUDING: BOOK

L'Orient: Search for the Real Lakmé

A provocative dance opera re-inventing the 19th-century French opera Lakmé, set during the final audition in the cut-throat world of reality TV.

7 Sisters: Voices of Women

A multimedia performance project connecting the voices of indigenous women storytellers from the seven (7) first nations tribes, who represent the deep truths of their land, lives and ancestors. Their stories (through letters, prose and poems and oral recordings) share expressions of resilience and hope through time and displacement, revealing forced migration and causing turbulent life changes.

Listen

A blend of dance, music, and theatre as a lively and imaginative interpretation of Shannon Stocker’s book, Listen, the story of hearingdisabled Scottish percussionist, Dame Evelyn Glennie More on page 33.

PREETI VASUDEVAN'S SHOWSNOW!

CANADA’S BALLET JÖRGEN

Anne of Green Gables-The Ballet®

Ballet Company

“The company is a rare and exhilarating find."

- New York Times

This highly revered classical company celebrates the best of Canadian choreographers, stories, and reimagined traditional ballets, and has produced over 200 well-loved ballets in its 30year history Their current touring production is the exclusive and full-length Anne of Green Gables – The Ballet®, a must for family programming Based on the beloved children's novel, the production is playful, colorful, evocative, and a tour de force.

This is the only company in the world authorized to present this ballet, and uses the popular score from Anne of Green Gables – The Musical™

Anne of Green Gables – The Ballet® will be touring the US in October 2024.

SUIDY GARRIDO FLAMENCO Flamenco

Troupe

“Garrido is a brilliant soloist with a vibrant company”

- Los Angeles Times

Siudy Garrido, 2011 Drama Desk's outstanding choreography nominee and featured in 2019's World of Dance competition, is one of today's most impressive stars in Flamenco With her Venezuelan company, Siudy incorporates Afro-Carribean rhythms and structures to create an exhilarating brand of percussive Flamenco that has been called "mesmerizing", "first class", and "perfection" by critics

Touring Projects Include:

Bailaora – within me, within you

Flamenco Intimo

Flamenco A Dos!

Amor Brujo (with Orchestra)

GUY MENDILOW ENSEMBLE

Cutting-edge group of world-class musicians, singers, visual artists, theatrical designers

“…artistic quality of the highest caliber” - Blake Smith, Clayton Center for the Arts

An international tour de force, GME weaves inspiring stories through live riveting scores, narration blending memoir and poetry, and dreamlike theatrically projected sand animation. Their productions center on realworld tales of the choices people make in times of personal or societal change - especially unexpected grace in the midst of upheaval GME’s tales are inspired by atmospherics of Michael Ondaatje and Dan Carlin’s vivid restoration of faded historical memory GME has been honored with awards from the NEA, NEFA, and WAA for its artistry, cultural preservation, and strengthening of communities through the arts

THE FORGOTTEN KINGDOM

This multimedia production honors often-unheard female voices, exploring familial love, ethnic tensions and the ways ordinary people navigate cataclysmic change in a multicultural society

TFK is like an interwar letter from a mother to her daughter, in the form of a book of memory so that years later, once grown the daughter would remember how it felt to live in her parents’ vibrant, multiethnic Mediterranean world, before its unraveling As the people, places and events that made a home come vividly alive, the daughter and audiences with her plunges into the days before wars splintered the Ottoman Empire into ethnic nation-states.

Breathtaking sand images are created, morphed, and obliterated to form intensely emotional chronicles The cinematographic score reframes Ottoman Jewish Women’s song, drawing on Tango’s bittersweet rawness, the rhythmic fire of Arabic percussion, and gorgeous vocal harmonies layered on Western classical harmonic roots Sand and music intertwine with a “masterfully narrated tale,” bound together with evocative lighting and scenic design

DIFFERENT SHIPS, SAME BOAT

Through powerful spoken word, music and song, Different Ships, Same Boat unfolds through a series of chapters each curating moving stories to explore a facet of the ways we risk, live, love and laugh Literary performer Regie Gibson and composer Guy Mendilow guide audiences with podcast-like narration, at turns humorous, poignant or poetic, over an evocative musical score With stories from WWII Hungary to modern small towns and cities in the US, along with songs spanning lyrical American Blues to Ottoman Jewish cantigas in the endangered language of Ladino, this production offers a stirring exploration of the joys, tensions, and complexities of who we are, and who we wish to be, to ourselves and to each other.

Regie Gibson & Guy Mendilow

CELEBRATING ELLA:

LIVE FROM THE APOLLO

Jazz Tribute

“An evening of music worthy of Lady Ella herself" - Downbeat Magazine

A blockbuster celebration of the life and legacy of Apollo Legend and Queen of Jazz, Ella Fitzgerald. This “spectacular show” (Downbeat Magazine) employs a rotating cast of star-studded talents such as Patti Austin, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Audra Day, and Niki Harris, each of whom embodies a different period of Ella’s decades-long, genre-changing career. Produced by eight-time GRAMMY® winning producer Gregg Field, CELEBRATING ELLA features fan-favorite Ella tunes, intertwined with stories told by the musicians who knew the down to earth, humble woman behind the legend

CELEBRATING ELLA: Live from the Apollo is presented in partnership with GSTudio Digital, Concord Records, New York's Apollo Theatre, and the Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation

