Your story. And ours.
Convos has always been about finding powerful stories and putting them on stage.
Sometimes it’s a story that looks like yours.
Sometimes it’s a story that demands to be heard.
Sometimes it’s a story that binds us together as people across time. And sometimes it’s about escaping time altogether.
We love this work—putting you, our big world, and big ideas on stage. But did you know, there’s also a story about how we do this?
We can only bring the best because your ticket purchases and generous gifts power everything that we do. It’s that simple—your tickets and gifts matter.
Let’s work together to put what you love on stage.
Todd Wetzel
Assistant Vice Provost, Student Life Executive Director, Purdue Convocations and Hall of Music Productions
OUR MISSION
Purdue Convocations catalyzes the curriculum, energizes the community, and distinguishes Purdue through powerful performances, illuminating discourse, and extraordinary learning encounters.
OUR HISTORY
Purdue University has a rich history of bringing concerts, lectures, and performances to campus.
In 1902, the “Lecture and Concert Course” was first offered, creating the earliest iteration of what is now Purdue Convocations and placing it amongst the oldest collegiate performing arts presenting organizations in the country. Over the years, the names and formats have changed, but one thing has remained constant—the great Convos tradition of amplifying the power of a Purdue education through arts and culture. Now, powered solely by ticket sales and generous gifts, Convos is an award-winning cultural leader that makes Purdue a dynamic place to study, work, live, and play.
“
CONVOS IS SELF-SUPPORTING.
I t is your enthusiastic ticket purchases and generous gifts that enable us to bring the world-class culture that this community has loved for the past 122 years.”
Todd Wetzel
Our 122nd Season
SEPTEMBER
15 Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Live in Concert pg. 7
21 West Lafayette Global Fest pg. 8
25 Dear Evan Hansen pg. 10
29 Presidential Lecture Series: A Conversation with Yo-Yo Ma pg. 11
OCTOBER
12 The Isaiah J. Thompson Quartet pg. 12
29 TINA - The Tina Turner Musical pg. 13
JANUARY
21 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Event featuring Terence Blanchard’s Fire Shut Up In My Bones pg. 18
24 Purdue Jazz Fest: The Mingus Big Band pg. 19
FEBRUARY
6 Hadestown pg. 20
20 Pretty Woman: The Musical pg. 21
28 Actors From The London Stage: Hamlet pg. 23
APRIL
3 Chicago pg. 24
10 Les Arts Florissants: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at 300 pg. 25
FRONT COVER: Théotime Langlois de Swarte, pg. 25 (Photo by Marco Borggreve)
THIS PAGE: Isaiah J. Thompson, pg. 12 (Photo by Zeph Colombatto)
BACK COVER: TINA - The Tina Turner Musical, pg. 13 (Photo by Matt Crockett)
We're holding the for the Friends of Convos!
The Friends are a dynamic group of arts supporters whose gifts allow Convocations to keep ticket prices low, to create educational experiences for students on campus and across the region, and to make big projects a reality. Convos is Self-Supporting, so ticket sales and gifts from generous individuals, corporations, and foundations power it all!
Friends of Convos enjoy the best seat selection, exclusive artist events, special parking opportunities, and more. To learn more about the benefits of becoming a Friend or to join now, visit convocations.org/support.
Friends Benefits
All Friends enjoy the best seat selection and the accumulation of Friends Priority Points.* Benefits begin at $100 annually and increase by contribution level. Additional benefits are added at each level.
MEMBER $100+ Your name recognized on convocations.org
BENEFACTOR
$250+ Recognition in designated program books
FOUNDER $500+ Invitation to Pre-Show Club at most Elliott Hall of Music shows
DIRECTOR’S COUNCIL
$1,000+ Invitation to exclusive Meet-the-Artist event
AMBASSADOR
$2,500+ Access to Friends parking at Elliott Hall of Music shows
COLLABORATOR
$5,000+ Invitation to backstage artist Meet-and-Greet
VISIONARY
$10,000+ Invitation to a custom Friends event
ARTISTS CIRCLE
$15,000+ Invitation to dinner with Executive Director
PRESENTERS CIRCLE
$20,000+ ConciergePlus seating
Are you interested in making an even greater impact in the world of performing arts by magnifying your donation? Join us in making a difference that resonates far beyond the stage. Contact us to find out more at (765) 494-0488.
