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 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact Truly Render, 734-­‐647-­‐4020 trender@umich.edu www.ums.org/news UNIVERSITY MUSICAL SOCIETY ANNOUNCES APRIL 2015 EVENTS ANN ARBOR, MI (March 6, 2015) — The University Musical Society (UMS) celebrates the final month of its 2014-­‐2015 season with eight incredible concerts, a screening of a live Royal Shakespeare Company production, and an open-­‐house celebration to announce its 20 15-­‐2016 season. The April UMS performance line-­‐up begins on Saturday, April 4 with Brazilian music icon Gilberto Gil, whose intimate solo concert in Hill Auditorium will pay tribute to bossa nova luminary João Gilberto. On Thursday, April 9, UMS audiences will take a journey to Germany with crooner Max Raabe and the Palast Orchester, featuring a charming night of music from Berlin’s 1920s Golden Age, along with a few more contemporary surprises, in Hill Auditorium. The following week, legendary jazz pianists Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock perform a highly anticipated concert in Hill Auditorium on Thursday, April 16. On Friday, April 17 Afropop superstar Oliver Mtukudzi and the Black Spirits bring their gutsy guitar and vocal stylings from Zimbabwe to the Michigan Theater. This weekend draws to a close on Sunday, April 19 with the Artemis Quartet, performing Dvořák , Tchaikovsky, and Vasks in Rackham Auditorium. On Wednesday, April 22, UMS and the Michigan Theater co-­‐present an HD screening of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Much Ado About Nothing, or Love’s Labour’s Won, set in post-­‐World War I England. On Thursday, April 23 UMS welcomes the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra and pianist Sunwook Kim to Hill Auditorium for a program of Beethoven and Brahms. The final weekend of UMS performances features two incredible presentations: the Lyon Opera Ballet’s imaginative retelling of Cinderella in the Power Center on Friday–Sunday, April 24–26 (this exclusive production is not being presented anywhere else in the U.S. this year) and renowned pianist Richard Goode, performing a program of Brahms, Beethoven, Debussy, Schumann, and Mozart in Hill Auditorium on Sunday, April 26. In addition to a robust month of performances, UMS announces the 2015-­‐2016 season at an open house celebration for the general public on Friday, April 24 in the Rackham Graduate Building – 4th floor. Full details on page 10 of this release. Choral Union, Chamber Arts, and New York Philharmonic Weekend Packages for the 15-­‐16 season are on sale now, and the April 24 announcement will include the full offerings in jazz, world music, dance, and theater. Tickets to all events on sale now How to Order: April 2015 Events Page 1 of 12 •
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www.ums.org 734-­‐764-­‐2538 In person: Michigan League (911 North University Avenue) At the performance venue: beginning 90 minutes before performance start time Hours: Monday-­‐Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., closed Sunday April 2015 Performances & Events FAMILIES, TAKE NOTE: UMS Kids Club allows students in grades 3-­‐12 to attend any UMS event with their parents at significantly reduced ticket prices. UMS will set aside a limited quantity of Kids Club tickets for every event in the season. Tickets are $10 per student and $20 per adult. Kids Club tickets are available on a first-­‐come, first-­‐served basis for every event in the season. Seating is subject to box office discretion. UMS guarantees at least 30 tickets for each event (select performances for multiple performance runs). Kids Club tickets must be picked up at will-­‐call with the student present. Unless the Kids Club allotment is sold out, Kids Club tickets will be offered at the door; however, we recommend ordering in advance. Kids Club tickets are made possible with the generous support of Toyota. GILBERTO GIL Gilbertos Samba Saturday, April 4, 8 pm Hill Auditorium (825 North University Avenue Ann Arbor, MI 48109) Sponsored by: University of Michigan Health System From musical revolutionary to international pop star to beloved statesman, Brazil’s former Minister of Culture returns to Ann