Cal Performances previews its 2016-17 season

Alim-Qasimov-and-Fargana-Qasimova-Layla-and-Majnun-3-credit-David-O-Connor-750 — Cal Performances will present the world premier of "Layla and Majnun," a classic story of forbidden love by the Persian poet Nizami Ganjavi. Choreography by Mark Morris, sets and costumes by British artist Howard Hodgkin and music by the Silk Road Ensemble with mugham vocalists Alim Qasimov and Fargana Qasimova. (Photo by David O'Connor)

April 19, 2016

Cal Performances is launching a dazzling 2016-2017 season with a blend of imaginative offerings in music, dance and theater that will feature two world premieres and four co-commissioned works in a lineup that stretches from Bach to the Beatles, Russian war sonatas to electronic compositions, and jazz as well as opera-ballet, Shakespeare and psychological trauma set to dance.

Choreographer Mark Morris, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and composer John Adams will be among the traditional crowd-pleasers returning, with cellist Yo-Yo Ma’s pre-season performance with the Silk Road Ensemble at the Greek Theatre set for Aug. 18.

The season’s performances will take place at the spectacular outdoor amphitheater, as well as at Zellerbach Hall and — as part of a special collaboration — at the Paramount Theater in downtown Oakland.

In announcing the Cal Performances lineup today, director Matías Tarnopolsky described the upcoming season as a “rich and beautiful tapestry” interwoven with themes of inclusion, innovation and immersion.

Programming will be complemented by related academic symposia, public and education programs, and special interactions with the communities of Berkeley, Oakland and Richmond.

For complete details about the new Cal Performances season, click here.