Goldstar

One of the greatest ballerinas of the 20th century, Suzanne Farrell was George Balanchine's greatest muse. Her company, who calls its home the Kennedy Center, comes to Cal Performances with two different programs featuring several of Balanchine's most glorious pas de deux, including those from Apollo, La Sonnambula and a spectacular dance from Romeo and Juliet. See the full listing for more information on each of the programs. Learn more...

Cal Performances welcomes the Australian Chamber Orchestra. Under the visionary leadership of violinist Richard Tognetti, this vibrant ensemble of virtuoso musicians embodies the bold and adventurous spirit of Australia. Joined by countertenor Andreas Scholl, they'll perform works by Haydn and Handel, as well as Australian composer Roger Smalley's Footwork and Pavel Haas' From the Monkey Mountains Suite. Learn more...

David Rakoff's New York Times bestsellers, Fraud and Don't Get Too Comfortable, have established him as one of today's funniest, most insightful social commentators. One of the most popular figures on NPR's This American Life, Rakoff specializes in satirical portraits of the excesses of vanity, consumerism and greed. Learn more...

The acclaimed Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, making its first American tour, comes to Berkeley's Zellerbach Hall. The Grammy-winning orchestra performs Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 with guest pianist Joyce Yang, as well as Sibelius' Second Symphony. Eri Klas conducts. Learn more...

San Francisco-based Hawaiian dance company Na Lei Hulu I Ka Wekiu introduces audiences of all ages to Mamala, Hawaii's famous surfing goddess. In its popular O'ahu: Confessions of an Island program, Na Lei Hulu pays tribute to one of the world's most glorious locations, honoring her most sacred shores and her highest peaks. Learn more...

For more than 40 years, Ladysmith Black Mambazo has combined the rhythms and harmonies of South Africa with the sounds and sentiments of Christian gospel music. The result is a musical and spiritual alchemy that has touched listeners representing every corner of the religious, cultural, and ethnic landscape. Learn more...

Cal Performances celebrates the 50th-anniversary U.S. tour of the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields. Since leading the Baroque music revival of the 1960s, this beloved London institution has produced definitive performances of the great classical masterworks in ways that make the music seem new again. Learn more...

Australia's gloriously irreverent contemporary circus returns to pull out all the stops, celebrating the company's 30th birthday with a combination of breathtaking feats, original live music, and Aussie humor sure to delight audiences of all ages. Learn more...

Cal Performances presents Soledad Barrio & Noche Flamenca. Recognized as the world's leading touring flamenco company, Noche Flamenca celebrates the essence, purity, and integrity of one of the world's most complex and mysterious art forms. Learn more...

The National Acrobats of China troupe was founded more than 50 years ago and has enthralled audiences in more than 30 countries. These rigorously trained performers often use objects of daily life--chairs, tables, poles, ladders, bowls, plates, bottles and jars--as props in shows that feature an eye-popping array of acrobatics, contortionism, martial arts, drumming, and dance. Learn more...

The Grammy Award-winning Mariachi Los Camperos presents Fiesta Navidad. Led by mariachi legend Nati Cano, the group celebrates the Christmas traditions of their native Mexico, including La Posada, the 400-year-old traditional reenactment of Joseph and Mary's pilgrimage to Bethlehem. Delightful for young and old alike, the concert also includes a sing-along. Learn more...

Cal Performances presents Pomegranates and Figs, a concert celebrating the rich musical history of the Jewish world. The show features exciting klezmer band The Gonifs, the rich harmonies of Kitka Women's Vocal Ensemble, and acclaimed string duo Teslim, plus an array of special guests. Learn more...

Jake Heggie and Frederica von Stade reunite for this poignant new chamber opera based on a play by Terrence McNally. The emotionally charged story reveals the loving but often strained relationship between a Tony-nominated actress and her two adult children -- an unhappily married daughter and a gay son. Long-held secrets are revealed and reconciled as the three prepare to attend the award ceremony, reminding them of the importance of family. Learn more...

