Press Release FOR PUBLIC RELEASE OCTOBER 31, 2013
VAF PRESS CONTACT: Kelly Harlan 757‐282‐2802 • [email protected]
18th Annual Virginia Arts Festival Announces 2014 Performances Featuring Lang Lang, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Stewart Copeland and Joshua Bell April 2 – May 29, 2014
The Virginia Arts Festival will explore worlds far and near, past and present, real and imagined in its spring 2014 presentations, with more than 50 performances by world‐renowned artists, on stages throughout southeastern Virginia. Fans of music, dance and theater will travel from across the United States and around the world to see performances in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Williamsburg, Newport News, and James City County.
A spring tradition, the Virginia Arts Festival gets an early start in 2014 with a special presentation of the classical pianist superstar Lang Lang, February 13 in Norfolk’s Chrysler Hall. Hailed by The New York Times as the “hottest artist on the classical music planet,” this young virtuoso has thrilled audiences across the globe, including his performance in the Opening Ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics before a worldwide audience of more than four billion.
In April, audiences will share a thrilling Festival‐commissioned world premiere—another coup in the Virginia Arts Festival’s history of “see‐it‐here‐first” opportunities. Stewart Copeland—famed as drummer for the landmark rock band The Police—will debut his new score for the epic 1925 film Ben‐Hur. One of Rolling Stone’s greatest drummers of all time, Copeland is also an accomplished composer who has written for orchestra, ballet and film (including Francis Ford Coppola’s Rumblefish and Oliver Stone’s Wall Street). Copeland himself will perform his new score with the Virginia Arts Festival Orchestra, to a 90 minute edited version of Ben‐Hur, April 19 in Chrysler Hall.
Music lovers can count on the Virginia Arts Festival to showcase the greatest artists from around the world, and the 2014 Festival continues the tradition. The fabled Israel Philharmonic Orchestra will perform April 2, bringing the kind of “passionate and assured” (The New York Times) performance for which the ensemble has been acclaimed. Founded in 1936 and composed at first of Jewish musicians fleeing Germany and other Nazi‐occupied countries, some of its most famous and moving concerts have been performed while its homeland was under attack.
May 2, 3 and 4, the great violinist Joshua Bell returns to the Festival as part of a stunning program with the Virginia Symphony, conducted by JoAnn Falletta. Bell, who in addition to worldwide acclaim for his artistry has been named “One of the 50 Most Beautiful People in the World” by People Magazine, will perform the thrilling Shostakovich Violin Concerto. Then in a spectacular finale, the Orchestra takes the audience on an aural and visual journey with Strauss’s An Alpine Symphony, with breathtaking images by German photographer Tobias Melle projected above the stage.
The Virginia Arts Festival takes pride in creating opportunities for audiences to experience great artists, and also in creating opportunities for artists to perform. When the beloved Dance Theatre of Harlem fell on hard times a decade ago and ceased touring, audiences around the world mourned. Now this beautiful, powerful company is back on its feet—and the Virginia Arts Festival will be among the first to present these phenomenal dancers outside of New York since 2004. At the centerpiece of this jubilant return engagement May 16‐18 is Robert Garland’s new work, Gloria, a tribute to the spiritual history of Harlem, performed for the first time to live music with the Virginia Symphony and the Virginia Chorale.
Page 1 of 9 The Festival is also proud to announce, in partnership with the City of Norfolk, a three year residency with Dance Theatre of Harlem that will feature in‐depth community outreach and celebrate the essential role of African‐American dance as both a preserver of tradition and a force behind creative cultural change.
Broadway fans have long shuddered in anticipation at the prospect of an evening with the Demon Barber of Fleet Street; Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award‐winning musical Sweeney Todd is filled with dark wit, hauntingly beautiful songs, and a cast of characters never to be forgotten. The Virginia Arts Festival will co‐present the Virginia Opera’s must‐see production of this musical theater favorite bringing a cast of phenomenal voices to Sondheim’s signature work.
A much‐loved highlight of the Festival each year returns with spectacular new reasons to celebrate April 24‐27, as the Virginia International Tattoo honors Vietnam veterans and their families. Designated a signature event in the United States of America Vietnam War 50th Commemoration, the Tattoo will honor Vietnam veterans with an astounding cast featuring hundreds of performers from around the world—a moving display of patriotism, international cooperation and inspirational music.
Festival Chamber Series artistic director and Van Cliburn Competition gold medalist André‐Michel Schub will be joined by pianist Anna Petrova and young virtuoso Bryan Wagorn for Pianopalooza 2014. The Miami String Quartet returns and joins with other renowned artists in concerts throughout the region. Enjoy glorious music in intimate settings.
