2008-2009 Performing Arts Series
The Performing Arts Series is pleased to offer this outstanding lineup for
our
12th season of bringing world-class performers to Elkhart County. From the
virtuoso mandolin playing of Chris Thile, to Bobby McFerrin’s inspired
improvisation, to the acclaimed Estonia National Symphony Orchestra, the
2008-09 series is sure to please all manner of music lovers!
Series: 4 Events + Green & Gold Option
This year’s regular Series Season Ticket includes 6 concerts. Four performances are set for each season ticket, but you choose the additional two performances, one each from two pairs of contrasting shows. Of course, you can add one or both of the remaining shows to your personalized season package, too, for a 7- or 8-concert package if you wish!
Click here for information about series packages and how to purchase tickets.
1. Christine Ebersole
Saturday 10.25.08 7:30 p.m.
Sauder Concert Hall
$35, $30, $20
Direct from her 2007 Tony Award-winning role on Broadway as “Little Edie” in
Grey Gardens, Christine Ebersole promises to delight audiences with energetic
and stylish renditions of Broadway and jazz favorites. Her latest CD, Sunday
in New York, features Ebersole and her former 42nd
Street co-star Billy Stritch
in their highly acclaimed collaborative style.
2. Eileen Ivers & Immigrant Soul
Saturday 02.14.09 7:30 p.m.
Sauder Concert Hall
$25, $20, $15
Considered a pioneer in Celtic and World music genres, Eileen Ivers has established
herself as the pre-eminent exponent of Irish fiddling in the world today.
The former fiddler for the enormously popular Riverdance has been called
a "sensation" by Billboard magazine and "the Jimi Hendrix
of the violin" by The New York Times.
3. Estonia National Symphony Orchestra w/ Joyce Yang, piano
Wednesday 03.18.09 7:30 p.m.
Sauder Concert Hall
$45, $40, $25
On its debut American tour, the 100-member Estonia National Symphony Orchestra
will perform in Sauder Concert Hall with 2005 Van Cliburn Silver Medalist
Joyce Yang. Winning the BBC Music Magazine’s Best Orchestral Recording
award in 2006, the acclaimed orchestra will be directed by Nikolai Alexeev.
4. Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band
Tuesday 04.14.09 7:30 p.m.
Sauder Concert Hall
$35, $30, $20
Grammy Award winner Poncho Sanchez leads the most popular Latin jazz group
in the world today. The master conguero and salsa singer has performed
on world stages for more than 3 decades, and has gained renown for having “perfected
the unions of Afro-Cuban polyrhythms and jazz melodies,” according
to the Jazz Series Review.
"Gold Option"
1. Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder
Friday 09.19.08 7:30 p.m.
Sauder Concert Hall
$45, $40, $25
Winner of 13 Grammy Awards, Ricky Skaggs wears the mantle as indisputable
leader in the bluegrass scene of today’s roots music revival. He will
perform with Kentucky Thunder, his band of lightning-fingered musicians, which
has received the IBMA Instrumental Group of the Year award 8 of the last 10
years.
2. Bobby McFerrin
Sunday 01.18.09 7:30 p.m.
Sauder Concert Hall
$45, $40, $25
Bobby McFerrin is one of the natural wonders of the music world. His four-octave
range and vast array of vocal techniques have helped him become one of the
world's best-known vocal innovators and improvisers. A 10-time Grammy Award
winner, McFerrin’s music transcends borders and embraces all cultures,
and each show becomes a unique event to the delight and amazement of audiences.
"Green Option"
1. Brentano String Quartet
Friday 11.21.08 7:30 p.m.
Sauder Concert Hall
$25, $20, $15
Since its formation in 1992, Brentano has performed throughout the world,
winning major honors, including the Naumburg Chamber Music and Cleveland Quartet
Awards. Described by the Los Angeles Times as “Brilliant, virtuosic,
and still mellow…” the Brentano String Quartet is known for its
technical brilliance and stylistic elegance.
2. Punch Brothers featuring Chris Thile
Friday 04.03.09 7:30 p.m.
Sauder Concert Hall
$25, $20, $15
At age 27, former Nickel Creek band member Chris Thile is one of the most
inventive musicians of his generation, and “may well be the most virtuosic
American ever to play the mandolin,” according to the Washington
Post.
The amazing Punch Brothers never fail to wow audiences with their acoustic
brand of music that includes elements of country, bluegrass, pop, classical
and jazz.