bravo! concert series

Sampson rehearsed and played with Canadian Brass in a recent BRAVO! masterclass Students in the School of Music recently met and performed with renowned quintet Canadian Brass. While the masterclass was one of many presented by guest artists through BYU’s BRAVO! Performing Arts Series, it proved to be a once-in-a-lifetime learning opportunity for music education major and tuba player Jared Sampson. As a performer himself, Sampson hopes to combat stigmas directed at tuba players. He was grateful for the example of Chuck Daellenbach’s musicality and showmanship on an instrument that is sometimes misunderstood and devalued in the music world.

“Forever, women have been expected to be a certain way, look a certain way. I know for me … I was never the girly-girl. When I first started touring, I didn’t even wear makeup — I wore jeans. … And then I started being told I needed to look different because I was going to be on TV. … All of that starts getting put in your head and if you don’t have a strong enough sense of what you believe or who you are, you can easily get worried by it — I was for a certain amount of time.” That was just one of many topics Caillat addressed during the hourlong conversation at BYU's Harris Fine Arts Center. The singer touched on a variety of subjects ranging from working with Jason Mraz to overcoming stage fright to her surprising — and initially unwanted — rise to fame. As Caillat puts it, finding success was “accidental.” For starters, not many people can write a hit song in 20 minutes. But the words came out fast, and when her friend posted a demo recording of 'Bubbly' and a few other songs to MySpace — a platform Caillat had never even heard of — popularity came almost as fast. Caillat was offered a record deal, and those demos became her debut album in 2007. Read more at Deseret News’ website. Photo Credit: Alyssa Lyman.

Advanced theatre students attended a workshop taught by Shakespearean actor Chris Donnelly focusing on character motivations and acting from moment to moment

Jason Robert Brown and Kelli O’Hara spent time working with students while at BYU

Goldsberry shared experiences that have shaped her performing career The BRAVO! Professional Performing Arts series does more than bring world-renowned artists to BYU's stage. A key mission of the BRAVO! series is to set up experiences where the artists can work directly with students.

Jeffrey Martin hands the BRAVO! reins over to Bridget Benton

Julian Lage and Chris Eldridge explain music is not just simply playing notes

Roomful of Teeth shared their vocal abilities on and off the stage and left a lasting impact on students at BYU

Julie Fowlis performed and discussed traditional Scottish music at workshops with students

As part of the 2016-2017 BRAVO! season, BYU Arts will be hosting the Limón Dance Company. The group will perform Feb. 10 at 7:30 p.m. in the Pardoe Theatre of the Harris Fine Arts Center. The program will feature a special guest performance by BYU Contemporary Dance Theatre. Producer and Presenter of Performing Arts at BYU, Jeffrey Martin, said BYU is thrilled to bring fine dancers and “time-honored choreography” to campus for students and the community to experience in a live performance. Limón Dance Company is known as one of the legendary companies associated with modern dance in the United States. Founded in 1946 by José Limón and Doris Humphrey, the Limón Dance Company has lead American modern dance since its inception and is considered one of the world’s greatest ensembles. The company’s performances include classic works as well as new commissions from contemporary choreographers. “We seek to expose our students to the foundational movements of all dance styles during their time studying dance at BYU,” Martin said. “When we have the opportunity to showcase world-class dancers practicing the principles and techniques our students learn in the classroom and dance studio, we are able to give our students a tremendous advantage in their own training and development.” Under the direction of assistant professor Nathan Balser, CDT will collaborate with Limón Dance Company on this program. BYU’s dancers will perform an excerpt of Jose Limon’s piece, “A Choreographic Offering,” during the performance. “The Limón dancers are some of the finest in the country, bringing with them myriad expertise and excellence in training and performance,” Balser said. “For our students to rub shoulders with these dancers is not only uncommon, but of great worth and value to their own emergence as dance artists.” Balser said the CDT dancers have spent more than 50 hours learning and perfecting the Limón piece in preparation for the performance. One of these dancers is Adam Schraedel. He said the group is excited to dance with one of the most famous modern companies in the world. “We practiced for four weeks with an alumnus member of the company to learn and perfect our piece, ‘A Choreographic Offering,’” Schraedel said. “It’s a challenging style that many of us have little experience with, but it’s a very beautiful piece and I think we have learned a lot.” Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at the BYU Ticket Office in the Harris Fine Arts Center or Marriott Center, by phone at 801-422-2981 or online at byuarts.com. Tickets and Show Details Performance Dates and Times: Feb. 10, 7:30 p.m. Location: Pardoe Theatre, Harris Fine Arts Center, BYU Price: $35, BYU Alumni/Senior Citizen $32, BYU ID/Student ID $25 Tickets: Available in person at the BYU Ticket Office in the Harris Fine Arts Center or Marriott Center, by phone at 801-422- 2981 or online at byuarts.com