BORDER CROSSING

Global Touring Project

"Ranging from the simply superlative to the absolutely superb.” – Oakland Tribune

A live tour of the debut album of Nolan Gasser –critically acclaimed composer, pianist, musicologist, and genius architect of Pandora Radio’s Music Genome Project – and The Mighty Mighty The album BORDER CROSSING is produced by multiGRAMMY® Award winner Gregg Field, and the live concert enables a holistic experience in a truly distinctive way: a performance that is a literal reflection of the world of music

Featuring Nolan on piano and The Mighty Mighty – a dazzling collaboration of rock, jazz, and world A-list musicians and vocalists* – BORDER CROSSING is an ambitious and innovative fusion of harmony and improvisation that melds global music styles (African, Middle Eastern, European) with the American aesthetics and excitement of rock, jazz, and folk.

*The Mighty Mighty consists of Nolan Gasser, Tim Ries, Matt Szemela, Dimitris Mahlis, George Doering, Jamey Haddad, Carlos del Puerto, and Gary Novack, among others, with special guest featured vocalists.

THE GAVILÁN BROTHERS

Electrifying Cuban Duo

“Aldo is a skilled jazz improviser with an impressive technique…while Ilmar’s soaring violin rose above the fray with memorable melodies...”

- The Boston Musical Intelligencer

Aldo López-Gavilán – an internationally renowned jazz and classical pianist/composer from Havana, Cuba, who has been praised for his “dazzling technique and rhythmic fire” (Seattle Times) – and his brother Ilmar Gavilán – GRAMMY® winner and first violinist of New York’s famed Harlem Quartet – are performing together as The Gavilán Brothers and are taking the U S by storm after being featured in the PBS documentary Los Hermanos / The Brothers, which tells the story of their separate but parallel lives as musicians

The duet will be touring original jazz music infused with Latin and neo-classical flavors from the brothers' breathtaking album, Brothers, composed by Aldo and edited for violin and piano by Ilmar.

DEPUE BROTHERS BAND

Bluegrass Americana

“This band of brothers gives real meaning to the phrase ‘progressive bluegrass,’ bending genres while delivering a powerful mix of classical chops, blazing bluegrass, and rock and roll.”

– Hal Real, Founder of World Cafe Live

The DePue Brothers Band encompasses a vivid blend of bluegrass, classical, and rock genres Hailing from Bowling Green, Ohio, the brothers are the founders of the term “grassical music,” pioneering this style in the early 1990’s Each DePue brother is a classical violin virtuoso in his own right, and brings rich and diverse talents to the band’s sound

The band was named “Musical Family of America” by presidential decree and was the subject of a nationally televised PBS documentary Concerts feature music from Copland to Van Halen, with December holiday concerts celebrating seasonal favorites.

BRIDGE & WOLAK

Witty Contemporary Chamber Duo

“Fresh, exciting and fun, dispelling any of the old preconceptions about classical music…”

– Barrie Examiner

Michael Bridge (accordions & piano) and Kornel Wolak (clarinet & piano) are an internationally-acclaimed music & comedy duo, integrating traditional acoustic instruments with 21st-century digital technology Performing their own uniquely re-imagined repertoire of classical, world and jazz fusion with deft virtuosity and endless wit, Bridge & Wolak have been called the “Victor Borges of the 21st Century ” These fun-loving gentlemen (with eight degrees in music between the two of them) are both globe-trotting musicians and captivating educators

Touring Projects Include:

Mysterious Planets

Scandalous Romantics

Tangorium (with Orchestra)

PROJECT TRIO

High-Octane Chamber Ensemble

“First rate playing grounded in Classical Music” - Wall Street Journal

PROJECT Trio is a passionate, high-energy chamber music ensemble comprised of three virtuosic composers/performers with a configuration of beat-boxing flute, tenor sax, and double bass. Blending their classical training with an eclectic taste in musical styles, the group has made an impact on audiences of all ages

Gramophone Magazine singled out the group as “an ensemble willing and able to touch on the gamut of musical bases ranging from Baroque to nu-Metal and taking in pretty much every stylism in between,” while The Wall Street Journal hailed the Trio for their “wide appeal, subversive humor, and first-rate playing ” The New York Times has called beatboxing flutist Greg Pattillo “the best in the world at what he does.”

Bursting onto the scene with their landmark social media videos, PROJECT Trio is a musical experience defining a new level of entertainment!

Bach to Benny Goodman

CADENZA ROSTER - ENSEMBLES

CLARICE ASSAD TRIO

Dynamic Brazilian Ensemble

“She energetically bends music to her will and reshapes it with fascinating results.”

– Jazz Improv Magazine

Multi-talented Clarice Assad (composer, multi-instrumentalist, vocalist) is a significant artistic voice in the classical, world, pop, and jazz genres As a GRAMMY® nominee, she is acclaimed for her evocative colors, rich textures, and diverse stylistic range Clarice is currently touring as a trio and with a quartet.

