‘BRINGING THE WORLD TO AUSTIN’

ANNOUNCING
THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN
PERFORMING ARTS CENTER’S
SPECTACULAR 2008-2009 SEASON!

SUBSCRIPTIONS ON SALE NOW

THE 2008-2009 PERFORMING ARTS CENTER SEASON

Frederica von Stade with Samuel Ramey, Barbara Conrad and UT Ensembles
Friday, January 30, 2009 at 8:00pm; Bass Concert Hall

Jupiter String Quartet
Friday, February 6, 2009 at 8:00pm; McCullough Theatre

Circus Oz
Friday, February 13 at 8:00pm and Saturday, February 14, 2009 at 2:00pm & 8:00pm; Bass Concert Hall

Philip Glass’ Book of Longing – Based on the Poetry and Images of Leonard Cohen
Saturday, February 21, 2009 at 8:00pm; Bass Concert Hall

Bill Cosby
Saturday, February 28, 2009 at 6:30pm and 9:00pm; Bass Concert Hall

Grupo Corpo
Friday, March 6, 2009 at 8:00pm; Bass Concert Hall

ONIX Ensamble
Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 8:00pm; McCullough Theatre

Alvin Ailey® American Dance Theater with special guest Sweet Honey in the Rock
Tuesday, March 24 & Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 8:00pm; Bass Concert Hall

Imani Winds
Thursday, March 26, 2009 at 8:00pm; McCullough Theatre

Paul Taylor Dance Company
Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 8:00pm; Bass Concert Hall

Chick Corea & John McLaughlin / Five Peace Bandwith Christian McBride, Kenny Garrett & Vinnie Colaiuta
Thursday, April 2, 2009 at 8:00pm; Bass Concert Hall

Madeleine Peyroux
Saturday, April 4, 2009 at 8:00pm; Hogg Memorial Auditorium

Itzhak Perlman
Sunday, April 5, 2009 at 7:00pm; Bass Concert Hall

Sonny Rollins
Sunday, May 3, 2009 at 7:00pm; Bass Concert Hall

Goran Bregovic & his Wedding and Funeral Orchestra
Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at 8:00pm; Bass Concert Hall

When the curtains rose in 1981, audiences at the University of Texas at Austin Performing Arts Center were dazzled at what they witnessed. Finally, a performing arts organization to educate, enlighten and entertain Austin. Since then, audiences have enjoyed artists and ensembles from 53 countries around the globe, bringing a level of artistic and cultural diversity that redefined Austin as a cultural capital.

The tradition continues at the Performing Arts Center’s six theatres – the newly renovated Bass Concert Hall, Hogg Memorial Auditorium, Bates Recital Hall, McCullough Theatre, B. Iden Payne Theatre, and the Oscar G. Brockett Theatre.

After an 18-month intermission to undergo a $14.7 million renovation and facelift, the Performing Arts Center’s flagship venue, Bass Concert Hall, has been reinvented as a truly world-class venue, able to host the most demanding touring productions while offering visitors first-class accommodations.

The 27-year-old venue is getting a new look inside and out. Renovations to the 2,900-seat theatre include a magnificent glass-front façade; larger, light-filled atrium lobbies on each floor; state-of-the-art acoustics; a beautiful new café; a new member lounge with a deck; an impressive lobby-width terrace on the top floor overlooking the UT campus; more restrooms, bars and concession areas; and new flooring, walls and décor.

On January 23, 2009, the Performing Arts Center will open the newly renovated Bass Concert Hall with two weeks of events to celebrate our return to the rich cultural landscape of Austin.
Join us for the launch of our Spring 2009 season, beginning with a special concert event (to be announced soon), a monumental performance by the Butler School of Music Ensembles, and a blockbuster Broadway show. Free tours to the public will also be given during our reopening celebration.

The Performing Arts Center continues its tradition of Bringing the World to Austin with the 2008-2009 Season. From the astounding acrobatic feats performed by Australia’s Circus Oz to Balkan music icon Goran Bregovic and his Wedding and Funerals Band, to the eager anticipated collaboration between Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre and Sweet Honey in the Rock, the 2008-2009 Performing Arts Center Season offers a world of song, dance, words and culture to Central Texas.