Enhance your experience with Pre-Show Club!
Pre-Show Club is exclusive to Friends of Convocations at the Founder Level and above. Experience easy event entry, light hors d’oeuvres, and a cash bar before most Elliott Hall of Music performances. More details at convocations.org/preshow.
*To learn more about Priority Points, visit convocations.org/priority-points.
Info to Know Info to Know
Health and Safety
Purdue University and Purdue Convocations reserve the right to implement or adjust public assembly policies for campus residents, employees, and visitors at any time in the future. Check convocations.org and our social media channels for the most upto-date information before you join us for our events.
To provide a safer environment and to expedite patron entry, Purdue Convocations encourages patrons to avoid bringing bags to events. If you do need to bring a bag, please use a clear, plastic, vinyl or PVC bag that does not exceed 12”x6”x12”. All patrons are subject to search at entry points. Check convocations.org for details.
Children
We ask that you please use discretion in deciding what is appropriate for a child to ensure a quality experience for all patrons. All patrons, including infants on laps, must have a ticket due to fire marshal requirements. If you have questions about show content or age appropriateness, visit convocations.org for additional information. Staff members can also provide information; however, you are responsible for deciding whether content is appropriate for you and your family.
Student Ticket Discounts
Discounted student tickets are available for Purdue University and Ivy Tech Lafayette students. Each person using a student ticket must be a student and be able to present a current student ID.
Ticket Fees
Regular-season shows on Account Manager at convocations.org/tickets and in this book include a service fee; all listed prices are the final prices. Tickets purchased through Ticketmaster may be subject to additional fees. We do not recommend buying through third parties and are not responsible for fulfillment issues associated with these tickets.
Refunds and Exchanges
We are unable to issue refunds or exchange tickets. If you are unable to attend a show, consider giving or selling your ticket to someone else. You can also return your ticket to the box office at any time prior to the show and it will be offered to a student free of charge.
Parking
Due to the possibility of construction and road changes on campus, some parking lots on campus may be more difficult to access than others. For the most up-to-date parking information please visit convocations.org/parking.
Accessibility
• Wheelchair seating is available at all indoor venues with companion seating nearby.
• Audio induction hearing loop systems are available in Elliott Hall, Fowler Hall, and Loeb Playhouse. Please switch your hearing aid setting to the T-coil setting.
• Closed captioning and/or sign language interpretation may be available with advance notice and is conditional upon the availability of qualified service providers. Please request this service at least 60 days prior to the performance.
• Service animals are welcome. Special seating is required. When ordering, request an aisle seat and please inform the box office that a service animal will be with you.
• Visit convocations.org/accessibility for current information.
Contact Information
Purdue Convocations
Campus Box Office
712 Third Street Stewart Center - Loeb Playhouse
West Lafayette, IN 47907-2005
M-F 10am-6pm (10am-4pm during Purdue breaks)
Phone: (765) 494-9712 ( 765) 494-3933 | (800) 914-SHOW (7469) convocations@purdue.edu TDD Relay: (765) 496-1343
Todd Wetzel
Assistant Vice Provost, Student Life Executive Director, Purdue Convocations and Elliott Hall of Music/Hall of Music Productions
Mike Armintrout
Senior Associate Director Advisor, Student Concert Committee
MARKETING
James Britton Director of Marketing
Conner McGuire
Marketing Coordinator Advisor, TEDxPurdueU and Convocations Volunteer Network
Mollie Siu-Chong
Art Director / Graphic Designer
Jared Cain Social Media Intern
Alivia Davis Senior Brand Ambassador Intern
Chantel Greene Graphic Design Intern
Zoe Whitehead Partnership Development Intern
DEVELOPMENT
Julie Smith Manager of Engagement
PRODUCTION
Erin Diener Mattull Artist Relations and Education Manager
Caitlyn Ashby Production Intern
Jonah Peterson Production Intern
BUSINESS
Debbie Siciliano Assistant Director of Financial Affairs, VPSL
Kassidie Houchin
Business Manager
Robin Becker Business Assistant
STUDENT GROUPS
Jared Cain Convocations Volunteer Network President
Peyton Day Student Concert Committee President
Anh Duong TEDxPurdueU Executive Director
Sunday, September 15
Elliott Hall of Music / 6pm Tickets start at $26
Pre-Show Club powered by The Lobby by Greyhouse. Learn more on page 5.