Ballet Flamenco José Porcel performs a seductive blend of traditional and modern flamenco. A former principal with the National Ballet of Spain, Porcel has performed to wide acclaim and his lavish music and dance spectacles display both abundant creative genius and a desire to challenge convention while honoring tradition. Learn more...

Cal Performances welcomes the Golden Dragon Acrobats. One of China's premier touring acrobatic companies, the group carries on an artistic tradition dating back over 2500 years, with dazzling feats of strength and agility, spectacular costumes, and impressive theatricality. Learn more...

Choreographer Merce Cunningham's ensemble returns to Cal Performances with four repertory programs that demonstrate the span of the Merce Cunningham Dance Company's rich 55-year history and celebrate nearly a half-century of performances at the University of California, Berkeley. Learn more...

The Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra performs at Zellerbach Hall, with principal conductor Leon Botstein. The Orchestra's program includes three modern Jewish-American composers: Aaron Copland's Symphony No. 3, as well as works by Toch and Rosza. Grammy-nominated violinist Robert McDuffie is the guest soloist. Learn more...

Experience the sights and sounds of modern and ancient China with One World, One Dream, an Olympic spectacular featuring one hundred Chinese student performing artists. Combining music, dance, theater, martial arts and acrobatics, this high-energy production traces the history of the Olympics down through the centuries. Highlights include Chinese acrobats dating from the second century B.C.E.; Peking Opera techniques and costumes; and traditional musical instruments juxtaposed with up-to-the-minute modern musical instruments, staging and music. Learn more...

The acclaimed Swedish Chamber Orchestra, led by Music Director Thomas Dausgaard, plays a program including Beethoven's Coriolan Overture and Piano Concerto no. 1, plus Schumann's Symphony No. 2 in C Major. Soloist Piotr Anderszewski forst rose to prominence at the 1990 Leeds Piano Competition, and has played worldwide ever since. Learn more...

The renowned Tchaikovsky Perm Ballet & Orchestra presents Natalia Makarova's Swan Lake. The renowned prima ballerina directed and choreographed this dazzling new version of Tchaikovsky's classic ballet, which was performed in 2006 to great acclaim; she returns to the Bay Area with the Tchaikovsky perm Ballet, soloists Polina Semionova and Denis Matvienko, lavish costumes and sets, and a full orchestra. Learn more...

Winner of the "Rising Star Jazz Group of the Year" honors in the 2006 DownBeat Critics Poll, the SFJAZZ Collective is a powerhouse ensemble featuring some of the finest jazz performer/composers at work today. Launched in 2004 by SFJAZZ--the presenter of the annual San Francisco Jazz Festival--the Collective has quickly become one of the most scintillating combos on the American and international jazz scenes. Learn more...

One of the most renowned saxophonists working today, Joshua Redman first gained attention by winning the Thelonious Monk International Saxophone Competition in 1991. The artistic director of the SFJAZZ Collective from 2004-2007, he's worked with artists ranging from Dave Brubeck, Chick Corea, Wynton Marsalis and Herbie Hancock to Yo-Yo Ma and the Rolling Stones. He brings an acoustic trio to Zellerbach Hall to play a set drawing on the influences in his latest album, Back East. Learn more...

Star ballerina Nina Ananiashvili will perform the title role in one of the most beloved ballets of all time, Giselle. On Valentine's Day, she performs in a mixed repertory program featuring the American premiere of a new ballet by Yuri Possokhov, San Francisco Ballet's choreographer-in-residence; the American premiere of a work by the Bolshoi's Aleksei Ratmansky; plus two classic pieces by George Balanchine. Learn more...

The Monterey Jazz Festival, the world's longest-running jazz festival, celebrates its 50th anniversary with a tour featuring some of the top jazz musicians working today. The tour features trumpeter Terence Blanchard, saxophonist James Moody, pianist Benny Green, bassist Derrick Hodge, drummer Kendrick Scott, and guest vocalist Nnenna Freelon. Learn more...