As a major snowstorm descended on New York, opera star Renee Fleming boarded one of the last planes out and squeezed between two passengers to claim her economy class seat. Fleming almost always flies first class, so sacrificing comfort to beat the storm was an unusual move, but she was determined to keep a commitment in Utah. Fleming had agreed to perform as part of BYU’s BRAVO! series. In fact, renowned performers from all over the globe consistently write a stop at BYU’s Harris Fine Arts Center into their schedules. The series holds enough weight in the entertainment industry to catch agents’ attention and bring in some pretty big names, BRAVO! producer Jeffrey Martin said. But it wasn’t always this way. Read More

BYU BRAVO! Professional Performing Arts presents 'Selected Shorts' on Friday, Nov. 18, at 7:30 p.m. in the de Jong Concert Hall of the Harris Fine Arts Center. Public radio’s beloved program, one of the premier short story reading series in America, comes to Provo with a very special theme: Modern Fairy Tales. Utah author Shannon Hale (Princess Academy, Goose Girl) hosts the performance and will guide the audience through an evening of contemporary spins on classic fairy tales, while some of the best actors from stage and screen bring to life feisty princesses, vengeful lackeys, and other fun and familiar characters. “We look forward to presenting NPR’s celebrated storytelling program at BYU,” said Jeffrey Martin, presenter of the BRAVO! performances. “Not only will it allow us to showcase these entertaining stories read by esteemed actors, but the program will be recorded for future broadcast on National Public Radio.” Stories will be read by René Auberjonois (Benson, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine), Jane Kaczmarek (Malcolm in the Middle) and Zach Grenier (The Good Wife, 24). “We’re pleased to bring 'Selected Shorts' to campus with these three incredibly talented and celebrated actors,” said Dr. Joey Franklin, professor in the BYU Department of English. “It’s going to be a wonderful night of storytelling by—and for—grownups!” The program is generously supported by the BYU Department of English. Date: Friday, Nov. 18 Time: 7:30 p.m. Location: de Jong Concert Hall, Harris Fine Arts Center, BYU Price: $15–30 ($3 off for senior citizens or BYU alumni, $5 off with BYU or student ID) Tickets: Available in person at the BYU Ticket Office in the Harris Fine Arts Center or Marriott Center, by phone at 801-422-2981, or online at byuarts.com

The Brigham Young University BRAVO! Professional Performing Arts Series presents an evening with The Branford Marsalis Quartet, in the Pardoe Theater on Thursday, Sept. 15, at 7:30 p.m. The Branford Marsalis Quartet will be joined by guest-vocalist Kurt Elling, also a Grammy award winner, who is among the world’s foremost jazz vocalists. In a singular collaboration of musical forces, the tight-knit band will feature Marsalis on saxophones, Joey Calderazzo on piano, Eric Revis on bass and Justin Faulkner on drums.

The Brigham Young University 2016-17 BRAVO! Professional Performing Arts Series opens Sept. 2 and 3, 7:30 p.m. with two special performance from Leslie Odom, Jr., Tony Award-winning star of the hit musical, Hamilton.

