Jorgensen Announces General Program Descriptions For 2009-2010 Season

Fri, Sept. 7 -Oct 16 Blake Shirley: Purple and Blender Jorgensen Gallery Open
11 am - 4 pm, Monday-Friday, and 1 hr. before performances
Closing Reception, Thurs, Oct 15, 6 pm
The large-scale paintings in Blake Shirley's exhibition straddle that curious space between figuration's storytelling and abstraction's emphasis on crashing waves of paint in a visual complexity that parallels the infinitely layered existence. Most of the imagery used, such as vacuum cleaners, sofas, toasters, and clothes, reflect everyday existence and the objects that populate the world in which we live.

Sun, Sept 27, 1 & 3 pm Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing Children
Quiet, sensible, Peter Hatcher's life is plagued by "Fudge," his toddler brother who throws tantrums, smears mashed potatoes on the walls, and walks off with his pet turtle, Dribble. Based on Judy Blume's book, this hilarious, consistently imaginative and challenging play takes a fun and honest look at sibling rivalry.

Sat, Oct 3, 7 pm Birbiglia and Rhea Double the Comedy UConn Family Weekend

Mike Birbiglia, who has lit up both late-night TV and the off-Broadway stage, leads off with strangely insightful, incredibly funny observations on his own awkward adventures. Actress, TV host and stand-up comic Caroline Rhea's spontaneous, agile, self-deprecating goofiness casts a fresh new light on life's complications - from cookies to casual sex. (Adult content)

Fri & Sat, Oct 9 & 10, 8 pm Guthrie Family Rides Again Cabaret/Folk

Forty years after the Woodstock Festival rocked the musical world, folk icon Arlo Guthrie and his family bring back the days of peace, love and rock ‘n' roll. Channeling his father's social commentary, Arlo fosters a new commitment to social consciousness and activism. For the Guthrie family, this land really is "made for you and me."

Thurs, Oct 15, 7:30 pm Alexei Volodin Chamber
Concert talk 6:45 pm

Alexei Volodin began studying piano at age nine and has gone on to triumphant international performances in cultural capitals from Paris to New York to Tokyo. He collaborates regularly with conductor Valery Gergiev and performs with a technique that is at once subtly galvanizing and persuasively refined.
Sun, Oct 18, 1 & 3 pm Harold & the Purple Crayon Children

With only an oversized purple crayon, Harold draws a path to follow, a landscape to discover, and landmarks to guide him back home. In a signature blend of magic, mask, pantomime, puppetry and original music, Enchantment Theatre Company creates the wondrous sense that anything is possible.

Tues, Oct 20, 7:30 pm Shaolin Warriors World

Combining gymnastic agility and grace with supreme showmanship, the Shaolin Warriors bring the remarkable skill, stunning movement and spectacular imagery of Kung Fu to the stage.
Thurs, Oct 29, 7:30 pm The Best of Momix Dance

In a spectacular blend of physical theater, circus athleticism, and comedy, Momix transports audiences from to a fantasy world through its use of lighting and imagery to create a magical, multimedia experience.

Sat, Nov 7, 8 pm Bruckner Orchestra of Linz Orchestra
Concert talk 7:15 pm

The Bruckner Orchestra, conducted by the electric Dennis Russell Davies, is one of Central Europe's leading orchestras. Fluent in both classical and contemporary genres, it will be joined by Renaud Capuçon, violin, and Kathryn Handsaker, mezzo soprano, in presenting an evening of music by the quintessential 20th-century urban American composer, Leonard Bernstein.

Fri & Sat, Nov 13 & 14, 8 pm Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Cabaret

America's favorite contemporary little big band, the award-winning, jumpin' jazz / retro swing Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, recreates the swing sound of the 1940s and '50s. From the White House to the Super Bowl, their pumped-up dance floor jazz is made for today's movers and shakers.

Tues, Nov 17, 7:30 pm Pacifica Quartet Chamber
Concert talk 6:45 pm

The Pacifica Quartet, Musical America's Ensemble of the Year, is recognized for its virtuosity, exuberant performance style, and often daring choices. Their wide repertoire for strings includes classical, contemporary, and newly commissioned works, performed with split-second timing and intricate interpretation.
Tues, Dec. 1, 7:30 pm Kangho Lee Chamber
Concert talk 6:45 pm

Cello soloist and chamber musician, Kangho Lee exhibits technical perfection and rich coloration, showing great lyrical depth. A highly respected pedagogue, Mr. Lee directs UConn's Cello and Chamber Music Festivals. He will be joined by pianist MinYoung Lee in a program that includes works by Beethoven, Britten and Rachmaninoff.

Sat, Dec. 5, 8 pm Boston Pops Holiday Concert Special

The holidays provide a sleigh full of sensory delight: the crunch of new-fallen snow, twinkling lights on lamp posts and trees, the smell of gingerbread - and the musical merriment of the Boston Pops. Join in the season's good cheer as Keith Lockhart leads the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra through festive modern classics and timeless carols; sponsored by Fidelity Investments. (Psssst! Santa will be there, too!)