Arbor for a rare solo performance that combines his own music with an homage to the father of bossa nova, João Gilberto. Away from the commotion of the big productions, Gilberto Gil will traverse through his long and rich history, playing and commenting on songs that have been immortalized in the collective imagination of Brazil. As the New York Times critic Jon Pareles said about the iconic artist’s solo concert, “Alone on stage at Carnegie Hall, Gilberto Gil had a phantom band in his voice and his fingers.” An original founder of the Tropicália movement in Brazil in the late 1960s who was exiled to London for his revolutionary role in conflating US and European rock music with Brazilian musical traditions, Gil is today recognized as a pioneer of world music. Performance note: This concert will be partially performed in Gilberto Gil’s native Brazilian Portuguese. Related Event: Artist Interview: Gilberto Gil April 2015 Events Page 2 of 12 Friday, April 3, 5:30 pm U-­‐M Museum of Art, Stern Auditorium (525 S. State St, Ann Arbor) A superstar musician, activist, and former Minister of Culture in Brazil, Gilberto Gil is interviewed by professors Sueann Caulfield (History and Residential College) and Jesse Hoffnung-­‐Garskof (History and American Culture), and LACS Brazil Initiative Manager, Elizabeth (Bebete) Martins. The interview will cover Gil's involvement in the cultural history of Brazil since the 1960s, punctuated by videoclips of some of his most memorable performances, and followed by a Q&A. Presented by the Brazil Initiative of the U-­‐M Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies. Free. Getting to know Gilberto Gil: 3 Fast Facts •
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Gilberto Gil was born in 1942 and grew up in the countryside in the Bahia (Northeast) region of Brazil. His mother encouraged his musical leanings and he started his musical life playing drums, the trumpet, and the accordion. With over 50 albums released, Gilberto Gil has 12 gold records, 5 platinum albums, 7 Grammys and more than 4 million records sold. When he was appointed Minister of Culture (2003-­‐2008) Gil was only the second black person in the country’s history to serve in the Brazilian cabinet (the first was Pelé). He is considered a spokesperson for Brazil’s emerging Black consciousness movement. More information can be found at Gilberto Gil’s website. Previous UMS appearances: This will be Gilberto Gil’s 3rd performance at UMS. He debuted in 2007 and last appeared in 2012. MAX RAABE AND THE PALAST ORCHESTER Thursday, April 9, 7:30 pm Hill Auditorium (825 North University Avenue Ann Arbor, MI 48109) Supported by: Michael and Leslee Perlstein Media Partner: Michigan Radio 9 1.7 FM Dashing, dapper, and debonair, Max Raabe might have walked straight out of the Golden Age of Berlin in the 1920s. With his elegant poise, suave sophistication, and silky-­‐smooth baritone, he brings to life the songs and style of a bygone age. Born into a family of farmers just as the Beatles were serving their apprenticeship in the bars and clubs of Hamburg, Raabe’s childhood musical tastes were formed by his discovery of a weekly program of 1920s music on German radio. His passion was further roused by a record he found in his parents’ cupboard, a humorous instrumental called “I’m Crazy About Hilda.” Before long, he was collecting 78s in flea markets and junk shops, and by age 16 was an expert on the songs and styles of the Weimar era. Raabe’s martini-­‐dry wit and charmingly meticulous re-­‐
creations of the standards as they used to be sung — in formal evening wear with an orchestra — is April 2015 Events Page 3 of 12 guaranteed to take the audience away from their everyday problems and into another world. The time has never been better to discover — or rediscover — timeless tunes by legends like Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, and Fred Astaire. Getting to know Max Raabe and the Palast Orchester: 3 Fast Facts •