The Clarice Assad Trio is an energetic and daring three-piece ensemble of internationally accomplished musicians performing a varied repertoire of classical, jazz, Avante Garde, Brazilian, and world music with various instruments in different combinations. The trio includes GRAMMY® winner percussionist Keita Ogawa and guitarist João Luiz Rezende and have performed all over North America, Southeast Asia, and South America Some venues and series the trio have appeared in include Jazz at Lincoln Center in NYC, the Savannah Music Festival, Moab Music Festival, the Cabrillo Music Festival, the Caramoor Jazz Festival, and Cal Performances in San Francisco

CLARICE

ASSAD w/ INVOKE

Genre-Fusing Ensemble

"Classical, Folk, Bluegrass, Americana and a sound yet to be termed seamlessly merged into a perfect one” - David Srebnik, SiriusXM Classical Producer

Clarice Assad teams up with multi-instrumental quartet, Invoke, to bring a program to audiences unlike anything before. Successfully dodging even the most valiant attempts at genre classification, Invoke encompasses traditions from across America, including bluegrass, Appalachian fiddle tunes, jazz, and minimalism, while Clarice's unique vocal stylings and use of piano and electronics are in a class on its own.

The electrifying collaboration creates an unexpected pairing of great music from across the centuries From Bach to The Beach Boys, and Ravel to The Beatles, this ensemble puts its own spin on retropop and classical music with unique arrangements for a cool, exciting, and inspiring concert

CADENZA

Program in collaboration with Jensen Artists

A FUEGO LENTO

A Latin American Celebration

“Latin exuberance, European refinement and great energy…” - San Francisco Sentinel, USA

A Fuego Lento is a new collaboration between two brilliant Latin American pianists and a multi-genre arranger With the goal of adapting the classical piano music concert to the vibrant, colorful musical traditions of Latin America, this collective aims to pull together audiences with music that will celebrate life and inspire reflection

Pianists Vanessa Perez and Kristhyan Benitez join forces with music arranger Stephen Buck to fuse the virtuosic and expressive tradition of classical piano with the artistry and reach of popular and folk styles Vanessa recently collaborated with Bill Murray on both the concert tour and film version of Beyond Worlds: The Cradle of Civilization, Kristhyan won the 2021 Latin GRAMMY® for Best Classical Music Album, and Stephen is the man behind some of the most innovative, entertaining, and stimulating concert experiences today

VANESSA PEREZ w/ THE DALÍ QUARTET

Glimmering Piano Quintet

“The Latin American program alternately glimmered and blazed.” -The Philadelphia Inquirer

Pianist Vanessa Perez and The Dalí Quartet partner for a Latin American journey that spans centuries and continents: from VillaLobos to Clarice Assad, from Antonio Soler to Willie Colón, from the Spanish Baroque to Latin American classics and music played in the streets such as La Murga during Panama’s carnival, all adapted for piano quintet This ensemble not only brings music performed in major concert halls throughout the world, but also the music from small towns where participation is universal The wide range of music merges the traditional quartet and piano quintet with popular forms of today, fusing rhythm, power, lyricism, and the inevitable sparkling and effervescent atmosphere of Latin American sounds

MÉLANGE

Chamber Ensemble

“[They relish] the bond with a living, choosing audience.” – New York Times

With their signature concert experience expressed in their name, the NYC-based chamber music ensemble Mélange changes the rules of performance as we know it by inviting the audience to actively participate in the selection of works to be performed

Choosing from a menu of over 30 works, their repertoire ranges from one to six performers, and from genres such as classical, baroque, romantic, jazz, Latin, and Broadway

SALUTE TO VIENNA

New Year's Concert

"One of the most wonderful music concerts of this or any year ” – Chicago Critic

This dazzling performance evokes a golden age of Viennese music, brimming with energy, merriment, and romance It is a glorious re-creation of the beloved Neujahrskonzert, the concert that has welcomed the New Year for more than 80 years in Vienna and all over the world

Led by a witty and charming conductor who is an expert in Viennese music, Salute to Vienna brings the music of Johann Strauss to life with European singers, ballroom dancers, and members of esteemed ballet companies. Backed by the Strauss Symphony of America, the performance is rich with selections from beloved operettas, elegant dances, lively overtures, and the beautiful Blue Danube Waltz

Celebrate the start of the New Year with Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert, delighting audiences in North America for more than 25 years!

LARA DOWNES

Classical Pianist

"A trailblazing pianist who combines exquisite musicality with an acute awareness of how an artist can make a positive and lasting social impact" - The Piano Magazine

Pianist, cultural catalyst, and NY Times Sunday Crossword clue, Pianist, cultural and NY Times Sunday Crossword clue, Lara Downes is an iconoclast and trailblazer whose dynamic Lara Downes is an and whose dynamic work as a sought-after performer, a Billboard Chart-topping work as a sought-after performer, a Billboard Chart-topping recording artist, an NPR personality as host of her own show recording artist, an NPR personality as host of her own show Amplify with Lara Downes Amplify with Lara Downes, curator, and arts advocate, positions , curator, and arts advocate, positions her as a cultural visionary on the national scene She has also her as a cultural visionary on the national scene. She has also been honored as the 2022 Classical Woman of the Year by been honored as the 2022 Classical Woman of the Year by Performance Today Performance Today

Touring Projects Include:

A NEW WORLD A-COMIN’: Birth of the American Sound, with special guest and Broadway legend, Brian Stokes Mitchell