Sat & Sun, Dec 12 & 13 The Nutcracker Dance

Crouching Cossacks, waltzing flowers, swirling snowflakes and sugarplum fairies bring the holiday magic of The Nutcracker to the stage. In this exciting Jorgensen co-production with Connecticut Ballet, the professional company of dancers will be joined by a cast of local children from area dance schools.
Thurs, Jan 28, 7:30 pm Capuçon-Angelich Trio Chamber
Concert talk 6:45 pm

The Capuçon-Angelich Trio fuses the fierce impetuosity of cellist Gautier Capuçon with the more thoughtful, cooler playing of violinist Renaud Capuçon, and the languid, nocturnal style of pianist Nicholas Angelich in an evening of full of what San Francisco Chronicle calls "dense and even voluptuous pleasures."

Sun, Jan 31, 1 & 3 pm Tomie dePaola's Strega Nona Children

In this musical tale, the folk wisdom and fun of Tomie dePaola's children's book, Strega Nona (Grandma Witch), comes to life. The friendly Italian witch saves the day when clumsy Big Anthony misuses her magic book and pasta threatens to engulf the whole town - teaching Anthony an important lesson.
Fri & Sat, Feb 5 & 6, 8 pm Monterey Jazz Festival Tour Cabaret

The Monterey Jazz Festival is back on the road, featuring The Kenny Barron Trio, playing sensitive melodies with infectious rhythms; violinist Regina Carter, who creates probingly intelligent and breathtakingly daring music; the rich, creative baritone of Kurt Elling; and the jazz guitar virtuosity of Russell Malone.
Thurs, Feb 18, 8 pm Moscow State Radio Symphony Orchestra
Concert talk 7:15 pm

Visiting maestros from around the world evoke fresh, vibrant performances by the Moscow Radio Symphony Orchestra. Under the skilled musical direction of Alexei Kornienko, and joined by violinist Alexander Sinchuk and

cellist Julian Schwartz, the Orchestra plays with boldly articulated bravura in an expressive, beautifully-toned performance.

Thurs, Mar 4, 8 pm Bèla Fleck/The Africa Project Special

The unrivaled master of the American banjo, Bèla Fleck is also a historian. Intrigued by the instrument's ancestry, he visited Africa, playing with local musicians on stringed gourds and percussive lutes. In Throw Down Your Heart, Fleck documents the analogues and creates some of the most memorable music of his career.

Sun, Mar 7, 2 pm Jungle Jack Hanna Children

Animal expert "Jungle Jack" Hanna is one of the most visible and respected ambassadors between the animal and human worlds. He introduces his menagerie of furry and feathered friends in this fun family adventure.

Tues, Mar 16, 7:30 pm Tao: The Martial Art of Drumming World

Athletic bodies and contemporary costumes meet explosive Taiko drumming and a powerful, innovative choreography in a dynamic show that has critics waxing lyrical about Tao's extraordinary precision, energy, and stamina. They bring a distinctly non-traditional flair to the heritage of Japanese drumming.

Fri & Sat, Mar 19 & 20, 8 pm Masters of the Fiddle Cabaret

Donnell Leahy is the eldest of the Canadian sibling powerhouse that creates a whirlwind triple-threat of Scottish and Irish fiddle-driven music. He is joined by Cape Breton Island's Natalie MacMaster, the fiery fiddler who dances with unstoppable energy and sings with irresistible passion.

Thurs, Mar 25, 7:30 pm Moscow Festival Ballet: Coppelia Dance

The Moscow Festival Ballet, under the artistic direction of Sergei Radchenko, presents Coppelia, the tale of a mysterious toymaker and the mechanical doll who snares the heart of an unsuspecting swain. With grace and poise, the dancers provide the ballet's charming pantomime, comedy, mayhem, and happily-ever-after romance.

Sat, Mar 27, 7:30 pm Brentano String Quartet Chamber
Concert talk, 6:45 pm

The Independent of London calls the Brentano String Quartet "passionate, uninhibited and spell-binding." Since its 1992 inception, it has won kudos throughout the world, with The Strad noting its "glittering clarity" and the Philadelphia Inquirer praising its instinct "for finding the center of gravity in every phrase and musical gesture."
Sun, Mar 28, 1 & 3 pm A Year With Frog and Toad Children

In this all-new musical production by The Road Company, Arnold Lobel's beloved characters, Frog and Toad, hop from the page to the stage as two mismatched friends navigate the seasons of life together. There is wisdom for both children and adults in this exploration of what makes each of us different and special.
Sat, Apr 10 Latin Fest Special

Dance! Eat! Celebrate the traditional and the trendy at UConn's Latin Fest 2010. A nationally-known headliner, a local orchestra and a DJ will move the crowd to the throbbing, irresistible beat of salsa, merengue and Latin jazz. The evening is guaranteed to be hot, hot, hot! Semi-formal attire required. (Flame retardant optional.)

Fri & Sat, Apr 16 & 17, 8 pm The Rat Pack Is Back Cabaret

Backed by the sensational Tribute Orchestra, the Rat Pack of Frank, Sammy, Joey and Dean is reunited in their Las Vegas habitat after "God" directs the foursome to Earth for one more show. The group recreates the signature songs, impromptu jokes and stylish camaraderie of the best-known entertainment quartet in "Sin City."

Thurs, Apr 29, 7:30 pm Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Dance

The Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Company stands out as a model of what a small ballet company should be, with its musicality, athleticism, and technique. This versatile, gifted troupe of young dancers performs an eclectic repertoire of pieces by some of the world's foremost choreographers.

 

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