Death-defying daredevils...hilarious humans...marvelous musicians...astonishing acrobats. Australia's Circus Oz has thrilled audiences around the world with its zany mix of original live music, daring stunts and spectacular circus skills--all laced with that one-of-a-kind "Aussie attitude." The Laughing at Gravity tour boasts a mind-boggling array of breathtaking performers for an experience unlike any circus you've seen before. Learn more...

Guangzhou Ballet makes its West Coast debut at Cal Performances with the American premiere of Mei Lanfang, an inspired work based on the life of the legendary Peking Opera performer who shaped the art of Chinese theater for generations. This ballet has been praised internationally for its elaborate sets and costumes as well as its captivating score and innovative choreography. Learn more...

The Joffrey Ballet combines brilliant technique and quintessential American spirit. This program features Twyla Tharp's "Deuce Coupe" (1973), set to music of the Beach Boys; Laura Dean's "Sometimes It Snows in April," from Gerald Arpino's 1993 production of Billboards, set to the classic song by Prince; and Robert Joffrey's demure, witty "Pas des Déesses." Learn more...

Traditionalist and visionary Nati Cano and his famed Los Camperos have performing for more than 40 years, playing with a vibrancy and intensity that distinguish them as one of the finest mariachi bands in the world. They return to Berkeley after many years with a program showcasing Mexico's most enduring sones and canciones rancheras (country songs). Learn more...

Michael McKean first achieved fame on the hit sitcom Laverne & Shirley, and went on to comic immortality in the classic mocumentary This is Spinal Tap. He subsequently appeared in such films as Best in Show and A Mighty Wind, as well as on Broadway. His Zellerbach Hall appearance promises to be one of the most unpredictable nights of the season. Learn more...

Spectacular costumes, breathtaking athletic skill and poetic beauty mark this performance by the Chinese Golden Dragon Acrobats, renowned for performing award-winning acrobatics and traditional dance using both ancient and contemporary theatrical techniques. Marking their 28th year of continuous touring in the U.S., Golden Dragon Acrobats sweep audiences into their thrilling performances with seemingly-impossible feats and inspiring beauty. Learn more...

India's renowned company Chorus Repertory Theatre performs Nine Hills One Valley, the latest masterwork from composer-writer-director-choreographer Ratan Thiyam. This haunting and poetic theatrical allegory confronts the turmoil that now consumes Thiyam's native Manipur. Here Thiyam asks: In the face of violence, venality, instability and poverty, how do a people sustain themselves when their cultural traditions are cut off and lost? Learn more...

Cal Performances is pleased to offer a special three show ticket package including performances by some of the world's greatest circus artists and acrobats. This exciting collection of shows is sure to delight and excite the entire family. The Cal Performances Circus and Acrobat Package includes entrance to: Moscow Circus, Golden Dragon Acrobats and Peking Acrobats. Learn more...

Lyon Opera Ballet is known for its experimental and adventurous repertoire. This performance features work by three pioneering female European choreographers: Maguy Marin's Groosland, which marries effortless whimsy with the music of Bach; Anne Theresa de Keersmaeker's Grande Fuge, combining groundbreaking choreography with a Beethoven opus; and forceful choreographer Sasha Waltz's new piece set to music by Schubert. Learn more...

The Bay Area ensemble Gamelan Sekar Jaya -- acclaimed internationally for its innovative work with the music and dance of Bali -- performs the world premiere of a dazzling new dance drama. Created by an international team of artists through an intensive two-year exchange of ideas, historical perspectives and modern dramatic techniques, Kali Yuga is a deep and moving artistic response to recent world conflicts, including those in Indonesia itself. Learn more...

Under the leadership of artistic director Jim Vincent, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago is among the most original forces in contemporary dance. Critically acclaimed for its exuberant, athletic, and innovative repertoire, the 21-member company displays both versatility and technical brilliance in performances that have engaged and challenged audiences around the world. The company's ever-expanding and varied repertory features works of unparalleled excellence by choreographers such as Jiri Kylian, Nacho Duato, Lar Lubovitch, and William Forsythe, to name but a few. Learn more...