TOMORROW I MAY BE FAR AWAY, featuring former US Poet Laureate Rita Dove

Called “a musical ray of hope” by NBC News and “an explorer

Called “a musical ray of hope” by NBC News and “an explorer whose imagination is fired by bringing notice to the whose imagination is fired by bringing notice to the underrepresented and forgotten” by the Log Journal, Lara seeks underrepresented and forgotten” by the Log Journal, Lara seeks inspiration from the legacies of history and collective memory to inspiration from the legacies of history and collective memory to create a series of acclaimed performances that serve as create a series of acclaimed performances that serve as gathering spaces for her listeners to find common ground and gathering spaces for her listeners to find common ground and shared experience She is also the creator and curator of shared experience. She is the creator and curator of Rising Rising Sun Music Sun Music, a label dedicated to making first recordings of music , a label dedicated to making first recordings of music by Black composers from the 18th century to the present day. by Black from the 18th century to the present day

RAGTIME & RENAISSANCE: American Roots, music and conversation with best-selling author John McWhorter

THIS LAND

HERE ON EARTH, musical depictions of our planet earth with the Miró Quartet

Coming in 2024, iconoclastic pianist Lara Downes presents THIS LAND, a solo piano program that captures 100 years of American transformation, reflecting the troubles and the triumphs of our past and present while imagining our journey ahead.

In February 1924, George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue was premiered in New York City, capturing the exuberant essence of what the composer called “a musical kaleidoscope of America our vast melting pot ” 100 years later, Lara now celebrates the centenary of Gershwin’s masterpiece by pairing the solo version of the Rhapsody in Blue with a newly-commissioned collection of American Rhapsodies, positioning Gershwin's work as a catalyst for the hybridization that has vastly expanded the landscape of American music during a century of immigration and transformation. The multicultural, multidimensional sound of American music in our own time is captured in these new Rhapsodies by a kaleidoscopic array of composers who represent many different versions of being and becoming American, including Arturo O’Farrill, Viet Cuong, Clarice Assad, Shawn Okpebholo and Ivan Enrique Rodriguez

DANIEL HO

Hawaiian Multi-Instrumentalist

“One of the undisputed masters of the instrument” - Ukulele Magazine

Daniel Ho’s simple philosophy of presenting music with sincerity and artistry has earned him six GRAMMY® Awards, number-one albums on national airplay charts, and top-ten albums on Billboard.

Originally from Hawaii, Daniel tours with fellow top international musicians in duets to quintets, performing original and genre-bending music steeped in the flavors of jazz, soft rock, world, Hawaiian, and classical guitar – all of which showcase his prodigious skill on ukulele, slack key, and piano A humble and down-to-Earth soul, Daniel beams with music and the joy of aloha.

Daniel also performs as a trio and with the GRAMMY® nominated Hālau Hula Keali'i o Nālani, a revered dance-and-vocals group known for its commitment to ancient hula and Hawaiian culture

YVES DHAR

Cellist

“…the richly textured sounds of Yves Dharamraj’s cello all contributing amply to the sense of Brahmsian warmth.” –New York Times

Captivating audiences with his lush tone “that might be described as something akin to rich old wood” (Boston Musical Intelligencer), Yves Dhar has earned a worldwide reputation as a “technically and interpretatively outstanding” (STRAD) cellist. Known for his charm, innovation, and innate ability to connect with audiences, the Franco-American is invited by leading orchestras, presenters and arts organizations to perform, inspire and innovate on the world’s major stages.

Read more about Yves's cinematic concerto, Automation, on page 35

KELLY HALL-TOMPKINS

The Fiddler Expanding Tradition

Classical Violinist

“A tonal mastery, a technical command, and a strength of personality.” – Fanfare Magazine

Acclaimed by the New York Times as “the versatile violinist who makes the music come alive” and as a 2017 New York Times “New Yorker of the Year,” Kelly is trailblazing an innovative, creative and entrepreneurial career as a soloist and chamber musician

For thirteen months on Broadway, she was the “Fiddler,” violin soloist for the Bartlett Sher production of “Fiddler on the Roof,” with numerous solos written especially for her Inspired by her experience, she commissioned and developed the first ever Fiddler solo disc of all new arrangements called The Fiddler Expanding Tradition Available for touring, The Fiddler Expanding Tradition features Kelly on violin with a guitar, bass, and accordion ensemble

As a soloist with orchestra, Kelly has a wide range of repertoire including Wynton Marsalis' new violin concerto in D

VANESSA PEREZ

Classical Pianist

“a kind of wild intensity that was often breathtaking ... ” - Washington Post

A frequent collaborator with violinist Daniel Hope, cellist Jan Vogler, and actor Bill Murray, and recently featured on the show Mozart In The Jungle, Perez is widely regarded for her bold, passionate displays of technical virtuosity and keen sensitivity A product of the energized musical culture of Venezuela, Ms. Perez “is not to be taken lightly” (The Washington Post)

Performance highlights include the Gilmore International Keyboard Festival, a collaboration with the Lucerne Symphony Orchestra under John Axelrod in Germany, concerts with the Orquesta de la Juventud Simon Bolivar under Gustavo Dudamel in Caracas, working with Conductor Nikolaj Znaider and the Teresa Carreño Youth Orchestra, the Casals Festival, and the Chopin Festival in Mallorca

Learn about Vanessa's touring collaborations on page 22

TERRY BARBER

“ ... performances of great vitality and verve” - LA Times

With an extraordinarily broad vocal range and natural fluency in many musical styles, rare countertenor Terry Barber has been featured on some of the world’s most storied stages and has worked with many of the music industry’s most prestigious figures As a past member of the GRAMMY® winning group Chanticleer, his voice can be heard on every major record label with a range of artists from Madonna to the London Philharmonic.