Memorial Day Weekend, the Virginia Arts Festival brings a special series of performances to the historic city of Williamsburg and James City County. On Friday, May 23, Britain’s “amazing, explosive, exhilarating” (The New York Times) Richard Alston Dance Company joins Festival Williamsburg for the first time. Saturday, Festival favorite, virtuoso banjo player Béla Fleck will perform—joined by his wife, clawhammer banjo player Abigail Washburn, who has her own legion of admirers. On Sunday, audiences will do some dancing of their own as the swinging big band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy brings its signature dance‐driving music, including hits like “You and Me and the Bottle Makes Three” and “Go Daddy O.” And for classical music lovers, a pair of chamber music concerts is planned on May 22 and 23, featuring André‐Michel Schub and the Miami String Quartet.
There is also much more to enjoy during the 18th Virginia Arts Festival season, including performances by Chick Corea, Red Molly, Nnenna Freelon, The Assad Family, and Tallis Scholars, to name a few. It is another stellar season with much to be shared and memories to be made. See you this spring!
Purchasing Tickets for Virginia Arts Festival Events: Tickets for 2014 Virginia Arts Festival performances are on sale now in subscription packages of three or more performances—at discounts of 10% and more—available online at www.vafest.org, by phone at 757‐282‐2822, or in person at the Festival Box Office at 440 Bank St., Norfolk. Single tickets will go on sale February 13, 2014. Group tickets (groups of 15 or more) are available now for all performances; call 757‐282‐2819.
Page 2 of 9 2014 Virginia Arts Festival Performances FOR PUBLIC RELEASE OCTOBER 31, 2013
VAF PRESS CONTACT: Kelly Harlan 757‐282‐2802 • [email protected]
2014 VIRGINIA ARTS FESTIVAL PERFORMANCES
Lang Lang, piano “The hottest artist on the classical music planet” (The New York Times) February 13, 7:30PM Chrysler Hall, Norfolk
Israel Philharmonic Orchestra Gianandrea Noseda, conductor The legendary orchestra, “passionate and assured” (The New York Times), performs Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique, along with masterworks by Fauré and Ravel. Wednesday, April 2, 7:30PM Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach
The Assad Family, guitar and vocals The Grammy‐winning Brazilian musical family brings “one of the most engaging musical presentations of the season” (Los Angeles Times). Thursday, April 3, 8PM Robin Hixon Theater, Clay and Jay Barr Education Center, Norfolk
Tallis Scholars In music of the Renaissance, this renowned choral ensemble creates “bliss…creating tone clusters that dazzle like shafts of sunlight” (The Guardian, UK). Sunday, April 6, 3PM Christ and St. Luke’s Church, Norfolk
Raisin’ Cane: A Harlem Renaissance Odyssey starring Jasmine Guy with the Avery Sharpe Trio This inspiring, revelatory show celebrates the genius of the Harlem Renaissance, including works by Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and W.E.B. DuBois. Friday, April 11, 8PM Attucks Theatre, Norfolk
Actéon: A chamber opera by Marc‐Antoine Charpentier Juilliard415 William Christie, conductor Revered conductor and harpsichordist William Christie joins Juilliard415, the period‐instrument ensemble of the prestigious Juilliard School of Music, in a 17th‐century French chamber opera based on Ovid’s Metamorphoses. Tuesday, April 15, 7:30PM First Lutheran Church, Norfolk
Page 3 of 9 Beowulf: The Epic in Performance by Benjamin Bagby “Astonishing and accessible entertainment…the Old English rolling off his tongue, as rich and delicious as dark beer…bewitched his listeners” (San Jose Mercury News). Wednesday, April 16, 7:30PM Robin Hixon Theater, Clay and Jay Barr Education Center, Norfolk
Chick Corea: Solo Piano Portraits The 18‐time Grammy winner and NEA Jazz Master delivers a perfect balance of improvisation, Corea classics, jazz standards, classical renderings and more. Thursday, April 17, 7:30PM TCC Roper Performing Arts Center, Norfolk
World Premiere, Co‐Commissioned by the Virginia Arts Festival Ben‐Hur MGM’s 1925 Silent Classic Orchestral Score Composed & Performed by Stewart Copeland, Drums & Percussion with Virginia Arts Festival Orchestra Richard Kaufmann, Conductor Starring Ramon Navarro and Directed by Fred Niblo Drummer and founder of the legendary rock band The Police, Stewart Copeland has composed for film, opera and ballet. In this world premiere performance, Copeland joins the Virginia Arts Festival Orchestra in his new score for the 1925 silent film epic Ben‐Hur: A Tale of the Christ. Saturday, April 19, 8PM Chrysler Hall, Norfolk
