Japanese taiko drumming ensemble Kodo performs at the Newman Center on Feb. 14–15.
The Newman Center Presents series, which brings performing artists from around the world to the University of Denver campus, has announced its 2016–17 season.
The season kicks off Sept. 29 and 30 when modern dance phenomenon MOMIX brings its trademark blend of dance, circus arts and multimedia visual spectacle to DU. Its new show, “Opus Cactus,” represents artistic director Moses Pendleton’s tribute to the American Southwest.
Other dance companies on the season include Bridgman|Packer Dance (Nov. 19), an ensemble known for its blend of live dance, live video capture and previously recorded film footage; Aspen Santa Fe Ballet (Feb. 25–26), making its seventh appearance with Newman Center Presents; and the New Zealand-based Black Grace (April 5, 2017) which draws from Samoan and New Zealand heritage for its highly physical performances.
Fitting for an election year, the NCP’s musical offerings begin Oct. 6 — a month before Election Day — with a performance by political satirists Capitol Steps. That’s followed by the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet — premiering a new work by Pat Metheny — on Oct. 20; the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center — performing Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos — on Dec. 12; bassists Edgar Meyer and Christian McBride on Jan. 26; and Japanese taiko drumming ensemble Kodo on Feb. 14–15.
Jazz fans will be excited about performances by vocalist Cecile McLorin Salvant — winner of the 2016 Grammy Award for best jazz vocal album — on Nov. 30, and the superstar pairing of saxophonist Branford Marsalis and his quartet with vocalist Kurt Elling on May 13, 2017.
The Newman Center Presents series is known in the region for presenting cutting-edge ensembles that work at the intersection of classical, jazz and popular music, and this season is no exception. Among the more adventurous offerings are vocal ensemble Roomful of Teeth — performing composer Ted Hearne’s new work “Coloring Book,” as well as a piece in collaboration with Denver’s own Playground Ensemble — on Jan. 18; DakhaBrakha— described by Rolling Stone as a “Ukrainian folkdrone Bjorkpunk quartet” — on March 9; progressive classical ensemble yMusic on March 23, 2017; and “Nude Music” — a collaboration between Italian bass-voice duo Musica Nuda and Norwegian saxophonist Håkon Kornstad — on April 27, 2017.
Subscriptions for the season go on sale March 21; single tickets will be available starting July 18. Call 303-871-7720 or visit NewmanCenterPresents.com for more information.