Terry's programs include a broad range of repertoire, and he is committed to making his performances accessible, enjoyable, and inspirational all at the same time

TOURING PROJECTS INCLUDE:

Classical for Everyone

Around the World in 80 Minutes

The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber

Broadway Music on Tour

The Christmas Presence

EleMenTrio

Mercury: The Concert Celebration of Queen's Front Man BOOK

LAURIE RUBIN

Mezzo -Soprano

“a young mezzo-soprano whose voice is darkly complex and mysteriously soulful” - Los Angeles Times

Having performed around the world in recital, opera, and with orchestra, Laurie Rubin’s mezzo-soprano voice, spirit and story captivate audiences like no other

Born blind, Rubin has concertized with orchestras and opera companies worldwide to tremendous acclaim, including high praise from the New York Times chief classical music critic Anthony Tommasini, who wrote that she possesses “compelling artistry,” “communicative power,” and a voice that displays “earthy, rich, and poignant qualities ”

As part of the PureLand Duo with internationally acclaimed pianist/composer Jenny Taira, their tours combine classical lyricism with pop influences in their inimitable and inspirational Indie singersongwriter/classical combo style Residencies, outreach, and speaking engagements are available, including Laurie's TED talk.

SPENCER DAY

Pop Jazz Singer/Songwriter

“cool jazz sensibilities” and “cleverly crafted tales” - The Washington Post

As a #1 Billboard charting pop/jazz singer and songwriter, Spencer has headlined venues from Birdland and Lincoln Center to the Hollywood Bowl and London’s West End.

Known for his unique sense of humor and distinctive original songs, his current project “Broadway by Day” celebrates the unlikely friendship between jazz and musical theatre with swinging numbers from “A Chorus Line,” “South Pacific,” “Hello, Dolly!,” and more. Spencer has been called “prodigiously talented” by The Village Voice, "Compelling” from Time Out NY, “Brilliant” by The San Francisco Chronicle, with raves for his “cool jazz sensibilities, cleverly crafted tales” from The Washington Post.

JUDY COLLINS

Singer / Songwriter

“You could argue Collins has earned that ‘legend’ distinction as much by interpreting and inspiring songs as she has by writing or singing them…” – Edmonton Journal

With an impressive career spanning over fifty years, awardwinning, legendary singer/songwriter Judy Collins has thrilled audiences worldwide with her unique blend of interpretative folk songs and contemporary themes Her stunning rendition of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now” from her landmark 1967 album, Wildflowers, has been entered into the GRAMMY® Hall of Fame

This transcendent artist takes audiences through gorgeous renditions of standards from the American Songbook, as well as some of the most beloved songs from her catalog of more than 50 releases, including Both Sides Now, Send in the Clowns, Bridge Over Troubled Waters, Someday Soon, Chelsea Morning, Secret Gardens, and more Also highlighted are her original compositions from her 2023 GRAMMY®-nominated album, Spellbound

WILL MARTIN

Entertainer / Vocalist

“A once in a generation talent ... he is head and shoulders above any other international artist around at present” - Dickon Stainer, Universal Music’s Global Classics

Originally from Aukland, New Zealand, internationally acclaimed vocalist and entertainer Will Martin - the youngest man in history to top the UK Classical Charts - has grabbed the attention of audiences around the world with his engaging performance style, alluring personality, and expressive voice across multiple musical genres. Will has performed at world-renowned venues and festivals and has been a favorite guest performer of national anthems at the world’s most prestigious governmental ceremonies and international sporting events.

Touring Projects Include:

Timeless (a celebration of the great singers of the last century such as Josh Groban, Elton John, Simon & Garfunkle, and more!)

Will Martin Sings Dean Martin (available as a solo or trio)

Judy Collins is represented in partnership with the Fleming Artists

INTERESTED IN C0-COMMISSIONING?

At Cadenza Artists we have a number of exciting cocommissioning opportunities ranging from dance and theatre projects to symphony and multi-media commissions.

Co-Commissioning Opportunities Include:

Yves Dhar

Silent film commission to dramatize Tchaikovsky's cello concerto, Variations on a Rococo Theme

Quinn Mason for PROJECT Trio

Triple concerto for bass, sax, & beat-boxing flute

Lara Downes: Rhapsodies

Innovative new works for piano and orchestra (see p. 32)

L'Orient: Search for the Real Lakmé

Modern-day take on the French opera Lakmé (see p. 15)

7 Sisters: Vasudevan and Assad

Multi-media, women-centric, cultural project (see p 15)

Listen

Inclusive, family-friendly project (see p. 33)

Clarice Assad & Tessa Lark

Double concerto for piano and violin

Clarice and Sergio Assad

Double concerto for guitar and voice AND MORE!

