Emerson String Quartet, Lea Salonga, Ramsey Lewis and More Set for Segerstrom Center for the Arts' 2015-16 Music Lineup
By: BWW News Desk Mar. 18, 2015
Since its very first season, music has been a central component of Segerstrom Center for the Arts' annual series. To help celebrate its 30th season, Segerstrom Center is pleased to announce the lineups for its three core music offerings, along with a few new twists.
The Chamber Music Series has been part of the Center's music offerings for nearly 26 years. This coming season, five of the world's most renowned ensembles will perform in Samueli Theater, three making their Center debuts and bringing new musical experiences and discoveries to audiences.
The Center's Cabaret Series has a new name for the 2015 - 2016 Season, the Spotlight Series, which will continue to explore the Great American Songbook as interpreted by Tony Award-winning Broadway stars and an eclectic array of other musical performances.
Since 1987, the Center has been known as one of Southern California's great places to hear great jazz. The world's most revered jazz icons and many who began their rise to fame here have been part of the Center's Jazz Series. For its 30th season, the Center has created a high energy Jazz Weekend. There will be three sizzling evenings of jazz as well as a free Salsa Dance Party on the Arts Plaza in a fun and inviting festival atmosphere.
Information for renewing season ticket holders for the 2015 - 2016 Season is being sent to current subscribers, with priority orders for new season tickets available soon. Single tickets will go on sale approximately six weeks prior to individual engagements. Visit the Center's newly designed website, SCFTA.org, for more information about both the current season and the 2015 - 2016 Season. For inquiries about group ticket discounts, call the Group Services office at (714) 755-0236. The TTY number is (714) 556-2746.
CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES:
Emerson String Quartet • Fauré Quartett • Dilijan Chamber Players • Dover Quartet • St. Lawrence String Quartet
The Center's Chamber Music Series continues as one of the West Coast's most esteemed opportunities to hear some of the world's most sublime music performed by the world's greatest musical talents. Each of the ensembles, including three making Center debuts, brings fresh insight to established masterpieces and infectious enthusiasm to new and sometimes neglected musical gems. As Gabriel Faure? said, "Chamber music is the only true form of music and the most authentic expression of a personality."
EMERSON STRING QUARTET
October 22, 2015
Samueli Theater
"The Emerson," as it's affectionately known worldwide, has through its many visits almost made the Center a second home. Seasoned Chamber Music Series subscribers think of its players as family. It makes any Emerson appearance here a memorable occasion. Along with Bartok, an Emerson specialty, and the dazzling Haydn "Fifths" quartet, this year's program features a rarely performed yet sumptuous Schubert work demanding seamlessly committed ensemble playing - the very thing the Emerson consistently delivers.
Haydn: String Quartet in D minor "Fifths," Hob.III:76
Bartok: String Quartet No. 4, Sz. 91
Schubert: String Quartet No. 15 in G Major, D. 887
FAURÉ QUARTETT | CENTER DEBUT
November 11, 2016
Samueli Theater
Germany's Fauré Quartett has established itself as one of the world's most adventurous piano quartets with a repertoire spanning the centuries, from classical to modern. The much-recorded ensemble's 2007 collaboration with popular singer/songwriter Rufus Wainwright and later crossover album, Popsongs, demonstrates its determination to push the boundaries of chamber music. For its Center debut the quartet offers an extraordinary range of works, from Mozart and its namesake French composer to Bohuslav Martinu?'s Piano Quartet No 1, a Center premiere!
Mozart: Piano Quartet in E-flat Major, K. 493
Martinu: Piano Quartet No. 1, H. 287
Fauré: Piano Quartet No. 1 in C minor, Op. 15
DILIJAN CHAMBER PLAYERS | CENTER DEBUT
January 14, 2016
Samueli Theater
In its Center debut, Los Angeles' Dilijan Chamber Players offers an exciting program of Russian music from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Of particular note, in a Center premiere, is the Piano Quintet in G minor, Op. 30 by composer and concert pianist Sergei Taneyev, a close associate of Tchaikovsky and teacher, among others, of Rachmaninov and Scriabin. Though rarely performed, the Taneyev quintet is a marvelous work by a composer acclaimed for his mastery of counterpoint.
Rachmaninov: Trio e?le?giaque No. 1 in G minor
Shostakovich: Quartet No. 7 in F-sharp minor, Op. 108
Tchaikovsky: Selected works for piano
Taneyev: Piano Quintet in G minor, Op. 30
DOVER QUARTET | CENTER DEBUT
March 17, 2016
Samueli Theater
The young players of the Dover Quartet, all still in their twenties and mentored by some of the best musicians in the business, soared to international celebrity following a stunning victory at the renowned 2013 Banff International String Quartet Competition - an earlier launch pad to fame for the St. Lawrence String Quartet. In a stylistically wide- ranging Center debut program, the Dover Quartet plays a treasure of the 20th century chamber music repertoire, French composer Henri Dutilleux's haunting Ainsi la nuit - another Center premiere performance.
