Backgrounder

CHAPEL HILL — Following are the dates and artists for the 2005-5006 Carolina Performing Arts Series in Memorial Hall at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Artists’ capsule biographies and contacts for the media are included.

Sept. 8, Memorial Hall dedication and ribbon-cutting

Sept. 9, Tony Bennett, "A Prelude to an Opening"

The jazz and popular singer has shared his golden voice with audiences since 1962, when he first performed his signature song "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" in the city by the bay. In 1994, Bennett achieved fame among the MTV generation, where his "Unplugged" album was a blockbuster hit. The album earned him a 1994 Grammy for Album of the Year. Sylvia Weiner, 908-301-1779.

Sept. 10, "A Classical Opening," Itzhak Perlman, Pinchas Zukerman and Leonard Slatkin with the North Carolina Symphony.

Perlman, widely considered the reigning virtuoso of the violin, enjoys superstar status rarely afforded a classical musician. Beloved for his charm, humanity and talent, he exhibits an irrepressible joy in making music.

Zukerman is recognized worldwide for his exceptional artistic standards. His musical genius and prodigious technique have led him to be extolled equally as a violinist and violist.

Slatkin, music director of the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C., will conduct the performance by the soloists and the 65-member North Carolina Symphony.

Perlman: Keren Shani, 212-994-3532; Zukerman, Peri Steadman, 212-222-4843; Slatkin, Denise Pineau, Columbia Artists Management, 212-841-9527. North Carolina Symphony, http://www.ncsymphony.org. 

Sept. 11, "Carolina Performs," a student performing arts celebration.

Molly Stapleton, mmstaple@email.unc.edu. 

Sept. 15, 16, National Public Radio’s "Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me"

NPR's weekly hour-long quiz program allows listeners and studio audiences to test their knowledge against some of the best and brightest in the news and entertainment world – including UNC alumnus Carl Kassell. The show challenges listeners to figure out what's real news and what's made up. The programs in Memorial will be recorded for airing at a later date. WUNC-FM, 919-966-5454, WUNC@unc.edu. 

Sept. 17, Ron K. Brown, Evidence

Blending African, modern, ballet, and hip-hop dance styles, Ronald K. Brown's powerful choreography offers finely crafted, exquisitely danced stories about truth, destiny and mankind’s need and desire to liberate the spirit within. His award-winning company, Evidence, speaks through explosive jumps, vibrant colors, complex patterns and compelling images. Pam Green, 919-419-1411.

Sept. 20, Ian Bostridge

Since his formal London debut in 1993, Bostridge has risen rapidly to prominence in the world of classical music. Critics praise his intelligent, expressive singing and respect for language and text. ICM Artists Ltd., lkudert@icmtalent.com. 

Sept. 23, D.J. Spooky, "Rebirth of a Nation."

This urban voices artist will present a multimedia piece on three giant screens, accompanied by a score he composed. The controversial 1915 silent film "The Birth of a Nation" provides raw material for a program that explores questions about race and politics. Stephen Cohen, Music & Arts Management, 828-225-5658.

Sept. 25, Los Lobos

With a fistful of Grammys and worldwide acclaim for their chart-topping hit "La Bamba," Los Lobos have established themselves as America’s premiere roots rock band. The group incorporates folkloric, blues, rock, rhythm and blues and Latin styles into their melting pot tapestry. Susan Clary, 323-653-4989.

Sept. 29, North Carolina Symphony

The state’s own orchestra and conductor Grant Llewellyn will perform the first of six concerts this season in Memorial.

Oct. 7, Nanci Griffith with Tift Merritt

North Carolinian and UNC alumna Tift Merritt will open the show, followed by another singer/songwriter/guitarist: Nanci Griffith, with her Blue Moon Orchestra. Both offer a special blend of traditional country, rock and roll, pop and folk music. Griffith: Annabelle Johnson, 415-332-9292. Merritt: Russell Carter Artist Management, Decatur, Ga., Russell@rcam.com. 

Oct. 14, North Carolina Jazz Repertory Orchestra

The 18-member orchestra of professional musicians from across the state will begin a four-date series that will continue on Dec. 9, March 2 and May 5. The orchestra

has recorded three compact discs, produced two specials for North Carolina Public Television and performed at the Brevard Music Festival and with the North Carolina Symphony. Many of the musicians are faculty at North Carolina colleges and universities. The group, led by UNC music professor and trumpet player Jim Ketch, also is involved in jazz education. It is supported in part by a grant from the North Carolina State Arts Council. Jim Ketch, music director, 919-962-7560, jketch@email.unc.edu. 

Oct. 16, North Carolina Symphony

Oct. 25, Midori, in recital

The Japanese-born violinist’s prodigious musicality has made her an international music star in the classical world. She made her debut at age 10 with the New York Philharmonic. Now in the second decade of her career, she continues to dazzle audiences with her showmanship, substance and musical depth. http://www.midoriviolin.com, 212-246-2215, KAJKfm@aol.com. 