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Max Raabe, born in 1962, founded the Palast Orchester with fellow students in 1986. Since his university graduation with a vocal degree (baritone), he and his ensemble have been enjoying international success on concert tours through Europe, U.S., Asia, and Israel. In addition to his work with the Palast Orchester, he has teamed up with German singer/musician/composer Annette Humpe for two albums of original music (in 2010 and 2012). “Good Wife” star Julianna Margulies is a huge fan, and Max Raabe played at Marilyn Manson’s wedding to burlesque performer Dita Von Teese. More information can be found at Max Raabe and the Palast Orchester’s website. Previous UMS appearances: This will be the group’s second UMS performance following their debut in 2012. CHICK COREA & HERBIE HANCOCK Thursday, April 16, 7:30 pm Hill Auditorium (825 North University Avenue Ann Arbor, MI 48109) Hosted by: ArborBike, Stout Systems Endowed support from: JazzNet Endowment Fund Media Partner: WEMU 89.1 FM and Ann Arbor’s 107one For over half a century, Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea have been blazing their own paths of artistic innovation at the keyboard. The two iconic jazz pianists have a history dating back to the great Miles Davis bands of the ’60s, the stadium-­‐filling, genre-­‐shattering Headhunters and Return to Forever of the ’70s, and their unparalleled, award-­‐winning careers ever since. In 1978, they toured together as an acoustic piano duo, surprising the music world at the peak of the jazz-­‐rock fusion era (and releasing two double albums drawn from that tour, some of which was recorded in Hill Auditorium). Both are at the vanguard of improvised music, with unparalleled creativity and an artistic output that is simply staggering. From Kennedy Center Honors to NEA Jazz Master recognition, these two living legends come together for a final joint tour. Getting to Know Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea: 3 Fast Facts •
Hancock was born in Chicago in 1940 and by age 11 had performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. April 2015 Events Page 4 of 12 •
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Corea formed Stretch Records in 1992, a label committed to breaking musical boundaries. Hancock has been quoted saying, “When I listen back to some of the duet tracks we've made, half the time I can't tell who's Chick and who's me.” More information can be found at Herbie Hancock’s and Chick Corea’s websites. Previous UMS appearances: This performance marks Herbie Hancock’s third appearance and Chick Corea’s fourth appearance on the UMS stage. Mr. Hancock made his debut in 2000 with Wayne Shorter and returned two years later with his quartet, and Mr. Corea made his debut in 1994 with the Chick Corea Quartet and most recently appeared in 2009 as part of the Five Peace Band. OLIVER MTUKUDZI AND THE BLACK SPIRITS Friday, April 17, 8 pm Michigan Theater (603 East Liberty Street, Ann Arbor) Media Partners: Ann Arbor’s 107one and WEMU 89.1 FM Zimbabwe’s Afropop legend Oliver Mtukudzi is gifted with a deep and gutsy voice plus a talent for writing songs that reflect on the daily life and struggles of his people. “Tuku” began performing in 1977 and has earned a devoted following across Africa and beyond, all the while incorporating elements of different musical traditions into his music, including South Africa mbaqanga, Zimbabwean pop, and traditional kateke drumming. Recently inducted into the Afropop Hall of Fame, he is one of the most successful African recording artists alongside Angélique Kidjo, Hugh Masekela, and Ladysmith Black Mambazo, with 61 recordings made during the course of his 62 years. Getting to Know Oliver Mtukudzi and the Black Spirits: 3 Fast Facts Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi was inducted into Afropop Worldwide’s Afropop Hall of Fame during the summer of 2013. • A member of the Kore Kore tribe, Mr. Mtukudzi sings primarily in Shona. • Before Zimbabwean independence in 1980, Mtukudzi used his songs to fight the Rhodesian regime. With independence came black majority rule for the first time. More information can be found at Oliver Mtukudzi’s website. •