For further info, please contact us at info@cadenzaartists.com or through our website. We look forward to connecting!

www.CadenzaArtists.com

COSMIC REFLECTION

Narrated Symphonic Work

Through its music and text, this 45-minute narrated symphonic work conveys the majestic 13 8-billion-year history of the Universe, commissioned in 2009 by NASA and Stanford University to commemorate the 1st International Symposium of the FERMI Space Telescope. Cosmic Reflection presents the story of our Universe in an educational and aesthetic manner: from the Big Bang and Inflation to the birth and death of the first stars as Super Novae; from the birth of galaxies to the rise of life on Earth; and the eventual cold dissipation of the Universe Accompanying the score written by critically acclaimed composer and architect of Pandora Radio’s Music Genome Project Nolan Gasser, and a libretto by popular physicist Lawrence Krauss and members of the Stanford University physics community, is a stunning video created by the visual design team at NASA Goddard and jawdropping images from the newly launched James Webb Space Telescope

Malcolm McDowell, the brilliant English actor, has signed on to narrate the work both for media releases and for forthcoming live performances in the US and internationally (schedule permitting).

AARON DWORKIN'S

THE AMERICAN RHAPSODY

Spoken Word Multimedia Performance

“Dworkin’s innate musicality and sense of timing serve him well in exploiting the dramatic arcs, musical peaks and valleys and transitions of mood ” – Rosalyn Story, Violinist com Performed by poetjournalist Aaron Dworkin, 2005 MacArthur Fellow and Founder of the Sphinx Organization, this spoken word multimedia orchestral work tells the story of the USA through the prism of the life and words of America’s first President, George Washington, set to Samuel Coleridge Taylor’s Symphonic Variations on an African Air

The American Rhapsody is a tribute to the ideals of courage, freedom and commitment. It is also a story of vulnerability and the progression of humanity through the great injustices which plague our history The victories and agonies of our past not only resonate with but inform our present as our nation seeks to find a pathway toward a more unified future

LARA DOWNES

NEW VISIONS/NEW WORKS FOR

PIANO AND ORCHESTRA

Honored as 2022 Classical Woman of the Year by Performance Today

“Lara Downes is a perfect artist for our time, a champion of new and neglected music, an extraordinary communicator, a passionate advocate for our art form.”

- Maestra JoAnn

RHAPSODY IN BLUE @100 (reimagined)

Falletta

In 2024, Lara celebrates the centenary of George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue with a radical new arrangement by the young Puerto Rican composer Edmar Colón, honoring Gershwin's vision of what he called “a musical kaleidoscope of America" with a new orchestration that reflects a century of immigration and transformation, and captures the multicultural sound of America in our own time This exuberant new take on a beloved American classic launches Lara’s multi-year project THIS LAND, a kaleidoscopic collection of new works by composers who represent many different versions of being and becoming American

THIS LAND: New Works By

Billy Childs

Arturo O’Farrill

Jimmy Lopez-Bellido

Iván Enrique Rodríguez

Kian Ravaei

Quinn Mason

Viet Cuong

Christopher Tin

A commissioning opportunity for 2024 through 2026

DECLARATION

July 4, 2026, marks the 250th anniversary of the United States, founded on the principle that its citizens should be guaranteed the unalienable rights of “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness” Lara Downes observes this anniversary with a triptych of three new works for piano and orchestra that reflect on the complicated history of that audacious and elusive promise, and express the hope for its fulfillment

Currently seeking co-commissioners

Repertoire Highlights Include:

Florence Price: Concerto in One Movement

George Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue (new arrangement by Edmar Colón)

Billy Strayhorn/Chris Walden: A Lovesome Thing

Duke Ellington: New World A-Comin’

Adolphus Hailstork: Piano Concerto #2, The Peaceable Kingdom (for Lara Downes)

Margaret Bonds: Credo

“Lara and I hit it off instantly! She is a thoughtful artist and a wonderful collaborator. Most importantly, she is a terrific human being."

-Maestro Thomas Wilkins

MOON RIVER & ME

Henry Mancini Centennial Celebration

“Monica Mancini is…the glamorous vocal equivalent to diamonds flashing.” – New York Times

2024 marks the centennial birthday of this musical giant, and we honor Henry Mancini’s mastery with a concert celebration of his film scores and beloved standards During his 40-year career, Mancini became a household name and won 4 Oscars, 20 GRAMMYs® (including the first Album of the Year), a Golden Globe, and a posthumous GRAMMY® Lifetime Achievement Award. Accompanied by vocals and film montages, this tribute features works ranging from The Pink Panther Theme to Moon River, as well as favorites such Charade and The Shadow of Your Smile

It’s a true family affair starring his daughter and double GRAMMY® nominee, vocalist Monica Mancini, and son-inlaw, Gregg Field (winner of 8 GRAMMYs® and Latin GRAMMY® “Producer of the Year”), on drums

This show will be highly publicized in 2024 with CBS behind-the-scenes documentaries about new Mancini recordings featuring John Williams, Herbie Hancock, Arturo Sandoval, Quincy Jones, Michael Buble, Lizzo, and others.

Inclusive Family-Friendly Commission

LISTEN "Radiant" — Publishers Weekly

This blending of dance, music, and theatre is a lively and imaginative interpretation of Shannon Stocker’s book, Listen, the story of hearing-disabled Scottish percussionist, Dame Evelyn Glennie

Perfect for families, this multimedia piece turns the phrase "no you can't" on its head and connects audiences to the power of overcoming challenges in pursuit of one’s dreams The story of young Evelyn underscores inclusion, equality, courage, and curiosity about the unique talents that each of us possesses Performances include ASL and musical interpretation for those impacted by audism or hearing limitations as integral parts of the choreography, story, and production

Listen calls for everyone to see and hear things differently - like experiencing our senses magically for the first time in our lives

Currently seeking co-commissioners to join the National Symphony Orchestra and several others.