Four-show subscription packages are now on sale starting at $106.50. Becoming a subscriber not only ensures the same great seat for each performance in the package but also offers a host of additional benefits. Subscriber benefits include great seats at a discounted price of up to 15% savings on each seat; flexible ticket concierge service, including free and easy ticket exchanges; free ticket insurance; a private subscriber hotline; advance notification and priority purchase opportunities to Fine Arts and Broadway events before they are available to the general public; advance notice of new concert events; access to the new Bass Concert Hall’s beautiful new member lounge for select events; 15% discount at the Blanton Museum Gift Shop, LBJ Museum Shop, and Texas Memorial Museum; and special discounts and offers with participating restaurants and businesses. As a bonus, if you become a subscriber by selecting 4 or more events in the Performing Arts Center Season, you get access to purchase preferred seats to one of our Broadway Across America productions before anyone else.

To subscribe to the 2008-2009 Performing Arts Center Season, please visit www.utpac.org or call 512.471.4454.

Groups of 15 or more may be eligible to receive a 10% discount off the original ticket price. Groups of 40 or more may be eligible for a 15% discount. For more information on group discounts, please visit www.utpac.org or call 512.471.0648.

The Performing Arts Center continues a 20-year tradition of presenting the best of touring Broadway in Bass Concert Hall with partner Broadway Across America – Austin. The sensational 2008-2009 Broadway season includes the Austin premieres of WICKED (August 12-30, 2009), Monty Python’s SPAMALOT (March 10-15, 2009), LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL (February 3-8, 2009), and AVENUE Q (April 15-19, 2009), plus an exciting return engagement of RENT (May 12-17, 2009) starring original Broadway cast members, Anthony Rapp and Adam Pascal. Special non-subscription season specials include the Austin return engagements of ANNIE (June 5-7, 2009) and MAMMA MIA! (June 23-28, 2009). For more information or to subscribe to the 2008-2009 Broadway Across America – Austin season, please visit www.BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com or call 800.731.SHOW (7469) Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm.

Frederica von Stade with Samuel Ramey, Barbara Conrad and UT Ensembles
Friday, January 30, 2009 at 8pm
Bass Concert Hall

A brilliant gathering of talent only possible on the massive Bass Concert Hall stage! The University of Texas Symphony Orchestra, UT Wind Ensemble and the UT Choral Ensembles assemble for a once in a lifetime collaboration as they perform with beloved mezzo-soprano Frederica Von Stade and bass-baritone sensation Samuel Ramey, as well as special guests Barbara Conrad, Butler Music Professor Jeff Helmer and much, much more.

The program will include:

• Howard Hanson’s “Song of Democracy”
• Joseph Schwantner’s New Morning for the World “Daybreak of Freedom,” with a very special appearance by Barbara Conrad speaking text from the words of Martin Luther King Jr.
• A special performance of Lennon/McCartney’s “Blackbird” by UT Jazz Professor Jeff Helmer, piano, John Fremgen, bass, Brannen Temple, drums, and the UT Wind Ensemble
• And much, much more….

With up to 150 performers on stage at one time, this is a blockbuster event as we re-open Bass Concert Hall and celebrate the riches of the Butler School of Music.

Jupiter String Quartet
Friday, February 6, 2009 at 8pm
McCullough Theatre

Winner of the prestigious Cleveland Quartet Award, this engaging young Boston based quartet demonstrate a maturity and unity well beyond their years. Welcome former Austinite Daniel McDonough back to town with this exciting new force in chamber music!

“…razor-edged ensemble work and imaginative depth beyond their years.”
– The Washington Post

Circus Oz
Friday, February 13, 2009 at 8pm
Saturday, February 14 at 2pm & 8pm
Bass Concert Hall

Astounding feats, serious fun, and Australian humor for audiences of all ages! Celebrate Friday the 13th and Valentine’s Day at the Bass with Melbourne’s acclaimed rock-n-roll, animal free circus that delivers breathtaking agility, death-defying stunts, awe-inspiring acrobatic performances, irreverent comedy and a spectacular live band.