Building on the success of the sold-out global shows of the first Oscar®-winning SpiderMan™ animated Spider-Verse film, comes the highly anticipated sequel: SPIDER-MAN™: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE, set to captivate audiences in concert venues worldwide.
These films have garnered immense popularity, largely due to their groundbreaking animation and innovative soundtracks that fuse orchestral and electronic elements alongside scratch DJ techniques.
The upcoming spectacle will feature the movie showcased on a colossal HD screen, complemented by a diverse ensemble of musicians and instrumentalists performing the film’s iconic score and soundtrack live. This extraordinary lineup includes a full orchestra, a master scratch DJ on turntables, as well as percussion and electronic instrumentalists.
Support from
YEMEN BLUES
Included in Purdue’s Weeks of Welcome
Main Stage / 7:30pm
Israeli-Arabic Grooves
BIA FERREIRA
Main Stage / 5:30pm
Brazilian Power Folk
Presented by the City of West Lafayette, Purdue Convocations, and the International Center of West Lafayette
Saturday, September 21
Downtown West Lafayette Festivities start at 3pm
Experience a celebration of cultures at the 29th Annual West Lafayette Global Fest! Join us for an unforgettable day filled with vibrant performances, mouthwatering international cuisine, and engaging cultural exhibits and activities. Bring your friends and family to immerse yourselves in a tapestry of global heritage right in the heart of West Lafayette.
Brazilian singer and activist Bia Ferreira spreads messages of feminism, love, and social justice across her native Brazil and beyond. Her powerful performances amplify her voice for a global audience, uniting listeners in her message of empowerment and love. Yemen Blues infuses a rich blend of Jewish and Arabic cultural traditions into their music, creating a fusion that resonates with a deep appreciation for humanity. Capping off the night is Balkan Paradise Orchestra, originating from Barcelona, Spain. They mesmerize audiences with their innovative fusion of Balkan roots and global rhythms, as heard in their latest album “Nèctar,” which explores themes of teamwork, intensity, and savoring life’s moments.
Mark your calendars and join us for a day of unity, diversity, and pure celebration at West Lafayette Global Fest!
PhotobyCarolinaVallejo
Black Voices of Inspiration
Purdue Chinese Performing Arts Troupe
Okinawa Yuyukai
AAARCC Lion Dance Team
More to be announced!
Support from
IU Health Arnett / Indiana Arts Commission
Southwire / Tippecanoe Arts Federation
National Endowment for the Arts / Wintek
Friends of Convocations Endowment
The Flora Roberts Fund
Purdue Federal Credit Union / The Veridus Group
Henriott / Wessler Engineering
West Lafayette Parks & Recreation
West Lafayette Public Library
John Martinson Honors College
Visit Lafayette-West Lafayette / O.W. Krohn & Associates
Purdue Black Cultural Center / Purdue Latino Cultural Center
Purdue Asian American and Asian Resource and Cultural Center
“ONE OF THE MOST REMARKABLE SHOWS IN MUSICAL THEATRE HISTORY.”
Wednesday, September 25
Elliott Hall of Music / 7:30pm / Tickets start at $39 Pre-Show Club powered by The Lobby by Greyhouse. Learn more on page 5.
Declared “theatrical magic” by The Washington Post, DEAR EVAN HANSEN is the first musical to take a groundbreaking look—from the point of view of both the parents and young people—at our complex, interconnected, and social media-filled lives.
Evan Hansen is a high school student who always feels like he’s on the outside looking in. Evan finally gets what so many of us are searching for—the chance to finally fit in. What follows is a poignant, funny, and powerful musical about how even though it can be hard, we can find each other—and ourselves— along the way.
Recommended for ages 12+.
Support from Contains some adult themes, including discussions of suicide.