Tony Award-winning actors, Grammy Award-winning musicians, and celebrated dancers and theatre-makers from ten different countries will come to Provo next season for an unparalleled program of world-class performances. From Broadway legends to chamber music masters and time-honored dance to thrilling circus–there are many treasures to discover during the new season of professional performing arts at BYU. Season ticket packages will be available for purchase beginning May 11 for renewals, and May 23 for new orders. Tickets for individual events will go on sale approximately four to six weeks before the performance date. Tickets can be purchased in person at the BYU Ticket Office (Harris Fine Arts Center and Marriott Center), by calling 801.422.4322, or online at byuarts.com. The BRAVO! Professional Performing Arts at BYU 2016-17 schedule: BROADWAY: NOW With two Tony Awards and an additional five nominations among them, this roster of talent represents some of the most beloved and active musical theatre stars and creators to be found on the Great White Way. Kristin Chenoweth Friday—Saturday, Sept. 2—3, 7:30 PM de Jong Concert Hall The Emmy and Tony Award†winning actress and singer takes the lead in a spectacular career effortlessly spanning film, television, and stage. In her live concert, the acclaimed star presents an evening of songs from her iconic roles in shows like Wicked, Glee and On the Twentieth Century–as well as popular standards and classics from Broadway, Hollywood and beyond. An Evening with Lucy Simon with special guest Anthony Warlow Thursday, Sept. 29, 7:30 p.m. de Jong Concert Hall The Grammy Award winner and Tony†nominated composer of the musicals The Secret Garden and Doctor Zhivago sits down for an intimate discussion of her acclaimed songwriting career and her life on stage, intermingled with live performances of her most beloved songs. Broadway vocalists to be announced. Frank Wildhorn and Friends Friday, March 17, 7:30 p.m. de Jong Concert Hall The Tony Award†nominated composer (The Count of Monte Cristo, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Jekyll & Hyde) and pop music songwriter returns to BYU with a live band and professional soloists for a journey through his celebrated catalog of hits and show tunes. Broadway vocalists to be announced. Lea Solonga with BYU Chamber Orchestra Kory Katseanes, conductor Tuesday, April 11, 7:30 p.m. de Jong Concert Hall The Tony Award-winning Broadway star (Les Misérables, Miss Saigon, Allegiance), celebrity TV coach of The Voice (Philippines), and Disney princess (Aladdin, Mulan) makes a much†anticipated return to Provo for a grand night of standards and show tunes in concert with the 35†piece BYU Chamber Orchestra. CLASSICS Timeless classical music shines brightly at the hands–and voice–of some of the greatest concert artists of our day. Joyce Didonato and Brentano String Quartet Thursday, Sept. 22, 7:30 p.m. de Jong Concert Hall The Grammy Award†winning mezzo†soprano, celebrated for her “glamour, charisma, intelligence, grace, and remarkable talent” (New York Times), takes to the stage with the Yale School of Music’s esteemed quartet†in†residence for a program of familiar and contemporary classical treasures. Utah Symphony Thursday, Nov. 3, 7:30 p.m. de Jong Concert Hall For the explorer in each of us, the Utah Symphony, conducted by Thierry Fischer, transports us to another time and place with their performance of Dvorak’s “New World” Symphony, featuring what many consider to be one of the most beautiful melodies in all of classical music. Berlin Philharmonic Wind Quintet Friday, Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m. Madsen Recital Hall Founded in 1988, this quintet continues to astonish audiences worldwide with its range of expression, tonal spectrum and conceptual unity. The ensemble has succeeded in virtually redefining the sound of the classic wind quintet. Program highlights include works Gyorgy Ligeti’s “Six Bagatelles,” Franz Hanzi’s “Quintet in F†Major” and Paul Hindemith’s “Kleine Kammermusik.” Philharmonia Quartett Berlin Saturday, March 11, 8:00 p.m. de Jong Concert Hall Founded in 1984 by the principal concertmaster and string section leaders of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, this ensemble has established itself as one of the world’s premier string quartets with its extensive history of international concerts and large and diverse discography. Highlights of the group’s BYU recital include performances of celebrated string quartets by Mozart, Shostakovich and Beethoven. BAROQUE RE/VISITED Starring the music of Bach, Handel and Vivaldi, this trio of performances explores some of the most beautifully textured classical masterworks from the Baroque music canon. Matt Haimovitz: “The Bach Suites: A Moveable Feast” Thursday, Oct. 6, 7:30 p.m. Madsen Recital Hall Some of the most moving and spiritual compositions for a solo instrument in history, Bach’s Suites for Unaccompanied Cello (1717†1723) take on new life in a program offering a brilliant musical variation on the concept of A Moveable Feast. The acclaimed Israeli†American cellist combines each of Bach’s beloved works with newly†commissioned suites by Philip Glass, Du Yun, Vijay Iyer and others. Tenebrae: Handel’s Messiah Nov. 10-11, 7:30 p.m. de Jong Concert Hall Celebrated for its passion and precision, this London†based chamber choir returns, with soloists, for an intimate staging of George Frideric Handel’s timeless and glorious oratorio honoring the life and mission of Jesus Christ. Former King’s Singer Nigel Short conducts the performance, which also includes the BYU School of Music’s Baroque Ensemble, University Singers and Concert Choir. Venice Baroque Orchestra Wednesday, Mar. 1, 7:30 p.m. de Jong Concert Hall Since its establishment in 1997, this acclaimed orchestra has become recognized as one of the very finest period instrument ensembles in the world and has appeared in more U.S. cities than any other Baroque orchestra in history. Acclaimed Scottish violinist Nicola Benedetti joins the ensemble for a dynamic performance of Vivaldi’s masterpiece, The Four Seasons. MUSIC + MOTION This eclectic mix of jazz, world music, dance, and circus captures the variety and fun of the sounds and stories of today’s global community. Branford Marsalis Quartet with Special Guest Kurt Elling Thursday, Sept. 15, 7:30 p.m. Pardoe Theatre A collaboration between jazz’s most intense band and one of the genre’s foremost singers should prove to be anything but standard in this special line-up that looks beyond the Great American Songbook and enables the band to perform a variety of material in new and exciting ways. Anda Union Thursday, Oct. 27, 7:30 p.m. de Jong Concert Hall A thoroughly addictive combination of musical styles reflects the diverse roots of this group hailing from the ethnic nomadic cultures of Inner Mongolia. Combining throat singing and long song with a wide range of musical instruments, Anda Union brings the region’s old and forgotten music to life as never before. Selected Shorts Friday, Nov. 18, 7:30 p.m. de Jong Concert Hall Public radio’s beloved program, one of the premier reading series in America, comes to Provo! One theme, three actors, and a variety of short stories (sometimes classic, sometimes new, always interesting) by today’s most exciting contemporary fiction writers take center stage in this dynamic storytelling performance. Stories and actors to be announced. David Archuleta and Nathan Pacheo Friday-Saturday, Nov. 25-26, 7:30 p.m. de Jong Concert Hall Make the season bright with a joyful mix of Christmas classics and popular hits when this hometown pop star and classically trained tenor share the stage for a very special concert to get the holiday season started. Noam Pikelny Wednesday, Feb. 1, 7:30 p.m. Madsen Recital Hall Noam Pikelny has emerged as the preeminent banjoist of his generation, and the greatest color†blind banjoist of all†time. Hailed by the Chicago Tribune as the “pros’ top banjo picker,” Noam is a founding member of Punch Brothers, a string ensemble which the Boston Globe calls “a virtuosic revelation” and the New Yorker describes as “wide†ranging and restlessly imaginative.” LimÁ³n Dance Company Friday, Feb. 10, 7:30 p.m. Pardoe Theatre Founded in 1946 by José LimÁ³n and Doris Humphrey, the LimÁ³n Dance Company has been at the vanguard of American modern dance since its inception and is considered one of the world’s greatest ensembles. The company’s repertory is unparalleled in its breadth and includes classic works along with new commissions from contemporary choreographers. OFF THE MAP BYU’s fourth-annual international theatre festival welcomes a single company with two productions—one a returning favorite, the other a Utah premiere—for a unique double-bill of innovative theatrical storytelling from the land Down Under. The Last Great Hunt: “It’s Dark Outside” Tuesday, Jan. 17, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday—Saturday, Jan. 18—21, 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, 2:30 p.m. Pardoe Theatre Puppetry, mask, animation and live performance merge seamlessly in this epic western about an old man and his noble tent who go wandering together into the wild. Inspired by experiences and research into Alzheimer’s and Sundowner’s Syndrome, the play is a heartfelt, fearless, and inventive voyage about aging, getting lost and trying not to be found. The Last Great Hunt: “The Adventures Of Alvin Sputnik: Deep Sea Explorer” Wednesday—Saturday, Jan. 18—21, 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20, 10 a.m. (school matinee) Saturday, Jan. 21, 1 p.m. Nelke Theatre Encore engagement! This multi award†winning one†man micro†epic puppet show melds technology and multimedia into a touching story of enduring love and the end of the world. Created by Tim Watts, this solo performance employs a unique blend of live animation, mime, puppetry, live and recorded music to present an exploration of the next and oldest frontier: the deep blue sea. Cirk La Puyka: “Slapstick Sonata” Wednesday, March 22, 7:30p.m. de Jong Concert Hall With a multi†talented cast of dancers, actors, mimes, and comedians, Prague†based Cirk La Putyka is one of Europe’s most pioneering physical theatre companies. Set to the music of Mozart, Handel, Shostakovich and others, Slapstick Sonata is an absurd yet poetic theater piece without text or words. Visual poetry meets physical comedy with a dash of contemporary circus in this glorious explosion of color, humor, movement and silliness.