TANGORIUM

Fiery Multimedia Performance

"[Tangorium is] one of the best set of pops charts I've seen." - Joseph Johnson, principal cello of Santa Fe Opera and Toronto Symphony Orchestra

Created and eloquently performed and narrated by internationally-acclaimed musical duo, Bridge & Wolak, TANGORIUM portrays stories of Tango through diverse cultural contexts that created its voice This multimedia show for full orchestra + clarinet and accordion soloists pays homage to intimate Tango classics of the 1930s through Piazzolla's Tango Nuevo, to epic symphonic-tangos that uniquely fuse the music of grandmasters like Bach & Beethoven with modern musical genres such as French Cabaret, Rock, Tango Club and even Heavy Metal These steamy musical collisions are expressed in the emotionally provocative and sensual language of Tango, enhanced with on-screen films, animations, and pre-recorded shadow puppetry. One critic remarks "Attending felt like being present at one of the forefronts of world culture with the benefit of a medium and mood that was inviting and mood-lifting rather than alienating or cerebral."

THE MUTE

A SILENT LOVE STORY

Innovative Symphonic Silent Theatre

"Impressive, original and moving " - Stavanger Aftenblad

The Mute is an innovative theatrical piece that uses only music as language, with no spoken words - creating a performance project that is truly singular. In this beautiful love story, we meet elderly characters Tom and Jenny who show us snippets of their life together Through these glimpses of the past, we come to know their personalities, how their lives have merged, and what brought them to where they are today.

The theatrical concept plays with the idea of what happens when you remove the ability to communicate through spoken words and how to fill that void In The Mute, the void is filled with music, body language, scenography, and a complete symphony orchestra on stage.

In 2019, The Mute premiered at Norway's Stavanger Konserthus to outstanding reviews and played seven soldout performances In the same year, it won the Hedda Prize for both "Performance of the Year" and for "Best Scenography, Costume Design, and Mask "

A Cinematic Concerto AUTOMATION

This groundbreaking human/artificial intelligence "double" concerto explores the conflicts and connections between man and machine through a captivating journey that appeals to regular season ticket holders and new, younger audiences alike

Franco-West Indian cellist Yves Dhar and his holographic AI counterpart ("AGNES") interact on stage with the orchestra in a trail-blazing new composition by GRAMMY® nominated, Emmywinning composer Adam Schoenberg that features cello, halldorophone, electronics, orchestra and projected visuals.

With extraordinary use of visual and audio technology, a lush orchestral score, and a powerful storyline, we are proud to be representing one of the most poignant yet easy to produce, high tech projects that has emerged on the orchestral scene

Automation is also available as a solo work performed by Yves Dhar and AI AGNES with prerecorded and electronic music.

“Automation is perhaps one of the best new pieces that have been performed by our Orchestra in many years. The piece was like a rollercoaster ride I didn’t want to end. Stunning from first note to last. I am still craving to hear more.”

– Arts-Louisville.com

FRANKENSTEIN

Film with Live Orchestra

“The audience was riveted to their seats. The power of the live music with the classic film was hypnotic.”

- Rob

Tomaro, Cashbox Canada

This is the ultimate audience experience for a truly iconic film and is a popular addition to any season, particularly Halloween programming The 1931 cinematic masterpiece, Frankenstein, was originally released without a musical score, thus inspiring prolific composer/conductor Michael Shapiro to fill the void by creating an original soundtrack 70 years later In this production, Shapiro’s lush and atmospheric 70-minute score is performed live under the film with various alternative instrumentations Currently, the score is available for Symphony Orchestra (full), Chamber Orchestra (15 players), Wind Ensemble (9 players), and Operatic Ensemble (in any instrumental configuration with the addition of 5 SATBB solo voices or choir)

Small Chamber Orchestra Instrumentation: 15 players total: 5 Strings, 4 Winds, 4 Brass, 1 Percussion, 1 Piano

WARNER BROS. PRESENTS:

“An enchanting score invoking the chill wastes of the Antarctic has great emotional appeal ”

- Ian Lace,

Film Music CD Reviews

The Cadenza-exclusive orchestral production of March of the Penguins, beloved Oscar-winner for Best Documentary (2005) and one of the highestgrossing documentaries of all time Narrated by Morgan Freeman, this family-friendly environmental film is filled with beautiful sweeping imagery and the brilliant evocative score of Emmy-winner Alex Wurman In this production, the film screening is accompanied by a live orchestra conducted by Maestro Jeffrey Schindler, conductor of the original movie soundtrack and one of the most prolific music directors in Hollywood. Orchestrations are available for either full or reduced symphonic orchestra

Suggested Instrumentation: 35-55 players total. Strings, 3 Winds, 4 Brass, 4 Percussion, 1 Piano, 1 Harp, 1 Synthesizer

MARCH OF THE PENGUINS 36

CADENZA ROSTER - FILM WITH LIVE MUSIC

HERCULES VS. VAMPIRES

Film with Live Opera

“The score was rich in harmony, clever in melodic line, and especially brilliant in orchestration”Classical Voice of North Carolina

Fresh and full of fun, Patrick Morganelli's atmospheric new operatic score provides the perfect accompaniment to Mario Bava's gorgeously gaudy world of the 1961 cult classic, Hercules in the Haunted World The original film is action-packed and wildly operatic in scope - all it needed was to be made into an actual opera! In this production, "Hercules vs Vampires" synchronizes live music and vocals with the film, allowing the actors to sound like opera singers for one night and breathing new life into Bava's well-established cult following.