BOB & PATTI TRUITT
A Conversation with
Yo-Yo Ma Yo-Yo Ma
Presented by
PRESIDENTIAL LECTURE SERIES
Moderated by Jeffrey Brown
PBS NewsHour
Correspondent
Powered by
Sunday, September 29
Elliott Hall of Music / 2pm / FREE TICKETS
Purdue University President Mung Chiang and the Purdue Presidential Lecture Series present the renowned cellist, recording artist, and humanitarian leader Yo-Yo Ma in a special engagement moderated by PBS NewsHour correspondent Jeffrey Brown. Through personal anecdotes, thoughtful inquiry, and musical interludes, Yo-Yo Ma explores how culture can help us all seek truth, build trust and act in service of one another.
RSVP for this free event at convocations.org/events.
Photo by Jason Bell
.
Isaiah J IsaiahThompson J Thompson Quartet
Saturday, October 12
Loeb Playhouse / 8pm / Tickets start at $17
Isaiah J. Thompson, 2023 American Pianists Awards winner and recipient of the Cole Porter Fellowship in Jazz, hails from West Orange, NJ. Beginning his musical journey at The Calderone School of Music, he later studied at The Juilliard School, earning both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Thompson has collaborated with jazz luminaries like Ron Carter and John Pizzarelli, and made his recording debut on Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Blue Engine Records. Beyond performance, he contributed to the Golden Globe®-nominated soundtrack for Motherless Brooklyn and earned accolades including the Lincoln Center Emerging Artist Award. Thompson’s artistry radiates love, spirit, and personal experiences, reflecting his enduring passion for jazz.
Support from
JANET NINE
GIVING CIRCLE
by
Photo
Zeph Colombatto
Tuesday, October 29
Elliott Hall of Music / 7:30pm / Tickets start at $39
Pre-Show Club powered by The Lobby by Greyhouse. Learn more on page 5.
A CELEBRATION OF TRIUMPH OVER ADVERSITY. THIS IS AS GOOD AS IT GETS.”
An uplifting comeback story like no other, TINA – The Tina Turner Musical is the inspiring journey of a woman who broke barriers and became the Queen of Rock n’ Roll. Set to the pulse-pounding soundtrack of her most beloved hits, this electrifying sensation will send you soaring to the rafters.
One of the world’s best-selling artists of all time, Tina Turner won 12 Grammy® Awards and her live shows were seen by millions, with more concert tickets sold than any other solo performer in music history. Featuring her much loved songs, TINA – The Tina Turner Musical is written by Pulitzer Prizewinning playwright Katori Hall.
Recommended for ages 14+. Contains some adult themes, including domestic violence and strong language. Support from
Friends of Convocations members enjoy the benefits of the best seat selection, the accumulation of Priority Points, special parking opportunities, exclusive artist events, and more. To learn more about becoming a Friend of Convocations and get the best seats in the house, see page 5 or visit convocations.org/support.
BUYING TICKETS
ONLINE
Order without additional fees online at convocations.org/tickets.
PHONE
(765) 494-3933 or (800) 914-SHOW (7469)
ORDER FORM
Visit convocations.org/tickets to download and print a paper order form.
Did you know that if you buy five shows* or more, you save an average of 10% off single-ticket prices?
Experience the flexibility of designing your own ticket subscription package!
GROUP DISCOUNTS
IN
PERSON at campus box offices
Stewart Center
Open 10am to 6pm M-F (10am to 4pm during Purdue breaks) Box office is also open one hour before each show.
Elliott Hall of Music
Box office opens 90 mins before each show. Elliott box office is only open on show days.
Dear Evan Hansen TINA - The Tina Turner Musical Hadestown Pretty Woman: The Musical Chicago For example...
Groups of all kinds and sizes are welcome at Convos performances―and if you have 15 or more in your group, you'll receive a discount on your tickets as well as bonus tickets for tour organizers, chaperones, or bus drivers. Qualifying performances vary. Call (765) 494-3933 for details or visit convocations.org/group-sales.