Oct. 27, Marian McPartland with Dee Dee Bridgewater

Widely acknowledged as one of the world’s most skilled jazz pianists, McPartland has been a force on the jazz scene for years with her refined style and subtle humor. Dee Dee Bridgewater, long recognized as an outstanding and versatile jazz singer, is known for her mesmerizing live performances. Eric Hansen, Ted Kurland Associates, 617-254-0007, agents@tedkurland.com. 

Oct. 28, UNC Symphony Orchestra and Chorus

The 100-member orchestra of community, faculty and student musicians and UNC combined choirs of nearly 200 voices will perform Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. UNC music professor Tonu Kalam is music director and conductor for the orchestra: Orchestra: Kalam, 919-966-1330, kalam@mindspring.com. UNC music professor Susan Klebanow directs the choirs, 919-962-1093, skleb@email.unc.edu. 

Nov. 1, Youssou N'Dour with Fathy Salama’s Cairo Orchestra

Modern Senegalese popular music Mbalax, an enchanting blend of Senegal's traditional percussion and griot singing with Afro-Cuban and indigenous dance flavors, has found in Youssou N'Dour both its enduring symbol and its hardiest innovator. He has captured the attention and the affection of a diverse, multi-ethnic, genuinely international audience and is joined by the Cairo Orchestra. Melissa Cusick, Nonesuch Record Company, http://www.youssou.com, http://www.imnworld.com/IMN/artist_view/50. 

Nov. 5, 6, Handspring & Sogolon Puppet Companies, "Tall Horse"

Based on the life of a giraffe, "Tall Horse" is the story of an extraordinary journey that showcases one of Africa’s oldest puppetry traditions: the Bambara puppetry of Mali. "Tall Horse" promises to enchant audiences with its mix of colorful, life-size puppets, actors, captivating costumes, evocative music, video projection and dance. The production is visiting only six U.S. venues this year, including the Kennedy Center and UNC. http://www.handspringpuppet.com/, Deirdre Valente, 212-921-2114.

Nov. 11, Jane Comfort Dance Company

A UNC alumna, Jane Comfort's choreography is a seamless and exquisite combination of spoken word, dance, literature and new music. She weaves ancient stories with dance, pushing the limits to achieve a new form of theater. Elsie Management, 718-797-4577, http://www.elsieman.org/pages/jane_comfort.html, http://www.janecomfortandcompany.org. 

Nov. 17, North Carolina Symphony

Dec. 2, 3, 4: Carolina Ballet, "The Nutcracker"

The professional company of 33 dancers was founded in 1998 and is now completing its seventh season. Robert Weiss, former principal dancer with the New York City Ballet and former artistic director of Pennsylvania Ballet in Philadelphia, is the founding artistic director. The company performs at the BTI Center for the Performing Arts in Raleigh, in Winston-Salem at the Stevens Center and in other cities across the state from Asheville to Wilmington.

"The Nutcracker," a holiday classic, creates a fantasy dreamland of adventure with the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Nutcracker Prince. http://www.carolinaballet.com, 919-719-0800.

Dec. 9, North Carolina Jazz Repertory Orchestra

Dec. 10, Emanuel Ax, piano, and Richard Stoltzman, clarinet

A Sony Classical recording artist since 1987, Ax has performed with chamber music groups and major orchestras worldwide, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston and Chicago symphonies and the Juilliard and Philadelphia orchestras. Ax shared three Grammy Awards with famed cellist Yo-Yo Ma for their recordings of Beethoven and Brahms sonatas for cello and piano. Ax also won Grammies for collections of Haydn sonatas. Stoltzman, one of today’s most sought-after concert artists, has soloed with more than 100 orchestras and appeared on more than 50 recordings. He also performs chamber music and jazz.

Ax: http://www.EmanuelAx.com, ICM Artists Ltd., abulbrook@icmtalent.com; Stoltzman: Barrie Steinberg, Frank Salomon Associates, 212- 581-5197, barrie@franksalomon.com. 

Jan. 12, Ralph Stanley with the Red Clay Ramblers

Bluegrass Hall of Famer Ralph Stanley will bring his soulful vocals and three-finger banjo style to a concert with North Carolina’s own Red Clay Ramblers, whose repertoire reflects their roots in old-time mountain music as well as country, rock, bluegrass, and gospel. Stanley: Norma Morris, The Press Office, 615-269-3670; Ramblers: Keith Case & Associates, 615-327-4646.