Virginia International Tattoo Designated a signature event of the United States of America Vietnam War 50th Commemoration, the 2014 Tattoo will honor Vietnam veterans and their families with an astounding display of patriotism, international cooperation and inspirational music. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 24, 25 and 26, 7:30PM Sunday, April 27, 2:30PM Scope Arena, Norfolk
Tattoo Hullabaloo Come out early and take part in the Tattoo Hullabaloo, a free festive celebration on Scope Plaza two hours prior to each Tattoo performance. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 24, 25 and 26, 5:30PM Sunday, April 27, 12:30PM Scope Plaza, Norfolk
Page 4 of 9 Eastern Virginia Brass When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d World Premiere by Adolphus Hailstork Diehn Chorale I. Sherman Greene Chorale Schola Cantorum The world premiere of acclaimed composer Adolphus Hailstork’s new choral masterwork inspired by Walt Whitman’s elegy for Abraham Lincoln. Monday, April 28, 7:30PM Attucks Theatre, Norfolk
Red Molly With their “tick‐tight arrangements, crystalline vocals and caramel harmonies” (Boston Globe), this trio shifts seamlessly through genres from folk to 50’s pop. Tuesday, April 29, 7:30PM Robin Hixon Theater, Clay and Jay Barr Education Center, Norfolk
Chanticleer Grammy Award winners, “the world’s reigning male chorus” (The New Yorker) performs music from the Renaissance to jazz, gospel and beyond. Thursday, May 1, 7:30PM Norfolk Academy, Norfolk
Joshua Bell, violin JoAnn Falletta, conductor Virginia Symphony Orchestra “The greatest American violinist active today” (Boston Herald) performs the Shostakovich Violin Concerto, followed by the VSO performing Richard Strauss’ spectacular An Alpine Symphony, with breathtaking images by German photographer Tobias Melle projected above the stage. Friday, May 2, 8PM Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach Saturday, May 3, 8PM Chrysler Hall, Norfolk Sunday, May 4, 3PM Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News
Attucks Jazz: Bill Pierce, saxophone This world‐traveling sax virtuoso is a jazz festival favorite. Saturday, May 3, 8PM Attucks Theatre, Norfolk
Page 5 of 9 Janette Fishell, organ This internationally acclaimed organist’s performances range “from beautifully registered, poetic passages to surging rhetorical ecstasy” (Wellington Evening Post, New Zealand). Sunday, May 4, 4PM Christ and St. Luke’s Church, Norfolk
Nnenna Freelon, vocalist This jazz diva has played to dignitaries at the White House and standing ovations at the Grammy Awards. “Nnenna Freelon is hot…a rare blend of estimable qualities—smart as Oprah, sassy as Sarah Vaughan” (JazzTimes). Wednesday, April 7, 7:30PM Robin Hixon Theater, Clay and Jay Barr Education Center, Norfolk
PANorama Caribbean Music Fest The irresistible sound of the islands fills the air as steel drum groups from all over the US gather for this annual beachfront festival. Friday, April 9, 8PM Saturday, April 10, 10AM 24th Street Stage, Virginia Beach
Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd Virginia Opera Virginia Symphony Orchestra The Virginia Opera performs Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award‐winning, gleefully dark tale of mystery and murder, filled with unforgettable melodies and a cast of characters to haunt your dreams. Friday and Saturday, May 9 and 10, 8PM; Sunday, May 11, 2:30PM Harrison Opera House, Norfolk Friday, May 16, 8PM; Saturday, May 17, 2:30PM Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach
Attucks Jazz: Tessa Souter, vocalist Silken jazz vocals, delivered with “a wit and a wink—a must‐see!” (Time Out NY). Saturday, May 10, 8PM Attucks Theatre, Norfolk
NPR’s From the Top with host Christopher O’Riley Be a part of the studio audience as young musicians share their gifts in performance—and their often funny, moving stories—in this live recording of the popular NPR show. Wednesday, May 14, 8PM Attucks Theatre, Norfolk
Page 6 of 9 Coffee Concert I Pianopalooza I This tribute to the piano features masterworks from the famously familiar to rarely performed gems, played by Festival Chamber Music Director André‐Michel Schub, “a formidable pianist with a fierce integrity” (The New York Times), the Bulgarian‐born, “breathtaking” (Monterey Herald) pianist Anna Petrova, and critically acclaimed young virtuoso Bryan Wagorn. Wednesday, May 14, 10:30AM Robin Hixon Theater, Clay and Jay Barr Education Center, Norfolk
