Chi na' s The Pek ing Acr oba ts
brittany app
don lee
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
ScrapArtsMusic
Expect great music and dance from Argentina with Tango Buenos Aires for two performances on Jan. 29. A five-piece music ensemble accompanies this great cultural export defined by elements of love, passion and seduction. A co-production with Opera Australia and Teatro La Fenice, Venice sends a new production to Houston Grand Opera with Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor, Jan. 28-Feb. 11. Since Paul Simon’s Graceland album catapulted South Africa’s Ladysmith Black Mambazo to worldwide fame, the Grammy-Award winning a cappella group has remained true to melding the tradition of Zulu harmony singing with gospel and reggae for an unforgettable musical and spiritual alchemy. Hear their rich, uplifting 8
winter 2010 - 11
downtown
harmonies with SPA at Jones Hall on Feb. 4. Originally from the West African nation of Benin, guitarist Lionel Loueke has enjoyed a meteoric rise over the past several years. Praised by his mentor Herbie Hancock as “a musical painter,” he has appeared on numerous standout recordings such as Hancock’s River: The Joni Letters and Terence Blanchard’s Flow. Loueke arrives in the Houston arts scene with Da Camera of Houston on Feb. 5. Positive energy and ingenious creativity will radiate throughout the Cullen Theater when SPA hosts ScrapArtsMusic on Feb. 25. ScrapArtsMusic is a Canadian quintet that tours the world transforming stages into eco-friendly musical realms. Each musical invention is
hand built from recycled materials ranging from accordion parts to aluminum scraps, and even artillery shells. Transcending language, culture and age, ScrapArtsMusic offers a highly physical, wildly theatrical and thoroughly entertaining taste of the musical vanguard on Feb. 25. Arriving direct from Lyon, France, Compagnie La Baraka brings a new work choreographed by Abou Lagraa and featuring seven dancers and live music played by the Debussy Quartet to the stage with SPA on Feb. 26. From holiday favorites to new tales in the new year, the Houston Theater District brings the best performers in the world to the stage for you. Resolve to make the arts a part of the rest of this year and the next.