“This show hurtles melodically about the ears, flies satirically through the mind and wows our perceptions of what the human body is limited to.” – Sydney Morning Herald

Philip Glass
Book of Longing
Based on the Poetry and Images of Leonard Cohen
Saturday, February 21, 2009 at 8pm
Bass Concert Hall

Commissioned by the UT Performing Arts Center, Book of Longing is the long-awaited concert work by renowned composer Philip Glass, and based on the legendary poet and singer Leonard Cohen’s published collection of the same name. Glass sets Cohen’s words to a new score performed by an ensemble of singers and musicians, with Philip playing keyboard. Cohen’s recorded voice, paintings and drawings are prominently incorporated into this once-in-a-lifetime multimedia event!

“ Book of Longing, a song cycle with four strong singers, a terrific band, and an inspired multimedia aspect…is light-filled, tightly crafted, charming…with real songs that are simple, luscious and invigorating.” – Contra Costa Times (Bay Area, Ca)

Bill Cosby
Saturday, February 28, 2009 at 6:30pm & 9pm
Bass Concert Hall

Spend an evening with legendary comedian, entertainer, and activist, Bill Cosby as he returns to Austin to share his hilarious brand of good, clean stand-up comedy. One of the most influential and well-known performers in America, Cosby endears audiences with masterful storytelling and comical observations.

Grupo Corpo (Dance Theater)
Friday, March 6, 2009 at 8pm
Bass Concert Hall

This electrifying Brazilian dance company captivates you with stunningly sexy physicality, dynamic ability, and rich visual finesse. Grupo Corpo creates a vibrant and seamless blend of ballet’s poise and modern dance’s spirit.

“Brazil’s leading ambassadors of contemporary dance…showing off the superb skills of the dancers, arguably the best on the planet.” – Globe and Mail (Toronto)

ONIX Ensamble
Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 8pm
McCullough Theatre

This multi award-winning group of Mexican musicians is constantly redefining and promoting the best of Latin American music today! Comprised of internationally experienced soloists and virtuosi players, ONIX continuously stretches their depth and repertoire with pieces that combine classical with various musical styles and aesthetic traditions.

“Unique in Latin America, exceptional, hypnotic…with amazing strength and musical expressiveness.” – Classical Music Review

Alvin Ailey® American Dance Theater with special guest Sweet Honey in the Rock
Judith Jamison – Artistic Director
Masazumi Chaya – Associate Artistic Director
Tuesday & Wednesday, March 24-25, 2009 at 8pm
Bass Concert Hall

Join the celebration as Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, America’s cultural ambassador to the world, marks its 50th anniversary of bringing African-American cultural expression and the American modern dance tradition to the world’s stages. The genius of Alvin Ailey changed forever the perception of American dance; today the legacy continues with Judith Jamison’s remarkable vision and the extraordinary artistry of the Company’s dancers. Beauty, spirit, hope and passion know no bounds. That is the power of Ailey. Performing live onstage with the incomparable Ailey dancers, the Grammy Award-winning a cappella ensemble Sweet Honey in the Rock match their soulful harmonies and intricate rhythms to the powerful choreography of Ailey company veteran Hope Boykin.

“Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is a must-see company – you will never see so much verve, gusto and joyous energy on one stage.” – The Stage

Imani Winds
Thursday, March 26, 2009 at 8pm
McCullough Theatre

Breaking through the confines of traditional chamber music, Grammy nominated Imani Winds redefine the boundaries of the traditional wind quintet repertoire. This adventurous group of musicians has carved out a distinct presence in the classical music world with their dynamic playing, recordings, commissions, collaborations and residencies. The future of classical music is here!

“The talents of Imani Winds members seemed boundless during the show.” – Kalamazoo Gazette

Paul Taylor Dance Company
Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 8pm
Bass Concert Hall

Paul Taylor’s years of distinctly original choreography have earned him and his acclaimed Company icon status in modern American culture. His keen understanding of movement and narrative delivers work that exudes athleticism, insight and beauty. The Austin program includes a mix of timeless Taylor classics and newer works including UT Performing Arts Center commissioned work, De Sueños Que Repiten (Of Recurring Dreams).