Coffee Concert II Pianopalooza II Anna Petrova, André‐Michel Schub, Bryan Wagorn Thursday, May 15, 10:30AM Trinity Episcopal Church, Portsmouth
Virginia Beer Festival The two‐day festival returns for your tasting pleasure, with the finest beers from dozens of breweries from around the world! Saturday and Sunday, May 17 and 18, 2‐6PM Town Point Park, Norfolk
Dance Theatre of Harlem with Virginia Symphony Orchestra and Virginia Chorale The fabled ballet company, created by Arthur Mitchell and beloved around the world, has risen like a phoenix after hard times and a decade of rebuilding. At the centerpiece of this jubilant return engagement is Robert Garland’s new work Gloria, a tribute to the spiritual history of Harlem. Saturday, May 17, 8PM; Sunday, May 18, 2:30PM Chrysler Hall, Norfolk
Attucks Jazz: Houston Person, saxophone Soulful sax that’s “eloquent…a singer’s tone palette” (The Guardian). Saturday, May 17, 8PM Attucks Theatre, Norfolk
Page 7 of 9 Miami String Quartet Hailed for its “rich, precisely balanced sound” and “broad coloristic palette” (The NewYork Times), the Miami String joins other renowned artists for performances throughout the area. Miami String Quartet with Vahn Armstrong, violin; Simon Lapointe, violin; Beverly Kane Baker, viola; Michael Daniels, cello Monday, May 19, 7:30PM Trinity Episcopal Church, Portsmouth Miami String Quartet with Peter Wiley, cello; André‐Michel Schub, piano Tuesday, May 20, 7:30PM Robin Hixon Theater, Clay and Jay Barr Education Center, Norfolk Miami String Quartet with Peter Wiley, cello; André‐Michel Schub, piano Thursday, May 22, 7:30PM Williamsburg Winery, James City County
Coffee Concert III: Miami String Quartet with Peter Wiley, cello Wednesday, May 21, 10:30AM Miller Studio Theatre, Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach
Richard Alston Dance Company This virtuosic and much‐honored British choreographer distills the essence of music in dances of “amazing speed, explosive power, and linear grace” (The New York Times). Wednesday, May 21, 7:30PM TCC Roper Performing Arts Center, Norfolk
Attucks Jazz: John Abercrombie, guitar “Elegantly swinging, old‐school jazz guitar” (JazzTimes). Saturday, May 24, 8PM Attucks Theatre, Norfolk
Memorial Day Concert: United States Air Force Heritage of America Band Monday, May 26, 7:30PM (Gates open 5PM) City Center at Oyster Point, Newport News
John Duffy Composers Institute Don’t miss this opportunity to discover musical masterworks from seven new composers! Martinis & Masterworks: Orchestra Reading Wednesday, May 28, 7:30PM Robin Hixon Theater, Clay and Jay Barr Education Center, Norfolk Masterworks in the Making: Concert of Premieres Thursday, May 29, 7:30PM Chandler Hall, Diehn Fine and Performing Arts Center, Old Dominion University, Norfolk
Page 8 of 9 FESTIVAL WILLIAMSBURG
Miami String Quartet with Peter Wiley, cello; André‐Michel Schub, piano This acclaimed ensemble is hailed for its “rich, precisely balanced sound” (The NewYork Times). They are joined in Williamsburg by cellist Peter Wiley, whose storied career has included the legendary Guarneri Quartet, and André‐ Michel Schub, “a formidable pianist with a fierce integrity” (The New York Times). Thursday, May 22, 7:30PM Williamsburg Winery, James City County
Coffee Concert IV: Benny Kim, violin; Peter Wiley, cello; André‐Michel Schub, piano Friday, May 23, 10:30AM Williamsburg Winery, James City County
Richard Alston Dance Company This virtuosic and much‐honored British choreographer distills the essence of music in dances of “amazing speed, explosive power, and linear grace” (The New York Times). Friday, May 23, 8PM Phi Beta Kappa Hall, College of William & Mary, Williamsburg
Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn Fleck, “one of the most accomplished banjo players of his time” (The New York Times), joins his wife, singer/songwriter/clawhammer banjo player Washburn, a “daring, infinite talent” (Wall Street Journal) in an unforgettable show. Saturday, May 24, 8PM Virginia Room, Williamsburg Lodge, Williamsburg
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy The sizzling swing band delivers its dance‐driving hits, including “You and Me and the Bottle Makes Three” and “Go Daddy O.” Sunday, May 25, 7PM Virginia Room, Williamsburg Lodge, Williamsburg
FOR DETAILS AND UPDATES, PLEASE CHECK VAFEST.ORG
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