Convos shows helped me expand my horizons and see just how unique art and music can be.” “
CampusPartners
Last season, Purdue Convocations and the John Martinson Honors College joined forces in an innovative partnership aimed at enriching the academic and cultural experiences of students. Through this collaboration, John Martinson Honors College students were able to access free tickets to a diverse array of performances and events hosted by Purdue Convocations. By
covering the cost of tickets, the John Martinson Honors College not only encourages intellectual curiosity but fosters a deeper engagement with the arts and humanities among its students. This initiative broadens students’ perspectives and strengthens the sense of community within the John Martinson Honors College while amplifying Convos’ mission to catalyze the curriculum.
The Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging teamed up with Purdue Convocations in 2024 to elevate Purdue University’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Event in a remarkable way, bringing the renowned Dance Theatre of Harlem to campus for a free performance and several master classes with the performers. This collaboration not only celebrated the legacy of Dr. King but also promoted cultural understanding within the Purdue community. Through the power of dance and performance, the event honored Dr. King’s vision of equality and social justice, leaving a lasting impact on both hearts and minds.
See the 2025 MLK Jr. Commemorative Event on page 18.
Olivia Reynolds, John Martinson Honors College student
Student Organizations
Founded in 1985, Convocations Volunteer Network (CVN) helps to support and promote Convos events. This group ushers and helps in many other ways with performances and other Friends of Convos, education, and outreach events. In exchange, members can stay and see shows for free, and make a lot of new friends.
Established in 1975, the Student Concert Committee (SCC) is equivalent to an internship in the music and entertainment business. Members help select, market, and produce SCC-sponsored concerts & events. They gain real-life concert industry business experience and learn life skills that can serve them in any profession while powering live music and event culture on campus!
TEDxPurdueU is a student-run organizing committee that independently produces multiple events through the year in connection with the international TED organization. With the mission to stimulate the curious mind, challenge perspectives, and spark discussion, they expose our local community and global audience to “ideas worth spreading.”
Jonah Peterson
Campus Creativity
Creativity
As a Nursing major with a Psychology minor, I hadn’t initially considered the entertainment industry for a career, but after a summer job traveling around the country working with large concert venues, I began to learn a lot about the industry. That fall, I discovered the Purdue Student Concert Committee (SCC) and got involved, eventually serving as the vice president in 2023-24.
My involvement in SCC opened my eyes to Convos, which led to becoming a production intern. My internship put me behind the scenes for our shows, where I was responsible for ensuring contractual obligations were met and various other logistic and hospitality duties were managed. It’s been great―especially working on the Peach Pit show. It was a highlight of the year!
Though I am not a performer, I am passionate about being a part of bringing art to campus.
That creative outlet is important in day-to-day life for students.
Convos provides accessibility to the arts to students who might not otherwise be able to take advantage, given where we are located.
Students really get unique experiences through Purdue Convocations, so much so, that it even opened a
new career
path for
me.
Jonah Peterson Purdue Student, Student Concert Committee Member, and Purdue Convocations Production Intern
Terence Blanchard’s
Fire Shut Up In BonesMy Fire Shut Up In BonesMy
Excerpts in Concert
Libretto by Kasi Lemmons
Based on the book by Charles M. Blow
Visuals by Andrew F. Scott
Tuesday, January 21
Elliott Hall of Music / 7pm / FREE TICKETS
Pre-Show Club powered by The Lobby by Greyhouse. Learn more on page 5.
Rewind to September 2021 when the Metropolitan Opera (NYC) had been shuttered for over a year, the storied institution opened its season with the first work in its 138 year history written by an African American composer— Terence Blanchard’s new masterpiece, Fire Shut Up In My Bones.
The production, remounted from the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis premiere in 2019, was experienced by 30,000 people, not to mention hundreds of thousands more around the world who watched The MET: LIVE in HD rebroadcasts. Notably, The Met restaged “Fire” again in the 2023-2024 season as a testament to its unparalleled success and achievement.
Blanchard is already a celebrated artist with seven Grammy® Awards, two Oscar®
nominations, numerous acclaimed film scores and albums, and his recent appointment as Executive Artistic Director for SFJazz, but with this work, he created a new cultural paradigm, breaking barriers along the way. Based on the 2014 memoir of the same name by The New York Times columnist, Charles M. Blow, the story is an excavation of a painful past and the desire to move beyond it.