Mozart: String Quartet No. 17 in B-flat Major, K. 458
Dutilleux: Ainsi la nuit (1976)
Shostakovich: Quartet No. 2 in A Major, Op. 68
ST. LAWRENCE STRING QUARTET
April 8, 2016
Samueli Theater
As it enters its 26th season, the Stanford University-based, world- travelled St. Lawrence String Quartet, a frequent Center visitor, stands at the peak of its profession. Its playing excites the senses. Its communicative relationship with audiences makes whatever it plays seem fascinating and accessible. In this season's concert, the quartet plays a work specially written for it by American composer John Adams. The program opens and closes with two magnificent quartets by "the father of the string quartet," Joseph Haydn, a composer with whom Adams feels a particular affinity.
Haydn: String Quartet Op. 33 No. 2 in E-flat Major, Hob.III:38
John Adams: String Quartet No. 2 (Southern California premiere)
Haydn: String Quartet in E-flat Major, Op. 76 No. 6, Hob.III:80
Season ticket prices for the Chamber Music Series start at $339.
SPOTLIGHT SERIES:
Forbidden Broadway: Comes Out Swinging • Cheyenne Jackson: Shaken Not Stirred - The Music of the Movies • The Hot Sardines • Kristin Chenoweth • Lea Salonga
Luminous stars from Broadway, cabaret and concert halls step forward in the Center's new Spotlight Series. It's eclectic and electric, with Broadway headliners Kristin Chenoweth (WICKED's original Glinda) and Lea Salonga (the original Miss Saigon), Cheyenne Jackson of TV's Glee and 30 Rock making his Center debut in this debut series, Indie jazz sensation The Hot Sardines and Forbidden Broadway with its latest parody of American musicals complete the line-up.
FORBIDDEN BROADWAY: COMES OUT SWINGING | CENTER PREMIERE
October 1 - 4, 2015
Samueli Theater
Taking its cue from the knockout hit Rocky, Forbidden Broadway's latest round of fun-poking celebrates the current season of Tony- worthy musicals in an uproarious evening of lyric-twisting. The original New York production, with what Variety calls "an amazingly versatile cast of four," is guaranteed to have you on the mat with laughter! "A theatrical institution," cheers the New York Post: "More valuable than ever."
CHEYENNE JACKSON: SHAKEN NOT STIRRED - THE MUSIC OF THE MOVIES | CENTER DEBUT
November 21, 2015
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall
Cheyenne Jackson, the versatile theater and TV super star (Glee, 30 Rock) lends his beautiful voice to your favorite songs from film. With a full orchestra and many special guests, Jackson will perform the richest musical gems from Gypsy to Little Shop of Horrors as well as the soundtrack standouts from Breakfast at Tiffany's, Casablanca, The Wizard of Oz and James Bond films, the debonair secret agent man who took his martinis "shaken not stirred."
THE HOT SARDINES | CENTER DEBUT
February 11 - 14, 2016
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall
With the same frenzied energy that launched American jazz, this high-octane octet is generating exciting sounds for a new generation! Hailed by Forbes Magazine as "one of the best bands in New York today," The Hot Sardines is burning their way across America with an irresistible rhythm that's perfect for Valentine's Day weekend! Audiences will let loose to "hot jazz" played as it was in the era of abandon that gave it birth. The Hot Sardines brings the excitement that forged America's hottest music to the 21st century with glamour, grit and passion with plenty of brass and brassiness.
KRISTIN CHENOWETH
March 12, 2016
Segerstrom Hall
Backed by a 12-piece orchestra, Broadway and TV star, Tony and Emmy-winning musical actress Kristin Chenoweth returns to the Center audience that adores her! She's a once-in-a-generation artist who electrifies performances with a voice and personality that demands a spotlight. She was applauded for her roles in The West Wing, Glee and Pushing Daisies and was Glinda in the original history-making Broadway production of WICKED. Chenoweth lends her voice to a new collection of beloved songs from stage, film, and her first live album, Coming Home.
LEA SALONGA
April 2, 2016
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall
Some artists have the power to mesmerize their audiences, and Lea Salonga is indeed one of those rare creatures with whom you instantly fall in love. Salonga, so adored in her native country that she is called the "Voice of the Philippines," was instantly embraced around the world when she created the title role in Miss Saigon, first in London, where she won the Laurence Olivier Award, and then on Broadway where she earned the Tony Award. Audiences flock to her sold-out performances to enrich their world by hearing one of the most beautiful voices of our day.
Season ticket prices for the Cabaret Series start at $443.