Previous UMS appearances: This is the UMS debut of Oliver Mtukudzi and the Black Spirits. April 2015 Events Page 5 of 12 ARTEMIS QUARTET Sunday, April 19, 4 pm Rackham Auditorium (915 East Washington Street, Ann Arbor) Program: Dvořák Quartet in F Major, Op. 96 (“American”) Vasks Quartet No. 5 Tchaikovsky Quartet No. 1 in D Major, Op. 11 Supported by: Jerry and Gloria Abrams Media Partner: WGTE 91.3 FM The Artemis Quartet made its UMS debut in 2013 with an interesting pairing of Bach and Piazzolla. Now the ensemble returns with a more conventional string quartet program that features works by Dvořák, Latvian composer Peteris Vasks, and Tchaikovsky. The Berlin-­‐based ensemble was founded in 1989 and programs its own series at the Berlin Philharmonic. In 2011, it was named Quartet in Residence at the Vienna Konzerthaus. Getting to Know Artemis Quartet: 3 Fast Facts •
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The Artemis Quartet recently completed a complete Beethoven cycle, studying and performing all 16 Beethoven quartets. They are the subject of a documentary entitled “Strings Attached,” released in 2001. In addition to their concert careers, the four musicians are professors at the Universität der Künste in Berlin and at the Chapelle Musicale Reine Elisabeth in Brussels. More information can be found at the Artemis Quartet’s website. Previous UMS appearances: This is the second UMS performance for the Quartet following their debut in 2013. ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY LIVE IN HD: SHAKESPEARE’S MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING Christopher Luscombe, director Wednesday April 22, 7 pm Michigan Theater (603 East Liberty Street, Ann Arbor) Presented in partnership with the Michigan Theater April 2015 Events Page 6 of 12 Autumn 1918. A group of soldiers return from the trenches. The world-­‐ weary Benedick and his friend Claudio find themselves reacquainted with Beatrice and Hero. As memories of conflict give way to a life of parties and masked balls, Claudio and Hero fall madly, deeply in love, while Benedick and Beatrice reignite their own altogether more combative courtship. Shakespeare’s comic romance plays out amidst the brittle high spirits of a post-­‐war house party, as youthful passions run riot, lovers are deceived and happiness is threatened — before peace ultimately wins the day. Christopher Luscombe directs the second of Shakespeare’s matching pair of comedies (Love’s Labour’s Lost was screened in March at the Michigan Theater) that rejoice in our capacity to find love in the most unlikely places. Better known as Much Ado About Nothing, the play is performed under the title Love’s Labour’s Won, a name possibly given to it during Shakespeare’s lifetime. More information can be found at the RSC Live website. SEOUL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Myung-­‐Whun Chung, conductor Sunwook Kim, piano Thursday, April 23, 7:30 pm Hill Auditorium (825 North University Avenue Ann Arbor, MI 48109) Program: Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-­‐flat Major, Op. 73 (“Emperor”) Brahms Symphony No. 4 in e minor, Op. 98 Sponsored by Kia Endowed support from the H. Gardner and Bonnie Ackley Endowment Fund Media Partner: WGTE 91.3 FM Myung-­‐Whun Chung began his musical career as a pianist, making his debut at age seven with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, where he now serves as music director. He has received the “Kumkuan,” the highest cultural award of the Korean government, for his contributions to Korean musical life. In this UMS concert, his first since his 2007 appearance with the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, he is joined by Korean pianist Sunwook Kim for Beethoven’s beloved “Emperor” Piano Concerto. Related Event: Prelude Dinner: Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra Thursday, April 23, 5:30 pm Rackham Building, 4th Floor (915 East Washington Street, Ann Arbor) Enjoy a delicious meal and learn more about the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra at this Prelude Dinner. April 2015 Events Page 7 of 12 Park early, dine with fellow patrons, and hear about the artist, the performance, and the history of the work from our renowned guest speakers. This evening begins at 5:30 pm with complimentary wine followed by a catered buffet dinner by local caterer Food Art. Christopher Harding, Associate Professor of Music, School of Music, Theatre & Dance will be speaking. Cost: $75 per person. Valet parking is available. Advance reservations required. Contact Esther Barrett at 734.764.8489 or embarret@umich.edu to learn more. Getting to know the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra: 3 Fast Facts •