Brigham Young University will present its third season of the OFF THE MAP: BYU International Arts Festival on Jan. 21-23. The festival consists of two unconventional theatre performances,Y2D Productions:LEO and Out of Balanz: Next Door. The shows will be presented back to back starting at 7 p.m. in the Nelke (Next Door) and Pardoe (Leo) Theatres, with Saturday matinees starting at 1 p.m. Tickets are $10, with discounts available for alumni, students, employees, senior citizens and groups. Tickets can be purchased in person at the BYU Ticket Office in the Harris Fine Arts Center or Marriott Center, by phone at 801-422-2981 or online at byuarts.com. Leo is a solo theatre piece that shows the journey of a man played by Julian Schulz whose world becomes physically unhinged. The production challenges reality and gravity through the clever interplay of vibrant acrobatic performance and high-tech video projection. Next Door follows Ivan as he contemplates what connects humans after his neighbor, whom he doesn’t know well, dies suddenly. The drama blends personal memories, shared stories and movement to create a low-fi, physical storytelling that celebrates connection, imagination and the significance of human relationships. BYU Arts Production Manager Jeffrey Martin is the brainchild behind the Off The Map series. Three years ago he recognized that BYU students were mostly exposed to conventional theatre. He felt that audiences could benefit from unique and sometimes bizarre productions from other countries. “There’s a strong interest in this kind of work,” Martin said. “At BYU we are curious about other cultures, which goes right along with our university’s mission. These performances are interdisciplinary and international.” Martin doesn’t just want attendees to be entertained; he hopes the experience will broaden their view of what theatre is and what kind of effect it can have on people. “When people are exposed to new ideas, or even old ideas told in new and exciting ways, they become more well-rounded,” Martin said. “These performances will be appreciated by everyone who attends.” These performances are sponsored the Utah Division of Arts and Museums; the Western States Arts Federation; the National Endowment for the Arts; the Mary Lou Fulton Endowment in Theatre and Media Arts; and by BRAVO! Professional Performing Arts at BYU, the university’s concert series that hosts world-renowned guest artists from across the globe. Performance Dates and Times: Leo – Jan. 21-23, 8:40 p.m., with a Saturday matinee at 2:40 p.m. Next Door – Jan. 21-23, 7 p.m., with a Saturday matinee at 1 p.m. Location: Nelke (Next Door) and Pardoe (Leo) Theatres, Harris Fine Arts Center, BYU Price: $10 (discounts for senior citizens, BYU students, groups and alumni) Tickets: Available in person at the BYU Ticket Office in the Harris Fine Arts Center or Marriott Center, by phone at 801-422-2981 or online at byuarts.com