JAZZ WEEKEND:
Poncho Sanchez & Eddie Palmieri Salsa Orchestra • Ramsey Lewis Celebrates 50th Anniversary of The In Crowd & Sergio Mendes and Brazil 2015 • Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club Adios Tour • Salsa Dance Party on the Plaza
Jazz at the Center moves to a new rhythm and form for its 30th season. It's the first Jazz Weekend, October 9 - 11, 2015. Some of the biggest names in the business arrive for this inaugural mini-fest. The fuse is lit on Friday with the blazing Latin rhythms of Poncho Sanchez & Eddie Palmieri Salsa Orchestra. Ramsey Lewis, celebrating the 50th anniversary of his The In Crowd, and Sergio Mendes and Brazil 2015 arrive on Saturday to add Grammy-winning soul jazz and bossa nova hits. On Sunday afternoon, there's a free Salsa Dance Party on the Plaza before Cuba's beloved musical ambassadors Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club® take the stage in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall as part of their Adios Tour.
PONCHO SANCHEZ & EDDIE PALMIERI SALSA ORCHESTRA
October 9, 2015
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall
Segerstrom Center's first Jazz Weekend begins Friday night with incendiary percussion and piano from two international sensations: Poncho Sanchez and Eddie Palmieri Salsa Orchestra! These Grammy-winning bandleaders bring their powerhouse bands to the Rene?e and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall for one exhilarating evening of intense Latin jazz. With a unique blend of high-voltage rhythm mixing Latin and South American influences, Poncho Sanchez ranks among the top American percussionists of all time, while the ageless Eddie Palmieri continues a half-century of innovation with his latest Salsa Orchestra.
RAMSEY LEWIS CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE IN CROWD AND SERGIO MENDES AND BRAZIL 2015
October 10, 2015
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall
North American soul jazz and South American bossa nova come together in one landmark double bill of hit music. Ramsey Lewis and Se?rgio Mendes bring a half-century of jazz hits to Saturday night. Lewis celebrates the 50th anniversary of his groundbreaking, Grammy-winning album, The In Crowd, which he will play in its entirety! Mendes helped introduce bossa nova to America with Brazil '66 and timeless classics such as "Mas Que Nada" and "Fool on the Hill." A must- hear night of hits from across the hemisphere!
SALSA DANCE PARTY ON THE PLAZA - FREE
October 11, 2015
Arts Plaza
It will be a hot Salsa Sunday as the Center's DJ kicks up the heat and music spills over to the Arts Plaza for a free afternoon party. Salsa is America's own contribution to Latin dancing and blends influences from Cuban son, son montuno, cha cha cha and mambo, and then adds elements of swing dancing and Afro-Caribbean movement - the sounds and the rhythms that will have the audience up and moving!
ORQUESTA BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB Adios Tour
October 11, 2015
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall
The Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club phenomenon began as an impromptu recording session by Cuba's most venerated singers and musicians and went on to captivate the world with a Grammy-winning album and Oscar-nominated film. Now traveling on their Adios Tour, these legendary artists return one last time to the Center as part of the Jazz Weekend. It will be an unforgettable evening of celebration and music by these ambassadors for the music of Cuba.
Single tickets start at $49. 2014 - 2015 Jazz Season Ticket holders will receive priority offers to purchase single tickets to the Jazz Weekend events.
About Segerstrom Center for the Arts - Segerstrom Center for the Arts is unique as both an acclaimed arts institution and as a multi- disciplinary cultural campus. It is committed to supporting artistic excellence on all of its stages, offering unsurpassed experiences, and engaging the entire community in new and exciting ways through the unique power of live performance and a diverse array of inspiring programs.
Previously called the Orange County Performing Arts Center, Segerstrom Center is Orange County's largest non-profit arts organization and owns and operates the 3,000-seat Segerstrom Hall and intimate 250-seat Judy Morr Theater, which opened in 1986, and the 2,000-seat Rene?e and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, which opened in 2006 and also houses the 500-seat Samueli Theater, the studio performance space and Boeing Education Lab. A spacious arts plaza anchors Segerstrom Center for the Arts and is home to numerous free performances throughout the year as part of Segerstrom Center for the Arts' ongoing Free for All series. The American Ballet Theatre William J. Gillespie School at Segerstrom Center opens in 2015.
The Center presents a broad range of programming for audiences of all ages, including international ballet and dance, national tours of top Broadway shows, intimate performances of jazz and cabaret, contemporary artists, classical music performed by renowned chamber orchestras and ensembles, family-friendly programming, free performances open to the public from outdoor movie screenings to dancing on the plaza and many other special events. The Center's arts-in-education programs are designed to inspire young people through the arts and reach hundreds of thousands of students each year.
In addition to the presenting and producing institution Segerstrom Center for the Arts, the 14- acre campus also embraces the facilities of two independent acclaimed organizations: Tony Award-winning South Coast Repertory and a site designated as the future home of the Orange County Museum of Art.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts is also proud to serve as the artistic home to three of the region's major performing arts organizations: Pacific Symphony, the Philharmonic Society of Orange County and the Pacific Chorale, who contribute greatly to the artistic life of the region with annual seasons at Segerstrom Center for the Arts.
Picture of Lea Salonga by Raymund Isaac.
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