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In 1996, conductor Myung-­‐Whun Chung received the “Kumkuan,” the highest cultural award of the Korean government for his contribution to Korean musical life. Chung now serves as Honorary Cultural Ambassador for Korea, the first in the Korean government’s history. When Korean pianist Sunwook Kim won the Leeds International Piano competition in 2006 at age 18, he became the youngest ever player to do so, as well as its first Asian winner. The SPO offers a number of educational opportunities, including composer-­‐in-­‐residence master classes and a neighborhood orchestra program for interested children. More information can be found at the SPO’s website. Previous UMS appearances: This performance marks the UMS debut of the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, while conductor Myung-­‐Whun Chung returns for his third appearance following his debut in 2002 with Orchestre Pharmonique de Radio France. Pianist Sunwook Kim also makes his UMS debut. LYON OPERA BALLET: CINDERELLA Maguy Marin, choreographer Friday, April 24, 8 pm Saturday, April 25, 8 pm Sunday, April 26, 2 pm Power Center (121 Fletcher Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109) Sponsored by Old National Bank Media Partner: Michigan Radio 9 1.7 FM Created in 1984, the Lyon Opera Ballet has revolutionized the classical ballet world, presenting new, contemporary works with witty and often surprising choreography. In Cinderella, Maguy Marin’s magical retelling of the fairy tale, the story unfolds in a three-­‐story dollhouse, a child’s world of toys and wonder. Human dancers are transformed into fat-­‐cheeked dolls, Cinderella scoots off to the ball in a toy car, Prince Charming searches for her on his rocking horse, and Prokofiev’s score is spliced with coos and gurgles. The “astonishingly original and magical” production (New York Times) unfolds with a dreamlike quality, a vision of childhood without sentimentality but with affectionate insight. The dancers all wear April 2015 Events Page 8 of 12 masks, forcing their bodies to communicate the incredible range of motions inherent in Prokofiev’s music. The work was last seen at UMS in 2002, also performed by Lyon Opera Ballet, and Ann Arbor is the only city in the country that will host this fascinating production this year. Related Events: Opening Night Post-­‐Performance Q&A: Lyon Opera Ballet Friday, April 24 Power Center (121 Fletcher Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109) Where does inspiration come from? What makes an artist tick? Join us for a post-­‐performance Q&A and get a glimpse into the lives and minds of the artists who bring creativity to the stage. Hosted by Clare Croft, U-­‐M assistant professor of dance. Must have a ticket to that evening’s performance to attend. You Can Dance: Lyon Opera Ballet Saturday, April 25, 1:30 pm Ann Arbor Y (400 W Washington St, Ann Arbor) Join dancers from Lyon Opera Ballet for an exploration of the company's movement style. No dance training or experience necessary, and all levels, ages 13 and up, are welcome. Free, but first come, first served until studio reaches capacity. Sign-­‐up begins at 12:45 pm. In collaboration with the Ann Arbor Y. Getting to Know the Lyon Opera Ballet: 3 Fast Facts •
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In 1995, Lyon Opera Ballet was named Opéra National de Lyon, elevating the company to the same level as the Opéra National de Paris, the only other national opera house in France. Committed to showcasing contemporary choreography, Lyon Opera Ballet has acquired and commissioned ballets by a wide range of international dance makers, including William Forsythe and Louis Falco, and has featured works by many American choreographers, including Trisha Brown and Ralph Lemon. The company is composed of over 30 diverse dancers from all over the globe, including Cuba, South Africa, and Portugal. More information can be found at the Lyon Opera Ballet’s website. Previous UMS