Tickets to this winter’s BYU arts performances make the best Christmas gifts. And with 25 different events to choose from, you can sing, act or dance your way while you jingle all the way. Tickets for these performances are available for purchase through byuarts.com or by calling 801-422-2981.

The Brigham Young University BRAVO! series presents the National Dance Company of Siberia, in the de Jong Concert Hall, on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2015, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 - $30, with discounts available for alumni, students, employees and senior citizens. Tickets can be purchased in person at the BYU Ticket Office in the Harris Fine Arts Center or Marriott Center, by phone at 801-422-2981, or online at byuarts.com. Hailing from Krasnoyarsk, Russia, the National Dance Company of Siberia has enthralled audiences worldwide since 1960. Coordinating more than fifty dancers in striking costumes, the artistic director, Vladmir Moisevev, leads the company as they exhibit the rich traditions and folklore of Siberia. Their performances captures the heart of the Siberian soul with original melodies from Vladimir Kornev, the company’s music director, and choreography by the company’s founder, Mikhail Godenko. 'Our community stands uniquely prepared to appreciate the talents of this company of dancers because we value cultural exploration and discovery,' said Jeffrey Martin, producer of performing arts for the College of Fine Arts and Communications and presenter of the BRAVO! series. 'Many of us learn foreign languages, participate in international study abroad programs, and, of course, spend time overseas in missionary service.' This performance is sponsored by BRAVO! Professional Performing Arts at BYU, the university’s concert series that hosts world-renowned guest artists from across the globe. Performance Date: Thurs, Oct. 1, 2015 Time: 7:30 p.m. Location: de Jong Concert Hall, Harris Fine Arts Center, BYU Price: $20 (with discounts for senior citizens, BYU students, employees and alumni) Tickets: Available in person at the BYU Ticket Office in the Harris Fine Arts Center or Marriott Center, by phone at 801-422-2981 or online at byuarts.com