This “concert excerpt” version, adapted for Terence Blanchard and his band, the E-Collective, features the intrepid Turtle Island String Quartet and guest soloists, plus visuals by Andrew F. Scott. This work reveals the depths of Blanchard’s capacity to create a new musical world filled with pathos, humanity, and resilience.
RSVP for this free event at convocations.org/events
Support from presents the DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. COMMEMORATIVE EVENT
Powered by featuring Terence Blanchard and The E-Collective, The Turtle Island Quartet, and Special Guest Vocalists
Terence Blanchard
Photo by Daymon Gardner
Mingus Big Band Mingus Big Band
Friday, January 24
Loeb Playhouse / 8pm / Tickets start at $27
Charles Mingus, born in 1922, was a virtuoso bassist, prolific composer, and legendary bandleader. Influenced by Duke Ellington, Mingus blended the essence of gospel music, New Orleans jazz, and New York vibrancy into a joyous jam.
The Mingus Big Band, formed posthumously in 1979, embodies his legacy with a decades-long residency at iconic NYC jazz clubs. With numerous Grammy® nominations and ten albums, the band honors Mingus’s ethos by keeping each performance fresh and spontaneous. Beyond accolades, the band nurtures emerging talents, reflecting Mingus’s impulse to constantly evolve. Whether captivating critics or dazzling audiences worldwide, The Mingus Big Band stands as a testament to the enduring brilliance of Charles Mingus.
The Mingus Big Band will headline the 35th Annual Purdue Jazz Festival. Complete schedule and details at convocations.org.
Support from
PICK5
5+
Dr. SANDRA SYDNOR
Drs. MARSHALL & BERDINE MARTIN
“
THE BEST JAZZ ORCHESTRA IN THE WORLD BEARS THE NAME OF THE MINGUS BIG BAND. . . A REMARKABLE HIGH STANDARD OF MUSICIANSHIP, ENERGY AND CONSISTENCY.”
The Washington Post
Elliott Hall of Music / 7:30pm / Tickets start at $39
Pre-Show Club powered by The Lobby by Greyhouse. Learn more on page 5.
Welcome to HADESTOWN, where a song can change your fate.
Winner of eight 2019 Tony Awards® including Best Musical and the 2020 Grammy® Award for Best Musical Theater Album, this acclaimed new show from celebrated singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell and innovative director Rachel Chavkin (Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812) is a love story for today... and always.
Intertwining two mythic tales—that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and his wife Persephone— HADESTOWN is a haunting and hopeful theatrical experience that grabs you and never lets go.
Support for this performance comes from
IF YOU LOVE THE MOVIE, YOU’LL LOVE THE MUSICAL!” “
Buzzfeed News
Thursday, February 20
Elliott Hall of Music / 7:30pm / Tickets start at $39
Pre-Show Club powered by The Lobby by Greyhouse. Learn more on page 5.
Pretty Woman: The Musical, based on one of Hollywood’s most beloved romantic stories of all time, springs to life with a powerhouse creative team led by two-time Tony Award®-winning director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell (Hairspray, Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde).
Featuring an original score by Grammy® winners Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance (“Summer of ‘69”, “Heaven”), and a book by the movie’s legendary director Garry Marshall and screenwriter J.F. Lawton, Pretty Woman: The Musical will lift your spirits and light up your heart.
Support from
Kimberly Wojciehowski
Stage Lessons From the Stage
As a graduate student in speech-language pathology, I took a course on voice disorders with Dr. Allison Schaser. During a class in February, we had a guest lecturer, one of a troupe of five Actors From The London Stage, who were on campus for Purdue Convocations to perform A Midsummer Night’s Dream. As an avid supporter of the performing arts and frequent Convos patron―even when I wasn’t working concessions at a show―I was truly excited to learn from Natasha Bain. I honestly wasn’t prepared for how inspirational this class would be. Natasha discussed her voice as an instrument and the many messages, beyond just words, that it conveys. She then demonstrated how she prepares her voice and discussed, in depth, the training she endured to perfect it. However, when she discussed the inner work she had done to release long-held emotions and the effect that had on her voice training, it tied together the information we had studied in class and the hands on work we had done with clients with a new clarity.
