Performing arts series redelivers

There isn’t exactly a theme for this year’s Carolina Performing Arts series.

It follows a pattern that in years past has been successful — internationally renowned musical acts, creative and unlikely genre-bending pairings, original commission premieres.

“It’ll be such a motley collection of artists,” said Reed Colver, director of campus and community engagement for Carolina Performing Arts.

“Each performance is unlike anything else — they are completely unique.”

The season began August 17, as famed cellist Yo-Yo Ma and his Silk Road Ensemble offered a sweeping variety of world music to a sold-out audience.

“I’m one hundred percent sure that none of the pieces were written by a dead European guy,” said Harry Kaplowtiz, marketing manager for Carolina Performing Arts.

More than 300 students took advantage of reduced-price tickets for the opening show. In a change from past ticketing policies, all student seats are $10 this season.

The season is dotted with notable performances, but November’s presentation of Sutra, a dance ensemble combining Chinese tradition and European choreography, leaves most members of the office of the executive director for the arts almost speechless.

“It’s a stunning work,” said Sean McKeithan, Carolina Performing Arts marketing and communications coordinator. “I’ve been hypnotically watching videos of the group on YouTube.”

The work, a collaboration between Chinese monks from the storied Shaolin Temple and the Belgian-Moroccan choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, could prove to be a highlight of the season.

“It’ll be truly a fascinating experience,” said Michelle Bordner, director of artist relations for Carolina Performing Arts.

But other performances may draw large audiences this year.

Legendary jazz pianist Chick Corea will lead an ensemble in late September, followed soon after by renowned classical pianist Leon Fleisher.

And the wildly inventive Handspring Puppet Company returns to UNC in April after a 3- and-a-half year absence, presenting an interactive spectacle of puppetry and drama.

The Netherlands Dance Theater in March, and the much-loved New York dance troupe Alvin Ailey returns to open a three-night engagement in February.

The St. Petersburg Philharmonic will headline in April, continuing a series initiative to bring the world’s 10 best ‘super orchestras’ to the Memorial Hall stage.

“I’m continuously impressed by the caliber of international work that we bring,” McKeithan said.

Contact the Arts Desk at artsdesk@unc.edu.