appearances: The Lyon Opera Ballet returns for its fourth appearance with UMS. The dance company made its debut in 1999 at the Power Center and most recently performed in Ann Arbor in 2004. April 2015 Events Page 9 of 12 RICHARD GOODE, PIANO Sunday, April 26, 4 pm Hill Auditorium (825 North University Avenue Ann Arbor, MI 48109) Supported by: Natalie Matovinović and Mr. and Mrs. Donald L. Morelock Media Partner: WGTE 91.3 FM “[Richard] Goode makes the familiar sound unexpectedly fresh,” proclaimed the Financial Times in reviewing his 2009 recording of the complete Beethoven piano concertos. Goode has won a large and devoted following for music-­‐making of tremendous emotional power, depth, and expressiveness, and is acknowledged worldwide as one of today’s leading interpreters of Classical and Romantic music. The New York Times suggested that “it is virtually impossible to walk away from one of Mr. Goode’s recitals without the sense of having gained some new insight into the works he played or about pianism itself.” Program Mozart Beethoven Brahms Debussy Schumann Adagio in b minor, K. 540 Sonata No. 24 in F-­‐sharp Major, Op. 78 Eight Piano Pieces, Op. 76 Children’s Corner Humoreske, Op. 20 Getting to Know Richard Goode: 3 Fast Facts •
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Richard Goode was the first American-­‐born pianist to record the complete Beethoven piano sonatas. Goode’s father was a piano tuner and amateur violinist who sparked his interest in studying piano at a young age. Goode came into solo performing later in his career, making his Carnegie Hall debut at age 47. He has since gone on to be called the best recitalist of our time. More information can be found at Richard Goode’s website. Previous UMS appearances: Richard Goode returns for his seventh performance under UMS auspices following his most recent appearance in 2009 at Hill Auditorium. He made his UMS debut in 1969. April 2015 Events Page 10 of 12 SPECIAL EVENT: UMS 2015-­‐2016 SEASON LAUNCH PARTY Friday, April 24, 5 – 7:30 pm Rackham Graduate Building, 4th floor (915 East Washington Street, Ann Arbor) Join us for happy hour, light snacks, and conversation as we celebrate the launch of the 2015-­‐2016 UMS Season. Watch the 2015-­‐2016 UMS Season Announcement Video, meet the current UMS Artists in Residence and learn how UMS performances have impacted their creative process, and participate in a scavenger hunt through our digital archive, umsrewind.org. This event is free and open to the public. No registration is required. April 2015 Events Page 11 of 12 Comprehensive March 2015 Calendar of Events Friday, April 3, 5:30 pm Artist Interview: Gilberto Gil U-­‐M Museum of Art, Stern Auditorium Saturday, April 4, 8 pm UMS Performance: Gilberto Gil Hill Auditorium, $ Thursday, April 9, 7:30 pm UMS Performance: Max Raabe and the Palast Orchester Hill Auditorium, $ Thursday, April 16, 7:30 pm UMS Performance: An Evening with Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock Hill Auditorium, $ Friday, April 17, 8 pm UMS Performance: Oliver Mtukudzi and the Black Spirits Michigan Theater, $ Sunday, April 19, 4 pm UMS Performance: Artemis Quartet Rackham Auditorium, $ Wednesday, April 22, 7 pm Royal Shakespeare Company Live in HD: Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing or Love’s Labour’s Won Michigan Theater, $ Thursday, April 23, 5:30 pm Prelude Dinner: Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra Rackham Building, 4th floor, $ Thursday, April 23, 7:30 pm UMS Performance: Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra Hill Auditorium, $ Friday, April 24, 5 pm UMS 2015-­‐2016 Season Launch Party Rackham Graduate Building , 4th floor Friday, April 24, 8 pm UMS Performance: Lyon Opera Ballet: Cinderella Power Center, $ Friday, April 24 Post-­‐Performance Q&A: Lyon Opera Ballet: Cinderella Power Center Saturday, April 25, 1:30 pm You Can Dance: Lyon Opera Ballet Ann Arbor Y (400 W. Washington St.) Saturday, April 25, 8 pm UMS Performance: Lyon Opera Ballet: Cinderella Power Center, $ Sunday, April 26, 2 pm UMS Performance: Lyon Opera Ballet: Cinderella Power Center, $ Sunday, April 26, 4 pm UMS Performance: Richard Goode Hill Auditorium, $ April 2015 Events Page 12 of 12