I am grateful to Convos for providing our class with this opportunity and for all they do to bring art and culture from around the world to this campus.
Purdue Convocations provides a voice for so many in a way that is accessible to all.
Kimberly Wojciehowski Purdue Graduate Student and Purdue Convocations Patron
Regarded as one of Shakespeare’s finest works, Hamlet continues resonating with modern audiences some 400 years after it was originally produced. Set against a backdrop of murder, scandal, and the supernatural, Hamlet contains more than a few of Shakespeare’s most famous passages concerning “the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune.”
Friday, February 28 / 8pm
Saturday, March 1 / 3pm & 8pm
Loeb Playhouse
Tickets start at $26
Actors From The London Stage return to Purdue for an encore week-long residency, deftly combining minimal staging with essential props and simple costumes. Each actor shares responsibility for the direction of the play and performs two or three major roles (as well as several minor ones). Through imagination and collaboration, the cast conjures Shakespeare’s immortal words and worlds into being.
KEEPING IT HOT!
Thursday, April 3
Elliott Hall of Music / 7:30pm / Tickets start at $39
Pre-Show Club powered by The Lobby by Greyhouse. Learn more on page 5.
CHICAGO is still the one musical with everything that makes Broadway shimmyshake: a universal tale of fame, fortune, and all that jazz, with one showstopping song after another and the most astonishing dancing you’ve ever seen.
In the whirlwind of Chicago’s Jazz Age, two of the Cook County Jail’s most notorious murderesses—vaudeville star Velma Kelly and chorus girl Roxie Hart— become fierce rivals as they compete for headlines amidst a media frenzy.
Broadway’s longest-running musical has been razzle dazzling audiences for 28 years, and after more than 10,000 performances, 6 Tony Awards®, 2 Olivier Awards, and a Grammy®, we’re just getting started.
Support from
Photo by Jeremy Daniel
Les Arts Florissants
Les Arts Florissants
with Théotime Langlois de Swarte, violin
Vivaldi’s
Thursday, April 10
Loeb Playhouse / 7:30pm Tickets start at $31
Baroque superstars Les Arts Florissants are joined by fast-rising violinist Théotime Langlois de Swarte in “Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at 300,” commemorating the work’s original publication in 1725. The program frames these iconic masterpieces afresh, setting them alongside music Vivaldi would have known in Venice and compositions which were in turn inspired by his bold vision.
Les Arts Florissants, founded in 1979 by William Christie, are celebrated
pioneers in the revival of Baroque music. Renowned for their period instrument performances, they excel in interpreting the works of composers like Vivaldi, Handel, and Monteverdi. Violinist Théotime Langlois de Swarte is renowned for his captivating performances and deep musical sensitivity. With a repertoire spanning from Baroque to contemporary works, he enchants audiences worldwide with his exquisite artistry and profound interpretation.
Photos by Julien Benhamou and Marco Borggreve
RUBIA FLOWER MARKET
to do what we do. YOU We need YOU
Convos is Self-Supporting. Your ticket purchases and generous gifts power it all!
During our 2023-24 season, YOUR support made the following possible:
45,500
2,800 2,000 students and community members attended performances local K-12 school children enjoyed matinees at Purdue University
Purdue students received FREE tickets, master classes and experiences
Join the heart of Purdue Convocations and become the driving force behind unforgettable experiences. Your support fuels our mission to enrich lives through the arts, ignite imaginations, and cultivate a vibrant cultural community. By standing with us, you’re not just a spectator; you’re a crucial partner in bringing world-class performances to our stages, inspiring audiences of all ages, and fostering creativity and connection. Together, let’s continue to shape moments that resonate for years to come.
Gordon and Harriet Coppoc
WE Why WE belong...
Friends of Convos for 40 years, Gordon and Harriet Coppoc are a fixture in both Elliott Hall of Music and Loeb Playhouse. Beginning in rural Kansas as school kids, this couple has lived a life surrounded by music. Gordon’s studies and work have brought them to leading cultural cities like Chicago and Boston, where symphonies and jazz were a staple of their lives. Fifty-two years ago, West Lafayette became the place where they could work, raise a family and still enjoy world-class performances.
