The BRAVO! series’ upcoming season will feature a Tony Award-nominated actress, a world-renowned English a capella group, two dancing jugglers from France, and the Royal Ballet of Cambodia. These world-class artists will sing, dance, perform and instruct students and attendees. BRAVO!, formerly known as the BYU Performing Arts Series, showcases world-class musicians, dancers and actors on campus. Visiting performers not only demonstrate their talents and tell captivating stories, but they also inspire students to improve their skills and increase their ambitions. “Almost every person or company that visits as part of the series gives a lecture or teaches a master class,” said Jeff Martin, producer of the BRAVO! series. “It isn’t just about bringing people to do shows; it’s about encouraging connections and learning with professionals.” Martin spearheads the scheduling of BRAVO! performers, and noted that arranging for these artists to arrive at BYU is a year-round job. “Sometimes it takes one to four years to get a performer to come here,” Martin said. “I have a list of things I keep working on, and then I just wait for everything to align throughout the year.”
This year’s line-up features a diverse array of performances, including Nathan Gunn, one of the most sought after baritones of the modern day; Nishat Khan, a spellbinding sitar player from India; and Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing performed by Actors From The London Stage.
Sutton Foster, the star of ABC Family’s Bunheads, will also be part of the series. Martin mentioned that her visit has been in the works for quite a while. “I’ve been working on getting her here for three or four years, and it’s been challenging,” Martin said. “She’s at the top of her game. She’s such a talent. I’m so glad it’s finally working out.” The acclaimed Off the Map International Arts Festival will also return, providing three unconventional, foreign performances. As part of the BRAVO! series, Off the Map will showcase a two-person juggling act from France, a Chinese hip-hop fusion of traditional and contemporary sounds and a solo play with music from New Zealand. “Last year’s Off the Map shows were so different from each other and from what we typically experience here in Provo,” Martin said. “For this year, it felt like we would stick with that idea–bringing unique shows to BYU.” There is also plenty for classical music aficionados to enjoy. The Utah Symphony will perform, and the BYU Philharmonic will be joined by Lynn Harrell, a renowned cellist, for an evening of beautiful classics. Martin is excited that these talents will be available to the local community. “A lot of these things would cost so much more if you saw them somewhere else,” Martin said. “We do our best to be sensitive to the financial needs of people.” Season renewals on sale on May 7. New orders begin May 28. To see the full line-up, click here.