Cal Performances presents Ballet Folklorico "Quetzalli" de Veracruz. The company celebrates the diverse history and people of Mexico in colorful performances that have earned standing ovations from Cuba to Malaysia. Music will be performed live on authentic string instruments. Learn more...

American Ballet Theatre superstar Natalia Makarova thrilled the world as the preeminent Odette-Odile of her generation, her Swan Lake performances the stuff of legends. Now the great prima ballerina returns to Tchaikovsky's tale of immortal love, choreographing and directing a new and fully staged production showcasing the renowned Tchaikovsky Perm Ballet, accompanied by full orchestra, and with lavish sets and costumes. Learn more...

Cal Perfromances' Zellerbach Hall welcomes Maria del Mar Bonet & Monica Salmaso. A symbol of national pride, Maria del Mar Bonet defiantly sang in her native Catalan before a ban on the language was lifted with Franco's death. The Majorcan singer is one of the great proponents of Mediterranean song. With the release of her album, Iaia, Brazilian balladeer Monica Salmaso burst onto the international scene, winning legions of instant fans, serving up infectious sambas and paying musical tribute to the river and sea goddesses of Brazil's African-related spiritualism. Learn more...

Cal Performances presents Eileen Ivers and Immigrant Soul in concert with special guest Burhan Ocal. Ivers is a seven-time all-Ireland fiddle champion, a star of the original Riverdance and a best-selling recording artist who has been called the Jimi Hendrix of the violin. She and her brilliantly versatile ensemble Immigrant Soul "rock the house everywhere they play" (Boston Globe). Learn more...

Mark Morris' hip and heartwarming "re-take" on the Nutcracker tale will leave you laughing breathlessly one moment (with dancing Barbie Dolls, G.I. Joes, hilarious snowflakes, and waltzing flowers) and with a lump in your throat the next (a deeply moving pas de deux). The Hard Nut returns to Cal Performances Zellerbach Hall following a sensational London debut last December. (Shows marked sold out on our site may still have tickets left at the theatre. Check back here for added ticket offers, or visit the Cal Performances website.) Learn more...

Is it ethical to make a copy of a friend's DVD? To ignore your school's honor code? How much is a cat's life worth in the face of mounting veterinarian bills? Ask Randy Cohen, writer of "The Ethicist," a weekly column--and reader favorite--in the Sunday New York Times Magazine. Cohen will discuss his column, offering a general approach to everyday ethics, and fielding audience questions about traversing the ethical slalom of our everyday lives. Learn more...

Acknowledged as Afghanistan's greatest female singer, Ustad Mahwash--the first woman to be given the title of ustad, master musician--comes to Cal Performances with a program of Afghan Ghazal, love poems set to music, including both Mystical and Popular songs. She is joined by an ensemble of accomplished musicians from Afghanistan and India. Learn more...

Originally from Peru, where she absorbed the music of the descendants of African slaves, Tania Libertad is one of the most significant Latin American artists performing today. The chanteuse has recorded more than 30 albums, solidifying her reputation in world music circles. Learn more...

Only 25 years old, violinist Hilary Hahn has already established a career many of her elders would envy. She was named "America's Best" young classical musician by Time magazine (2001), and appears regularly with the world's great orchestras. Learn more...

The great Hungarian pianist returns to Cal Performances for a rare recital performing works from Haydn and Beethoven. Andras Schiff's recent activities include the creation of his own chamber orchestra, the Cappella Andrea Barca, and numerous conducting and recording engagements. Learn more...

One of her generation's supreme vocal artists, Anne Sofie von Otter is treasured not only for her lyricism and superb vocal technique, but also for her wide-ranging versatility and willingness to take artistic risks. The Swedish mezzo-soprano performs at Cal Performances' Zellerbach Hall with pianist Bengt Forsberg. Learn more...

With an unsurpassed repertoire that includes dozens of traditional classics, the National Ballet of China is one of the world's supreme ballet ensembles. Raise the Red Lantern (an adaptation of Zhang Yimou's award-winning film) is among the ensemble's most breathtaking accomplishments, displaying a uniquely Chinese style of ballet theater. Learn more...