Musco Center announces 2018-19 Season
For its third season since opening in 2016, Musco Center for the Arts at Chapman University is thinking big, with iconic stars of opera, dance, theatre and classical music whose performances and master classes complement and enhance what Chapman teaches, plus dazzling programs suited to a world-class concert hall including acoustic jazz, unplugged American roots, large-scale special events and culturally specific performances and festivals.
“Once again, the line-up is led by our friend and advisor Plácido Domingo,” said Musco Center Dean and Artistic Director William Hall. The international opera star will return with the full LA Opera Orchestra and Chorus in a concert version of Verdi’s Don Carlo, conducted by James Conlon. This will mark Domingo’s fourth appearance at Musco Center since he performed at its grand opening concert in 2016.
“There is no doubt that Maestro Domingo’s long relationship with Paul and Marybelle Musco, and subsequently to the Musco Center, has accelerated by more than a few years our emerging reputation as one of the nation’s leading performing arts centers on a university campus,” said Musco Center Executive Director, Richard T. Bryant. Together with Dean Hall, Bryant is responsible for curating and executing Musco Center programming.
For the 2017-18 Season, Musco Center also debuts a new line-up of speakers—The Provost’s Arts and Lecture Series—that features world thought leaders sharing lively discussions and profound ideas in their diverse fields of endeavor.
Subscriptions are now on sale, and individual tickets to all shows are available now. Visit muscocenter.org to purchase tickets or for more information.
Other top names appearing in the 2018-19 season include virtuosic actor, Tony winner and TV star Alan Cumming with a one-man show, singer Michael Feinstein with a holiday performance, the dazzling violin star Sarah Chang, the fabled Juilliard String Quartet, the dancer-athletes of Pilobolus, jazz favorite and Late Show with Steven Colbert bandleader Jon Batiste, country star Rosanne Cash, the high-flying Chinese Warriors of Peking, bagpipes and pageantry of the Scottish Music Tattoo and Parade, blues icons Elvin Bishop and Charlie Musselwhite, the acclaimed Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, and a screening of Disney’s animated classic “Beauty and the Beast” with live orchestral accompaniment.
Also in the genre-crossing lineup of visiting artists and companies: the Quartetto di Cremona with their all-Stradivarius instrumentation; Manuel Barreuco, hailed as one of the world’s finest classical guitarists; baritone Nathan Gunn and his wife, pianist Julie Gunn; the side-splitting comedy of Miranda Sings Live; the Stan Kenton Legacy Orchestra and Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band sharing the stage with the Chapman University Big Band; multi-instrumentalist and “pocket symphony” composer Kishi Bashi; crossover violin star Lucia Micarelli; American neo-roots ensembles Dustbowl Revival and Hot Club of Cowtown; the return of the popular Musco Center-produced “A Southern California Christmas;” and a Veteran’s Day performance of the Chapman-produced play saluting America’s armed forces, “If All the Sky Were Paper.”
The new Provost’s Arts and Lecture Series was added, says Bryant, to answer the need of the university for top-ranked speakers spanning a wide variety of fields. “Chapman University has always been proud that, back in the 1960s and 70s, it hosted such renowned speakers as Martin Luther King Jr., Pearl S. Buck, Margaret Mead, Edward Albee and Eleanor Roosevelt,” said Bryant. “But in more recent years, speaker fees have skyrocketed almost out of sight. Musco Center is pleased to partner with Chapman Provost Glenn Pfeiffer’s office to share the cost of this outstanding speaker series, which will bring some of today’s hottest topics and major thought leaders to the community and our campus.”
Speakers this season include journalist Sharyl Attkisson, physicist and futurist Michio Kaku and social psychologist Jonathan Haidt.
Musco Center’s Heartbeat of Mexico Festival, presented in association with Chapman University’s Latinx Staff and Faculty Forum, returns for its fourth year during the 2019 Memorial Day weekend on Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26. Last year, more than 6,500 attendees celebrated both traditional and modern expressions of Mexican culture. This year’s ticketed headliners will be announced later in the season while more than 20 of the finest local Mexican and Mexican-American performers and ensembles will fill three outdoor stages on the Bette and Wylie Aitken Arts Plaza in front of the Musco Center on Sunday, May 26.
At the heart of the Musco Center, in addition to Musco Center Presents events, are large-scale student productions and concerts, produced by Chapman University’s College of Performing Arts (CoPA). In addition to its nearly 25 yearly events at Musco Center, CoPA produces more than 100 shows and concerts as part of the pre-professional curriculum in dance, music and theatre. All CoPA events at Musco Center and other theaters around Chapman University’s campus go on sale Aug. 1.
Friday, Sept. 21, 2018, 7:30 p.m.—Jon Batiste
You know him; you love him as the virtuosic, engaging leader of Stay Human, the house band that rocks “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” Now Jon Batiste makes his Musco Center debut: singing and playing keyboards and his signature harmonaboard in an anything-goes performance that fully invites the audience to participate in the fun.
Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, 7:30 p.m.—“Miranda Sings Live…No Offense” with special guest Colleen Ballinger
Colleen Ballinger created the character Miranda Sings as a parody of the girls she studied acting and voice with: egotistical, antagonistic and pretty much always off-key. The lovably ridiculous character became a YouTube sensation, a scripted Netflix series, and this hilarious live show that brings Miranda to life. Haters, back off!
Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018, 7:30 p.m.—“Beauty and the Beast” in concert
Be our guest and experience Disney’s classic animated film in a whole new way: with a live orchestra featuring professional musicians and Chapman students. This tale as old as time dazzles with the Grammy- and Academy Award-winning score by Alan Menken with lyrics by Howard Ashman and Sir Tim Rice.
Monday, Oct. 1, 2018, 7:30 p.m.—Musco Center, in association with LA Opera, presents “Don Carlo” in Concert starring Plácido Domingo, by Giuseppe Verdi, featuring the LA Opera Chorus & Orchestra, conducted by James Conlon
Opera legend Plácido Domingo, the LA Opera Chorus and Orchestra, and a superstar cast join forces at Musco Center for this concert version of one of Verdi’s grandest creations. “Don Carlo” is an enthralling tale of morality and mortality, starring renowned tenor Ramón Vargas in the title role and Domingo as his heroic friend Rodrigo.
Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2018, 7:30 p.m.—Office of the Provost and Musco Center presents Sharyl Attkisson, “The Smear”
Sharyl Attkisson.
Sheryl Attkisson, Emmy-winning journalist and host of the TV program “Full Measure,” unravels the hidden world of political opposition research in her latest book The Smear. In it—and in this eye-opening lecture—she reveals the dirty tricks those in power on all sides use to influence public opinion.
Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018, 7:30 p.m.—Lucia Micarelli, violin
This powerhouse musician and actress is best known for her collaborations with Jethro Tull, Josh Groban, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Chris Botti, as well as her role in TV’s “Treme.” Her “Emmanuel” doubt with Botti has received more than 7 million YouTube views, and her 2018 PBS special won her millions more fans.
Friday, Oct. 5, 2018, 7:30 p.m.—The Chinese Warriors of Peking
In this stunning display of mastery and athleticism, Chinese warriors descend on a re-imagined ancient Ming Dynasty court for the Emperor’s annal martial arts tournament. Shaolin and Wudang athletes compete with hands and feet flying, while jugglers, contortionists, and acrobats fly across the stage in a show sure to amaze and inspire.
Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018, 4 p.m.—Stan Kenton Legacy Orchestra with Chapman University Big Band
Comprised of seasoned musicians who played in jazz legend Stan Kenton’s band, as well as in the bands of Maynard Ferguson, Woody Herman, Count Basie, and others, the Stan Kenton Legacy Orchestra keeps the big-band flame burning brightly.
Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, 7:30 p.m.—Office of the Provost and Musco Center present Jonathan Haidt, “The Coddling of the American Mind”
In this talk based on his new book, social psychologist Haidt explains the rapid changes occurring on many college campuses since 2015. He shows that ideas have consequences—“three really bad ideas in particular”—that are making it harder for young people today to succeed. He situates all this in context of the rising political polarization and cross-partisan hatred that are damaging American democracy more broadly. Dr. Haidt, author of “The Happiness Hypothesis” and “The Righteous Mind,” is a professor at NYU’s Stern School of Business.
Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, 4 p.m.—An Evening with Nathan and Julie Gunn
Globe-trotting superstar baritone Nathan Gunn, one of “People”’s Sexiest Men Alive, has performed in major operas at nearly every top venue in the world. On this outing he appears with his wife, acclaimed pianist Julie Gunn, to offer an intimate performance that transcends the form of opera, ranging from Mozart to Bernstein and Kurt Weill.
Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018, 4 p.m.—Quartetto di Cremona
Since its formation in 2000, the Quartetto di Cremona has become one of the most exciting chamber ensembles on the international stage. The quartet is an ambassador for the international “Friends of Stradivari” project and plays the Stradivarius “Paganini Quartet,” instruments on loan from the Nippon Music Foundation, including the same violin played by Henri Temianka.
Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, 7:30 p.m.—Chapman CoPA Theatre and Musco Center Present “If All the Sky Were Paper” by Andrew Carroll, directed by John Benitz
Over the past two decades, historian Andrew Carroll has devoted himself to collecting and preserving U.S. wartime correspondence, amassing a collection of more than 100,000 letters now housed at Chapman University. Carroll’s play, featuring readings of real letters by a cast including Chapman alumni and professional actors, is a moving, powerful work that stirs and inspires.
Wednesday, Nov, 14, 2018, 7:30 p.m.—Pilobolus
The athlete-illusionist dancers of Pilobolus know how to pack lots of magic into a stage performance. Since their founding in 1971, these versatile tricksters have incorporated puppetry, gymnastics, acrobatics, theatrics, and extreme “wow” effects into their bravura offerings. It’s hard to predict what they may do next but whatever it is, it will be extraordinary.
Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, 4 p.m.—Sarah Chang, Violin
Already a renowned star by age eight, Chang continues her quest for perfection and is recognized today as one of the foremost violinists of our time. With an international performance schedule now spanning more than two decades, her talent takes her around the world and has seen her appear in every major concert hall.
Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. 7:30 p.m.—Michael Feinstein Holiday Show
Feinstein has built a dazzling career over the last three decades bringing the music of the Great American Songbook to the world on television, radio, and in dazzling live concerts. His holiday show will include beloved pop standards along with a selection of seasonal favorites.
Sunday, Dec. 16, 2018, 4 p.m.—A Southern California Christmas
Join us for the second annual tradition as more than 150 performers from across Southern California—musicians, singers and dancers—bring you a holiday spectacular packed full of your favorite carols. There’s something for all ages in this merry delight, a show that is sure to make your Christmas season glow brightly.
Thursday, Jan. 24, 2019, 7:30 p.m.—Hubbard Street Dance Chicago
Now in its 41st season, this crowd-pleasing, high-flying ensemble opens up a world of human movement, forever changing your understanding of what is possible for the body and soul. The company is critically acclaimed for its exuberant and innovative repertoire, featuring works by master American and international choreographers.
Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019, 7:30 p.m.—Alan Cumming: “Legal Immigrant”
Tony Award-winning Scottish-American actor Alan Cumming is many things to many people: provocateur, social activist, bon vivant, stage and television star—and above all, a storyteller. He became an American citizen in 2008, and “Legal Immigrant” is a cabaret of stories and songs about his life and loves in his adopted homeland.
Sunday, Jan, 27, 2019, 4 p.m.—Elvin Bishop & Charlie Musselwhite Duo
Two Hall of Fame bluesmen on the stage—and that’s just the start of what is in store when Elvin Bishop and Charlie Musselwhite join forces. Between them, there are more than 100 years of the blues, and this promises to be a front-porch session that shimmers with history and that rarest musical quality: authenticity.
Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, 7:30 p.m.—Rosanne Cash
Cash carries on the famous Cash family legacy in the best way possible: with her own unique voice and a timeless mixture of country, folk, blues, Americana and jazz. In a duo with husband/songwriting partner John Leventhal, Cash summons the spirit of the American South in all its history, heartache and humanity.
Thursday, Feb. 21, 2019, 7:30 p.m.—Juilliard String Quartet
Since its founding in 1946, the mighty Juilliard String Quartet has conquered the planet with performances charged with passionate energy and adroit elegance.
Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019, 7:30 p.m.—Kishi Bashi String Quartet
A master of building his music from the ground up, from live violin loops to multi-layered singing and beatboxing, Kishi Bashi designs remarkable pocket symphonies steeped in classical music and pop. Backed up by a string quartet, the multi-instrumentalist offers his dreamlike, dizzying, danceable repertoire: as hard to define as it is easy to love.
Friday, March 1, 2019, 7:30 p.m.—Michio Kaku, “The Future of Humanity”
In theoretical physicist/futurist Kaku’s new book, The Future of Humanity, he posits that a human settlement on Mars is a “definite possibility.” With impressible enthusiasm and wonder, Dr. Kaku takes his audience on a fascinating journey to a future in which humanity may finally fulfill its long-awaited destiny among the stars.
Sunday, March 3, 2019, 4 p.m.—Manuel Barrueco, Guitar
A champion of the classical guitar, Cuban-born Barrueco combines perfect technique with a sense of rhythms from tango and flamenco, garnered from his travels through virtually every country in Latin America. With more than a dozen recordings for EMI and collaborations with luminaries including Plácido Domingo, he is arguably the world’s finest living guitarist.
Sunday, March 10, 2019, 4 p.m.—Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band with Chapman University Big Band
Combining the big-band swing of the 1930s and 40s with contemporary music such as funk and jazz fusion, the Big Phat Band, led by pianist/saxophonist/arranger Gordon Goodwin, is a national phenomenon. Goodwin’s charts bubble over with melodic ingenuity and infectious rhythms.
Thursday, March 14, 2019, 7:30 p.m.—The Scottish Music Tattoo & Parade
Direct from Scotland’s renowned Edinburgh Tattoo, this ensemble consists of more than 55 bagpipers, drummers, singers, dancers and other musicians. The performance includes beloved classics old and new, from “Scotland the Brave” to “Amazing Grace.” Nearly all the participants regularly perform in the Tattoo or compete in Glasgow’s World Pipe Band Championships.
Friday, March 22, 2019, 7:30 p.m.—Dustbowl Revival & Hot Club of Cowtown, “Across the Great Divide: A Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of The Band”
Two of America’s defining roots groups join forces to honor The Band, the rock group that toured with Bob Dylan. L.A.’s Dustbowl Revival mashes up traditional American music into a time-bending dance party, while Austin’s Hot Club of Cowtown delivers jazz licks and Western swing on a wild and woolly ride.
