Music & movement

Renowned choreographer Mark Morris turns his gaze skyward in Moon, a West Coast premiere that poetically explores our timeless fascination with the lunar landscape. This multimedia production pairs Isaac Mizrahi’s lunar-themed costumes with a captivating soundtrack of live and recorded music, ranging from Debussy to NASA's Voyager Golden Record.

Witness Tony Award winner Kelli O'Hara up close and personal. Accompanied by her longtime pianist Dan Lipton, Kelli will perform a stunning selection of show tunes, timeless standards from the Great American Songbook, and more.

Celebrating its centennial, the legendary Martha Graham Dance Company returns to Zellerbach Hall with a powerful program of iconic masterworks and contemporary premieres. This landmark anniversary features the timeless Americana of Appalachian Spring alongside new commissions from visionary choreographers like Jamar Roberts and Hope Boykin.

Grammy-nominated vocalist Somi Kakoma shines in this captivating performance that bridges the worlds of African jazz, soul, and pop. Her sophisticated "New African Soul" draws deeply from her Rwandan and Ugandan roots, weaving together evocative melodies and storytelling that explore the modern African experience.

Visionary choreographer Kyle Abraham makes his Cal Performances debut with a powerful program exploring the intersections of Black and queer identity. This "post-modern gumbo" of movement features three distinct works performed to live music, ranging from the soulful jazz of Nina Simone to the driving rhythms of Max Roach.

Four-time Grammy winner Chris Thile brings a virtuosic solo performance that showcases his restless musical curiosity. This eclectic program features selections from his latest recordings of Bach’s sonatas and partitas alongside a soulful mix of original songs, bluegrass standards, and contemporary classical works.

This visionary production by Opera Parallèle breathes new life into Jean Cocteau’s cinematic masterpiece by replacing the film's original dialogue with Philip Glass’s hypnotic operatic score. Live singers perform in perfect synchronization with the projected movie, creating a seamless and spellbinding fusion of vintage cinema and live theater.

Rhiannon Giddens and the Grammy-winning Silkroad Ensemble return with Sanctuary, a communal program exploring the healing power of musical ritual. This vibrant performance bridges global traditions including Sicilian tarantella, Moroccan Gnawa, and American old-time to foster human connection in a changing world.

Dedicated to preserving the African American cultural experience, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre has been bringing thought-provoking dance and unparalleled power to the stage for over 65 years. They continues to inspire global audiences through technical brilliance and soulful storytelling.

The Joffrey Ballet returns with Alexander Ekman’s daring reimagining of Midsummer Night’s Dream, a surreal celebration of the Scandinavian summer solstice. This imaginative production blends classical and contemporary dance with a haunting live score performed by Swedish indie artist Anna von Hausswolff.

Celebrated five-time Grammy winner Renée Fleming returns to the stage for a radiant recital of beloved songs and arias. Joined by acclaimed pianist Inon Barnatan, this special performance showcases Fleming’s world-class artistry through a captivating program of classical masterpieces and piano showpieces.

Renowned pianist Lara Downes leads a diverse collective of musical visionaries in a profound exploration of the American story through a blend of classical and popular traditions. From reimagined folk anthems to contemporary commissions, this stirring performance honors the complex history and enduring hope of a nation in constant transformation.