Cal Performances

Lara Downes Takes a Broad Look at the American Dream

Lara Downes' new CD, "America Again," explores the American dream through diverse American composers, inspired by the Charleston shootings.

06/18/2020

Max Richter Revisits ‘Notebooks’ at Cal Performances

Max Richter, with the American Contemporary Music Ensemble, will perform politically-inspired works at Cal Performances. The concert includes pieces influenced by world events and literature.

03/06/2020

‘The Routes of Slavery’ at Cal Performances

"Jordi Savall's program, The Routes of Slavery, showcases unheard music from colonial times, representing 400 years of captivity. The program aims to express the hope and emotions of the oppressed."

03/06/2020

Jonathan Biss Finishes Beethoven Cycle at Cal Performances

Pianist Jonathan Biss concludes his seven-concert series at Cal Performances, having played all 32 of Beethoven's piano sonatas. Biss highlights the variety and endlessness of Beethoven's works.

03/06/2020

Tradition Layered on Tradition at Cal Performances

The Mariinsky Ballet and Orchestra are set to perform their signature production, La Bayadere, at Zellerbach Hall. Jeremy Geffen, Cal Performances' new director, discusses his role and the uniqueness of the venue.

11/07/2019

Cal Performances’ Next Season

Cal Performances' 2019/20 season features diverse dance and music, Beethoven’s 250th birthday celebration, emerging talents like Sheku Kanneh-Mason, and a world premiere by Samuel Adams.

06/03/2019

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The World’s Top 5 Classical Music Destinations to Add to Your Bucket List

Explore the rich musical history of Vienna, Salzburg, Milan, Leipzig, and London. Discover iconic venues, museums, and homes of legendary composers in these classical music cities.

03/12/2026

A Deep Dive into Beethoven's Beloved Symphony No. 9

Brian Lauritzen dives deep into Beethoven's timeless 9th Symphony

12/16/2025

Beethoven’s Quartet of ‘Thanksgiving’

Beethoven's String Quartet in A Minor, Op. 132, features a movement expressing gratitude for recovery from illness. It alternates between prayerful chorales and lively sections, reflecting his mortality.

11/25/2025

The Story Behind “Appalachian Spring,” the Ballet

Explore the history of Appalachian Spring, a ballet commissioned by Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge, composed by Aaron Copland, and choreographed by Martha Graham.

11/22/2025

The Mystery Behind Scriabin’s Mystic Chord

Explore the life of Russian composer Alexander Scriabin, his obsession with the occult, and his creation of the "mystic chord" used in his compositions.

11/17/2025

Elgar’s “Enigma Variations”

Explore the intriguing history of Edward Elgar's Enigma Variations, composed in 1898-99. Discover how this piece, inspired by Elgar's friends and personal experiences, established his fame.

11/15/2025

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