• Now More than Ever The Arts Need You

Now, More Than Ever

A series of performing arts videos for a time of physical distancing, compiled by Jeremy Geffen, Executive and Artistic Director, Cal Performances

During these challenging days, as we all spend our time around fewer people in real life, Cal Performances is guiding a series of virtual journeys (using YouTube links) specifically curated for our adventurous and eclectic audiences. For the time being, these recordings of great artists past and present will serve as a reminder of the performing arts’ unsurpassed ability to express the power and potential of the human spirit—until, that is, we can share such moments together again, under the same roof. Cal Performances encourages one and all to find time—each and every day—for the performing arts.

  • Lil Buck performs "The Swan"

Issue 64 (September 23)

Celebrating six examples of exceptional virtuosity, of supremely talented performers stretching the boundaries, breaking through barriers, and pushing our conceptions of excellence past pre-existing limits

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  • Yo-Yo Ma, cello; Stuart Duncan banjo and fiddle; Edgar Meyer, bass; Chris Thile, mandolin; Aoife O'Donovan, vocals; performing "Here and Heaven"

Issue 63 (August 19)

A strong current of folk music runs through these selections, demonstrating the unique flexibility of the genre.

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  • Lawrence Brownlee and Justina Lee perform three spirituals for NPR's Tiny Desk Concert

Issue 62 (July 15)

A few instances of how composers have been known to reuse, reduce, edit, and adapt both their own music and that of others.

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  • Alicia Graf Mack and Jamar Roberts in Judith Jamison's Reminiscin'

Issue 61 (June 23)

Today’s selection helps turn our attention to the rewards—and risks—of live performance.

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  • Soprano Barbara Bonney performs Brahms' “Ihr habt nun traurigkeit.”

Issue 60 (April 21)

Three instances in classical music and opera that touch on the subject of maternal affection, plus an Alvin Ailey classic.

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  • Ohad Naharin's Echad Mi Yodea, performed by Batsheva – The Young Ensemble

Issue 59 (April 8)

In the spirit of solidarity in condemning hate crimes aimed at Asians and Asian Americans, this issue hopes to draw attention to a deep well of […]

  • Sae Eun Park and Kimin Kim of Universal Ballet perform in La Bayadere

Issue 58 (March 25)

In the spirit of solidarity in condemning hate crimes aimed at Asians and Asian Americans, this issue hopes to draw attention to a deep well of […]

  • Sasha Waltz & Guests perform In C

Issue 57 (March 10)

A wide variety of performances for everyone, including: In C choreographed and performed by Sasha Waltz; Bartók’s Allegro non troppo from Violin Concerto No. 2 […]

  • Mahan Esfahani: Goldberg Variations Medley

Issue 56 (Feb 26)

Hybrid virtual-live performances of Bach’s Goldberg Variations performed by Mahan Esfahani; Beethoven’s Adagio sostenuto from Piano Sonata, Quasi una fantasia (Moonlight) performed by Mitsuko Uchida; […]

  • Chick Corea on Improvisation

Issue 55 (Feb 19)

Celebrating the life of legendary jazz keyboardist Chick Corea, with Corea’s “Armando’s Rhumba” performed by Bobby McFerrin and Chick Corea; Biber’s Violin Sonata No. 5 […]

  • Boy Blue's Emancipation of Expressionism, choreographed by Kenrick "H20" Sandy

Issue 54 (February 11)

Celebrating Black History Month with Mozart’s “Durch Zärtlichkeit und Schmeicheln” performed by Reri Grist; Excerpt from Im schwarzen Rössl performed by Katherine Dunham; Balm in Gilead […]

  • Andrew Ondrejcak’s short film, "Dido's Lament"

Issue 53 (February 4)

Selections of Purcell’s “When I am laid in earth” (“Dido’s Lament”) from Dido and Aeneas featuring Janet Baker, soprano and London Philharmonic Orchestra; Jessye Norman, […]

  • Frankfurt Radio Symphony performing Sibelius' Nightride and Sunrise

Issue 52 (January 21)

In this issue: Sibelius’ Nightride and Sunrise performed by Frankfurt Radio Symphony; After the Rain choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon and performed by Suzanne Danco and […]

2021/22 Season

Welcome back! Tickets on sale now for the thrilling return of LIVE performances!

Explore the 2021/22 Season
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