Van Wezel Presents Brand-new 2011-2012 Bravo! Series

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall has announced the premiere of the Bravo! Series for 2011-2012. The new series will combine Dance, Classical, Orchestra and other unique performances. Subscriptions to the complete series are now available, with priority seating going to current subscribers who renew prior to the June 6 deadline. The Bravo! Series will appeal to all ages and tastes-phenomenal classical soloists to world-renowned orchestras and dance troupes. This season we have confirmed some of the most compelling, powerful, and fresh artists to date. We are thrilled to present our 2011-2012 Bravo! Series which will include: The New York Pops Holiday Concert featuring Guest John Pizzarelli and Conductor Steven Reineke (Wed. Dec 7, 2011@ 8 PM), Salute to Vienna (Sun Jan. 1, 2012 @ 8 PM), Step Afrika! (Thurs. Jan. 12, 2012 @ 8 PM), the Cleveland Orchestra (Mon. Jan 23, 2012 @ 8 PM), Joshua Bell (Thurs. Feb 2, 2012 @ 8 PM), Forever Tango with Cheryl Burke (Thurs. Feb 9, 2012@ 8 PM), Alvin Ailey (Tues. Feb 21, 2012 @ 8 PM), The 5 Browns (Thurs. Mar 15, 2012 @ 8 PM), and Joffrey Ballet (Thurs. Mar 29, 2012 @ 8 PM).

The New York Pops is the largest independent pops orchestra in the United States, and the only professional symphonic orchestra in New York City specializing in popular music. Comprised of New York City's top musicians from the world of symphonic music, Broadway and recording, the New York Pops present time-honored American favorites, including works of Harold Arlen, Irving Berlin, Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copland, Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, Cole Porter and Stephen Sondheim. Wed Dec 7/ 8 P.M.

Welcome the New Year with Salute to Vienna, patterned after Vienna's world famous "Neujahrskonzert", returning for a glorious 13th season with a fresh, new program. The festive event features a brilliant new cast of over 75 musicians, stellar European singers and dancers in beautiful costumes, and a light hearted blend of popular Strauss waltzes, polkas and operetta pieces - inspiring diehard romantics all over North America! The performance will feature The Strauss Symphony of America with Imre Kollár, conductor (Budapest), Hege Gustava Tjønn, soprano (Vienna-Oslo), Zsolt Vadász, tenor (Budapest), and dancers from Ballett St. Pölten (Austria) and International Champion Ballroom Dancers. Sun Jan 1 / 8 P.M.

Like a tap dance without shoes, or a band without instruments, in Step Afrika! the body is the instrument. Through a combination of kicks, stomps, claps and chants - all linked to African and modern dance practices, Step Afrika! creates intricate rhythms and sounds. "Electrifying Talents," trumpeted The Washington Post. Thurs Jan 12 / 8 P.M.

Under the leadership of Music Director Franz Welser-Möst, the Cleveland Orchestra has become one of the most sought-after performing ensembles in the world. At its winter home at Severance Hall and at each summer's Blossom Festival, in residencies from Miami to Vienna, and on tour around the world, the Cleveland Orchestra sets standards of artistic excellence, creative programming, and community engagement. Featuring Yefim Bronfman on piano the program will include--Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 2, Sean Shepherd: new work TBA, Shostakovich: Symphony No. 6 Mon Jan 23 / 8 P.M.

Superstar violinist Joshua Bell has enchanted audiences worldwide with his brilliant and daring craftsmanship. The Grammy Award-winner has recorded more than 35 CDs, including the soundtrack to For Colored Girls and Romance of the Violin. Bell collaborated with composer John Corigliano on the Oscar-winning soundtrack to The Red Violin, and was named 2010 Instrumentalist of the Year by Musical America. "Bell," Gramophone stated simply, "is dazzling." Thurs Feb 2 / 8 P.M.

The tango inhabits a world where everything can be said with the flick of a leg, the tug of a hand, the tap of a foot and the arch of an eyebrow. Created and directed by Luis Bravo, Forever Tango recently enjoyed its third run on Broadway. With performances by world-class tango dancers, a vocalist and an on-stage orchestra, the evening is a celebration of the passionate music and dance of Argentina. Forever Tango will feature Cheryl Burke. Thurs Feb 9 / 8 P.M.

Let Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's gorgeous dancers lift your spirits as they perform thrilling premieres and new productions, plus returning audience favorites. Experience the power of Alvin Ailey and see for yourself why this extraordinary company is hailed as America's cultural ambassador to the world and "possibly the most successful modern dance company on the planet." (The New York Times) Robert Battle is the Artistic Director and Masazumi Chaya is the Associate Artistic Director. Tues Feb 21 / 8 P.M.

The 5 Browns are firing up classical music! Whether performing solos or complex five-piano arrangements, The 5 Browns reveal a deep connection to their material while bringing a fresh energy and dynamic character to classic sounds. The sibling quintet has been dubbed the "Fab Five" by People magazine, featured on Oprah and 60 Minutes, and their first 3 CDs went to #1 on Billboard Magazine's Classical Album Chart. The program will include: Rondo alla Turca --Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart/Greg Anderson, Piano Sonata No. 4 in F-Sharp Major, Op. 30 --Alexander Scriabin, Rhapsody in Blue --George Gershwin/Jeffrey Shumway, Etude de Concert, Op. 36-Edward MacDowell, The Rite of Spring: Part One-- Igor Stravinsky/Jeffrey Shumway, Intermission, Catch Me If You Can: "Opening Credits"-- John Williams/Jeffrey Shumway, Mephisto Waltz No. 1, for Two Pianos-- Franz Liszt, Over the Rainbow: Fantasy for Five Pianos-- Greg Anderson, Concert Etudes Op. 40-- Nikolai Kapustin, Islamey-- Mily Balakirev/Greg Anderson Thurs Mar 15 / 8 P.M.

Joffrey Ballet is "America's Ballet Company of Firsts," from first to perform at the White House to first and only dance company to appear on the cover of Time magazine. Classically trained to the highest standards, The Joffrey Ballet expresses a unique, inclusive perspective on dance, proudly reflecting the diversity of America with its company, audiences, and repertoire. The program will include: Pretty BALLET with choreography by James Kudelka and music by Martinu, After The Rain with choreography by Christopher Wheeldon and music by Arvo Part, and Night with choreography by Julia Adam and music by Matthew Pierce. Thurs Mar 29 / 8 P.M.

Subscribers can renew now! Save 20% if you order all 8 shows; if you pick 4 or more you save 15%. Full Series Subscriptions range from $222.10-$538.83. The Create Your Own Subscriptions vary in price, depending on which shows you select and how many you choose. Additional shows may be added to the Bravo! Series soon. When these shows are announced subscribers will have the opportunity to purchase them at the same great discount. Current Van Wezel subscribers can renew their same seats if desired. After renewal subscriptions are filled, new subscriptions will be processed in the order they are received.

There are three easy ways to subscribe--either by mail to: Van Wezel Box Office, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Fl 34236 - or visit the Box Office: Monday-Friday 10AM-4 PM, Saturday 10AM-3 PM, and open later and Sunday on show days - or call 941-953-3368 or Toll Free 1-800-826-9303.