Suggested Instrumentation:

Nine singers and mid-sized orchestra of 26 players. Full orchestra instrumentation also available

THE SECRET GARDEN Opera

“

...Gasser sprinkles his tonal harmonies with enough dissonant spice and sparkle to keep things interesting ” - SF Chronicle Magazine

Faithful to the beloved original story, this familyfriendly opera has a score by Nolan Gasser - critically acclaimed composer, pianist, musicologist, and chief architect of Pandora Radio – and libretto by Carey Harrison. With its sultry, rhythmically hypnotic sounds of India and forthright sounds of the North English moors, it is the perfect vehicle for welcoming young listeners into the world of opera The production was originally commissioned by the San Francisco Opera in partnership with Cal Performances, and has played to sold out houses since it premiered in 2013 and most recently at the Hawaii Opera Theatre in 2022

Chamber Opera:

Eight singers and ensemble of 10 players

ALDO LÓPEZ-GAVILÁN

Composer

Composer QUINN MASON

“A brilliant composer just barely in his 20s who seems to make waves wherever he goes ” – Theater Jones Dubbed a “formidable virtuoso” by The Times (London), Aldo excels in both the classical and jazz worlds as he performs his own electrifying compositions with repertoire that is easily adaptable for any audience or event Aldo's authentic voice has a genre-defying sound rooted in European classical traditions, Latin jazz, and Afro-Cuban rhythms Drawing from a range of colors associated with Schumann and Ravel's work, Aldo's compositions weave a layered tapestry described as magical, optimistic, and at its core, deeply soulful.

“Dazzling technique and rhythmic fire, López-Gavilán is something to behold.” — The Seattle Times

CLARICE ASSAD

Composer

“Clarice Assad is quite simply a phenomenon who has streaked across the world’s musical landscape like one of those comets that appears just once in a lifetime." – Latin Jazz Network

A powerful communicator renowned for her musical scope and versatility, Brazilian-American Clarice Assad is a significant artistic voice in the classical, world music, pop, and jazz genres and is acclaimed for her evocative colors, rich textures, and diverse stylistic range

A prolific GRAMMY® nominated composer with more than 70 works to her credit, she has been commissioned by internationally renowned organizations, festivals, and artists.

Composer/conductor Quinn Mason (b 1996) currently serves as the Hartford Symphony Orchestra’s Artist in Residence and recently served as KMFA’s inaugural composer in residence and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s Classical Roots composer in residence for 2022 (the youngest composer appointed to that role) His orchestral music has been performed by many renowned orchestras in the US, including the San Francisco Symphony, Minnesota Orchestra, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and many more.

BRUCE BROUGHTON Composer

“Award-winning composer Bruce Broughton received the Lifetime Achievement Award as one of a handful of “Hollywood Greats” who have contributed on the highest level to the film experience.” – WME

Entertainment

GRAMMY® nominated and Emmy award-winning composer Bruce Broughton is best known for his many film scores such as Silverado, Tombstone, The Rescuers Down Under, The Presidio, Miracle on 34th Street and his television themes including JAG, Steven Spielberg’s Tiny Toon Adventures and Dinosaurs.

NOLAN GASSER ELKHANAH PULITZER

Composer/Speaker Director

“Gasser’s work definitively accomplished everything it set out to do, and then some: the music was mesmerizing ” – Oakland Tribune

Dr Nolan Gasser is a renowned composer, pianist, author, musicologist, and chief architect/genius of Pandora Radio’s Music Genome Project. His original works include the musical Benny & Joon (Paper Mill), the opera Secret Garden (SF Opera), and the orchestral works Cosmic Reflection (Baltimore Symphony) and the World Concerto (cellist Maya Beiser) Nolan’s book "Why You Like It" (Macmillan, 2019), has become the definitive work on musical taste and is “a work of staggering erudition and breadth” (The Economist). As a favorite on the lecture circuit, TED speaker Dr Gasser brings his unique experiences and creativity to arts-based audiences with a set of stimulating and insightful talks on a host of fascinating topics

“Powerfully impressive... fearless in (her) dramatic imagination.” – San Francisco Chronicle

Elkhanah Pulitzer is an esteemed director of opera and theater known for her bold, nuanced, and innovative stage direction Most recently she directed John Adam's acclaimed "Antony and Cleopatra" for San Francisco Opera. Previously, she directed David Lang’s premiere of Prisoner of State at the NY Philharmonic and at the Barbican Center in London, and has directed opera projects with the LA Philharmonic, Mostly Mozart Festival at Lincoln Center, LA Opera, SF Symphony, Boston Lyric Opera, West Edge Opera, among others Elkhanah’s theater credits include work with The Broad Stage, Impact Theater, Cutting Ball, Riverside Theater, and Ensemble Theater Company Additionally, she directed Esperanza Spalding’s live tour for her GRAMMY® winning album, 12 Little Spells. Elkhanah also serves as board vice president of the Pulitzer Arts Foundation, which celebrates experimentation in fine art curation and live programming.

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