“Lafayette is a great place to come if you want to help create the culture.
One way to help make the culture is by participating in it which we do in several ways,” Gordon explained. “The second way is by supporting organizations that help create the culture. Convos is one of the organizations that helps make this place like what we had when we lived in Boston and Chicago, because they bring top notch artists from around the world to perform, entertain and inform. Convos and Purdue help make this place more cosmopolitan.”
Gordon and Harriet Coppoc
Friends of Convocations
Barrett S. Caldwell
I Why I belong...
As I reflect on my journey as a Friend of Convos, I vividly recall my excitement when I first encountered a flyer for Dave Brubeck’s concert at Purdue in 2009. It was a moment that reignited my childhood passion for jazz, rooted in memories of listening to it with my parents―especially my father.
Since that pivotal concert, I’ve experienced numerous transcendent moments, from witnessing jazz legends like Bela Fleck and Pat Metheny to discovering emerging stars like Gretchen Parlato and Esperanza Spalding. Each performance reaffirms my commitment to supporting jazz programming at Purdue Convocations.
Yet, my support for jazz programming extends beyond personal enjoyment. I see it as an opportunity to enrich the lives of students, faculty, and community members. To me, support for jazz programming is a way I connect back to my
family experience and share my passion with others in the Purdue community.
Moreover, I envision my contribution fostering meaningful experiences. In particular, I think about the high schoolers who make their way through the cold and snow of small town and rural Indiana to share music with artists from New York and San Francisco and Latin America. By supporting Convos’ jazz programming,
I aim to empower individuals to engage with music as a language of passion and eloquence, enhancing the cultural fluency and literacy of our community.
Barrett
S. Caldwell, PhD, FHFES, FIISE Professor, Schools of IE and AAE Director, NASA
Indiana Space Grant Consortium Purdue University Friend of Convocations
Purdue Convocations is Self-Supporting. Your ticket purchases and generous gifts power it all! Learn how you can help at convocations.org.
WE Why WE belong...
Eckhard and I have been an active part of Greater Lafayette and Purdue for more than 25 years. One of our favorite organizations in the area is Purdue Convocations, and I was thrilled to be asked to join their Friends Advisory Board last year. Convos has provided us and our family with world-class professional performances that range from incredibly deep Shakespearean plays to high-energy concerts that have thousands of people on their feet singing and dancing for hours, not to mention the jazz and classical musicians, the children’s shows, and the glittering Broadway productions. However, Convocations isn’t just about entertainment;
it’s about nurturing creativity, broadening horizons, and building a community that thrives on shared experiences.
This organization is key to the vibrancy of the Purdue and Greater Lafayette communities. This is why we support Convos.
Tamara
Groll
Current Friends Advisory Board Member and Friend of Convocations
Eckhard and Tamara Groll
Performance Partners
We applaud and appreciate the generosity of these partners whose support ensures that incredible arts experiences are possible in our community.
Office
Convos is self-supported, and corporate support plays a vital role in our operational needs. A corporate partnership with Purdue Convocations will help your business gain great visibility and signal that your business sees the impact of arts and culture on the quality of life in this community.
Benefits of Partnership include:
• E xtensive name and logo placement
• Pre-sales and priority seating
• Discounted tickets for employees
• Event invitations
• Access to special receptions and parking
• Customized marketing opportunities
• Enhanced relationship with the arts community
• And so much more!
Learn more at convocations.org/partnership or call (765) 494-9712.
Candace Swick
At Westminster Village, we are committed to enriching the lives of our residents through a variety of cultural experiences and opportunities for personal growth. That’s why we are proud to support Purdue Convocations.
As a senior living community dedicated to fostering a vibrant and engaging environment for our residents, we recognize the value of the arts in promoting social connection, stimulating the mind, and inspiring creativity.
By supporting Purdue Convocations, we are not only providing our residents with access to high-quality entertainment and cultural experiences but also contributing to the overall well-being and cultural vitality of the Greater Lafayette community as a whole.
Candace Swick Sales and Marketing Director, Westminster Village