Jan. 19, North Carolina Symphony

Jan. 27, Carl Hancock Rux, "Mycenaen"

A poet, playwright, novelist and performing artist, Rux has received a New York Foundation for the Arts Prize and numerous other awards and fellowships. His plays include "Song of Sad Young Men" and "Chamber & Verse"; his compact disc "Rux Revue" for Sony Music was voted one of the top 10 alternative music recordings of 1998, listed in The New York Times. He recently released a novel, "Asphalt," published by Simon and Schuster, and won a Village Voice Literary Prize for his poetry collection "Pagan Operetta." Stephen Cohen, Music & Arts Management, 828-225-5658, steve@musicandart.net. 

Feb. 4, 5, Carolina Ballet, "Swan Lake"

The ballet will tell the enchanting story at the heart of the most popular ballet of all time, set to one of Tchaikovsky’s greatest scores. The beautiful Swan Queen is cursed by the evil sorcerer to live as a swan, returning to her true human form only from midnight to dawn. The one thing that can break the spell is the true love of a man. http://www.carolinaballet.com, 919-719-0800.

Feb. 8, North Carolina Symphony

Feb. 24, Mark Morris Dance Group

Called "the most prodigiously gifted choreographer of the post-Balanchine era" (Time magazine) Morris uses elaborate, humorous choreography to illustrate music and mesmerize audiences. The Mark Morris signature: great live music coupled with superb dancers executing the spirited, life-affirming creations of a brilliant choreographer. http://www.mmdg.org/home.cfm, 718-624-8400, laura@mmdg.org. 

March 2, North Carolina Jazz Repertory Orchestra

March 3, Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra with Arturo O’Farrill

Pianist O'Farrill leads the jazz orchestra, a ferocious ensemble that plays the music of Latin jazz giants from around the world. Jazz at Lincoln Center’s newest resident band, the group continues a long tradition of artistic collaboration between jazz and Latin musicians. Eric Hansen, Ted Kurland Associates, 617-254-0007, agents@tedkurland.com. 

March 12, Russian National Orchestra with Yefim Bronfman

The orchestra, in high demand throughout the music world since its 1990 Moscow premiere, will perform selections by Tchaikovsky and Stravinsky. Joining them will be Yefim Bronfman, one of today's most talented virtuoso pianists. Newly appointed musical director Vladimir Jurowski will lead the orchestra. ICM Artists Ltd., mbiolek@icmtalent.com. 

March 24, Vijay Iyer and Mike Ladd, "Still Life with Commentator"

Pianist and composer Iyer, the son of Indian immigrants to the United States, draws from African, Asian and European musical lineages. His recordings include "Memorophilia," Your Life Flashes" and "Blood Sutra." He has received grants from organizations including the Rockefeller Foundation.

Poet and rap artist Ladd has published in literary magazines including "Bostonia," and his work was featured in the book "Swing Low, Black Men Writing" and anthologies including "Aloud: Voices from the Nuyorican Poets Café." He wrote and produced albums including "Easy Listening For Armageddon." As a fellow at Harvard University, Ladd produced and directed "Blood Black and Blue," an audio documentary about black police officers in the United States. Stephen Cohen, Music & Arts Management, 828-225-5658, steve@musicandart.net. 

March 30, Brentano String Quartet

The quartet quickly rose to prominence after its inception in 1992 and has established itself as a leading ensemble through more than a decade of brilliant chamber performances. The musicians have been singled out for their technical brilliance, musical insight and stylistic elegance. David Rowe Artists, 781-639-2442, http://www.davidroweartists.com. 

April 3, The Academy of Ancient Music

The original Academy of Ancient Music was established in 1726 to study and perform older music, but it soon came to include works by contemporary composers in its repertoire. The modern Academy of Ancient Music, founded in 1973, was one of the first period instrument orchestras and enjoys an international reputation. They will present an evening of Mozart. Andrew Burd, 212-757-0782, publicity@colbertartists.com. 

April 29, Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
Special Guests Yacub Addy and Odadaa!

The orchestra and Marsalis will perform New Orleans jazz, including a newly rediscovered piece by the legendary Jelly Roll Morton. Ghanian master drummer Yacub Addy and percussionists Odadaa! will join the orchestra to debut newly commissioned pieces based on Congo Square in New Orleans, the only place where African-Americans played music during slavery in America. ICM Artists Ltd: Publicity and media kits, Shannon Dyer, sdyer@icmtalent.com, Alison Hoogerwerf, ahoogerwerf@icmtalent.com, 212-556-6893; interview requests, mfuss@jazzatlincolncenter.org, ztidal@jazzatlincolncenter.org, 212-258-9829.

May 5, North Carolina Jazz Repertory Orchestra

May 20, North Carolina Symphony

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Photo URL: Photos for many of these artists are available at: http://www.unc.edu/news/pics/memorial/05_06/

Performing arts season contacts: Emil Kang, 919-843-7776, Emil_Kang@unc.edu; Jennifer Smith, 919-966-3834, jwsmith@email.unc.edu

News Services contacts: Print, L.J. Toler, 919-962-8589; broadcast, Karen Moon, 919-962-8595; Lisa Katz, 919-962-2093