“The Comedy of Errors” — Aquila Theatre Company

Saturday, Sept. 20, 2008, at 8:00 p.m.
Palmer Auditorium

"The Comedy of Errors" is one of Shakespeare’s most vibrant and sparkling plays. Aquila’s imaginative and exuberant production of the classic comedy is a "must-see" for newcomers to Shakespeare and Bard enthusiasts alike.

"The Classics made relevant with superb acting and clever staging." — The New Yorker

Tickets: $26, 21, 16; Seniors $23.50, 19, 14; Students $13, 10.50, 8

“Disavowal” — David Dorfman Dance

Saturday, Oct. 25, 2008, at 8:00 p.m.
Palmer Auditorium

Inspired by the life and legacy of abolitionist and (in)famous "race traitor" John Brown, "Disavowal" is a critical examination by choreographer David Dorfman of how conditions of white supremacy, racism, violence, alienation and calls for solidarity reap hope and fear, courage and pain, pride and dispossession.

"One of the great pleasures of watching dance in New York over the past decade or so has been seeing the growth of David Dorfman from accomplished to inspired modern-dance choreographer." — The New York Times

Tickets: $26, 21, 16; Seniors $23.50, 19, 14; Students $13, 10.50, 8

Brentano String Quartet with Peter Serkin, piano, and Richard Lalli, baritone

Friday, Nov. 7, 2008, at 8:00 p.m.
John C. Evans Hall

"A splendid quartet" — The Times (London)

The Brentano Quartet has been singled out for its technical brilliance, musical insight and stylistic elegance. For this concert the quartet will be joined by pianist Peter Serkin and baritone Richard Lalli to perform a program that includes work by Haydn, Schoenberg and Beethoven.

"The ensemble's velvety tone and interpretive intensity is ideal for music of maturity and emotional weight." — The New York Times

Tickets: $22; Seniors $20; Students $11

Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Thursday, Feb. 5, 2009, at 8:00 p.m.
Palmer Auditorium

For more than 30 years Ladysmith Black Mambazo has combined the intricate rhythms and harmonies of their native South African musical traditions with the sounds and sentiments of Christian gospel music. The result is a musical and spiritual alchemy that has touched a worldwide audience representing every corner of the religious, cultural and ethnic landscape.

"It isn’t merely the grace and power of their dancing or the beauty of their singing that rivets the attention, but the sheer joy and love that emanates from their being." — Paul Simon

Tickets: $28, 24, 20; Seniors $25, 21.50, 18; Students $14, 12, 10

Flanders Recorder Quartet

Thursday, Feb. 26, 2009, at 8:00 p.m.
John C. Evans Hall

Since its founding the Flanders Recorder Quartet has evolved into one of the world’s top ensembles and has attained a prominent position in the world of Early Music. The ensemble’s highly virtuosic performances of richly varied programs make each concert unforgettable and restore the splendor of the recorder, one of the most important instruments of the Renaissance and Baroque periods.

"... the flutes of the Flanders Recorder Quartet give us a variety of colors that one would have thought impossible on these instruments." — Le Monde de la Musique

Tickets: $22; Seniors $20; Students $11

Danú — Traditional Irish Ensemble

Thursday, March 5, 2009, at 8:00 p.m.
John C. Evans Hall

Hailing from historic County Waterford, Danú is one of the leading traditional Irish ensembles today. Their standing-room-only concerts throughout Ireland are true events featuring high-energy performances and a glorious mix of ancient Irish music and new repertoire.

"A spirit-raising concoction." — The Irish Times

"... fierce fiddle reels to pensive ballads." — The New York Times

Tickets: $22; Seniors $20; Students $11

Paul Taylor Dance Company

Friday, April 3, 2009, at 8:00 p.m.
Palmer Auditorium

The Paul Taylor Dance Company is one of the world’s most highly respected dance troupes. Paul Taylor is a prolific and inventive choreographer, and his works are known for their beauty, physicality and depth.

"Paul Taylor is the reigning master of modern dance." — Time Magazine

"The American spirit soars whenever Taylor’s dancers dance." — San Francisco Chronicle

Tickets: $28, 24, 20; Seniors $25, 21.50, 18; Students $14, 12, 10

The presentation of the Paul Taylor Dance Company is funded in part by the Expeditions program of the New England Foundation for the Arts, made possible with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts Regional Touring Program and the American Masterpieces initiative, with additional support from the six New England state arts agencies.

"Scudorama" by Paul Taylor was made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts' American Masterpieces: Dance Initiative, administered by the New England Foundation for the Arts.