“Brilliant…a continuum of non-stop movement with the force of a rocket send-off…how the dancers execute such difficult steps at such speed is a must-see.” – The New York Times

Chick Corea & John McLaughlin Five Peace Band
with Christian McBride, Kenny Garrett & Vinnie Colaiuta
Thursday, April 2, 2009 at 8pm
Bass Concert Hall

Since performing together with Miles Davis nearly 40 years ago, Chick Corea and John Mclaughlin have redefined the boundaries of jazz-rock fusion with their legendary bands, Return to Forever and the Mahavishnu Orchestra, two of the most popular instrumental groups of all time. Playing music from then and now, these icons will be joined by three of the most accomplished contemporary jazz players of our time in another transcendent journey into the far reaches of the musical galaxy.

“Hearing John McLaughlin play the electric guitar can be like watching a trash compactor act upon a desk or a television or a bicycle. The strength, the violent compression, the speed and steadiness of the work — it all seems to defy what’s possible.” The New York Times

“Chick Corea isn’t just a pianist, composer, and 14-time Grammy winner. He’s a visionary who drastically altered the shape of contemporary music by continuously pushing into new realms of thought and sound.” The Austin Chronicle

Madeleine Peyroux
Saturday, April 4, 2009 at 8pm
Hogg Memorial Auditorium

Madeleine Peyroux embodies the musical passion and panache of an old soul, which became quite apparent in 1996, with the release of her debut album, Dreamland, a remarkable work in which the young singer brought insightfulness to material associated with Billie Holiday, Bessie Smith and Patsy Cline. Now 32, the Georgia-born Peyroux, who spent a decade living in Paris, brings a wealth of life experience to her newest album, Half the Perfect World, an extremely personal gathering of love songs featuring original compositions and covers by artists such as Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell, Fred Neil and Tom Waits.

“Defying the weight of history, she has chosen to tread in the footsteps of a lineage of female singers that includes Edith Piaf, Billie Holiday, Nina Simone and Patsy Cline, and has earned herself a coterie of worshipful admirers in the process.” The Daily Telegraph (UK)

Itzhak Perlman
Sunday, April 5, 2009 at 7pm
Bass Concert Hall

Undeniably the reigning virtuoso of the violin, Itzhak Perlman enjoys superstar status rarely afforded a classical musician. Perlman’s celebrated career has earned him four Emmy Awards, fifteen Grammy Awards, a Medal of Liberty presented by President Reagan, and the National Medal of Arts awarded by President Clinton. Accompanied by acclaimed pianist Rohan De Silva, enjoy an evening with this living classical music legend!

“Charismatic stage presence, superb technique, mastery of a wide repertoire and an unfailing ability to communicate distinguish the violinist, who is widely recognized as one of the great virtuosos of his generation…” – Contra Costa Times

Sonny Rollins
Sunday, May 3, 2009 at 7pm
Bass Concert Hall

Considered by many to be the greatest living jazz improviser, Sonny Rollins is a true innovator of the modern jazz saxophone. Fans and critics of this multiple Grammy winner hail him as jazz’s most exacting, exhilarating, and inspiring practitioner!

“I am convinced that all art has the desire to leave the ordinary.” – Sonny Rollins

Goran Bregovic & his Wedding and Funeral Orchestra
Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at 8pm
Bass Concert Hall

Balkan music icon and acclaimed film composer Goran Bregovic celebrates the music of Europe’s Gypsy tradition. His touring forty piece Wedding and Funeral Orchestra includes a Serbian brass band, 12-piece string ensemble, fifteen man choir, and female vocalists. Perhaps the most spectacular world music event you’ll ever witness!

“Goran Bregovic and his Weddings and Funerals Band…had the audience eating out of their hands…Bregovic makes a music that runs the spectrum from ecstatic, robustly earthy dance music, to naughty pop tunes, to vocal and string arrangements ripe with sentimentality…a lyrical, beautifully paced evening.” – Daily Star, Lebanon

ELECTRONIC IMAGES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

PRESS CONTACT:
Gene Bartholomew
gbartholomew@utpac.org

Download the Performing Arts Center 2008-2009 Season Press Release as a PDF document