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This week in the arts, hear Solaris Vocal Ensemble join forces with Seattle Modern Orchestra, take the family on an ArtVenture at the Henry, and spend Valentine’s Day listening to the internationally recognized superstar pianist Benjamin Grosvenor. Guitar Studio Recital 7:30 p.m., February 10 | Brechemin Auditorium Students of Michael Partington perform works for classical guitar. More info. Solaris Vocal Ensemble with Seattle Modern Orchestra 7:30 p.m., February 10| Meany Studio Theater Solaris Vocal Ensemble (Giselle Wyers, director) joins forces with Seattle Modern Orchestra…

This week in the arts, traditional Japanese music, a modern twist on a Shakespearean classic, and a lecture featuring Cameron Rowland discusses contemporary art and its place in society. KODO 8 p.m., February 3 & 4 | Meany Theater An international phenomenon since 1981, the percussion ensemble KODO explores the limitless rhythmic possibilities of the traditional Japanese taiko drum. More info. As You Like It 7:30 p.m., February 7 through February 19 | Glenn Hughes Penthouse Theater Shakespeare’s glorious comedy of love and change…

It’s a musical week here at the UW!  Attend the faculty-student chamber recital and performances by the Escher String Quartet and the Evergreen Trio.   Undergraduate Theater Society: New Works Festival 7:30 p.m., January 27 through January 29 | Hutchinson Hall Cabaret Theater A long standing UTS tradition, the New Works Festival highlights work shopping new scripts, putting new work on its feet, and giving undergrads opportunities they can’t find elsewhere.  All three plays featured will have been written by, directed…

This week in the arts, take a trip in time with Maple and Vine, view choreography by nationally and internationally recognized faculty, and hear collaborative musical works at Meany Hall. Maple and Vine January 17 through January 22 | Jones Playhouse Written by Jordan Harrison and directed by Sean Ryan, this darkly funny and provocative investigation of the modern condition asks us to consider how much mobility we’d sacrifice for the chance to just stand still next to someone we love. More info….

This week, two new exhibits featuring local artists are on display in the UW Tower through March, a lecture-recital at Brechemin Auditorium, and a UW vocal performance highlighting scenes from Mozart’s operas. UW Tower Exhibit: Don Silverstein January through March 2017 | UW Tower The illustrative work and abstract paintings of prolific artist Donald Silverstein will be on display on the Mezzanine Level of the UW Tower this quarter.  More info. Lecture-Recital: Dainius Vaicekonis, Piano 7:30 p.m., January 12 | Brechemin Auditorium UW alumnus and…

The quarter ends with performances of classical piano, jazz and Appalachian holiday music. The School of Drama concludes its final production of the quarter. Visit the Jacob Lawrence Gallery for the final days of Utopia Neighborhood Club and join Henry Art Gallery’s Luis Croquer for a curator talk at the Henry. Jazz Innovations Part II 7:30 p.m., December 8 | Brechemin Auditorium Student jazz ensembles from the School of Music pay homage to the icons of jazz and break new…

December brings a full slate of arts events on campus.  The School of Drama kicks off a production about a playwright interacting with his own characters. The School of Music showcases the Harry Partch instrument collection and presents a night of Caribbean music and dance. Robin McCabe opens a three-part series exploring music and literature, and the School of Music presents CarolFest, its annual holiday concert featuring six choral ensembles and 500 singers. Luke Fitzpatrick: Cage & Partch 7:30 p.m.,…

This week, DXARTS presents a new improvisational work in its fall concert and the School of Drama puts a modern spin on an American classic. Explore American art history with a lecture from the School of Art + Art History + Design, catch a performance by the School of Music’s Baroque Ensemble and watch instrumental students compete in a concerto competition. Kollar American Art Lecture 6 p.m., November 17 | Henry Art Gallery Wendy Bellion, associate professor of American art…

This week in the arts: the Henry Art Gallery invites families and children to create their own portraits, and Meany Center for the Performing Arts presents performances by Jessica Lang Dance and the Imani Winds. The School of Music celebrates the music of composer Max Reger with a two-day symposium and kicks off this year’s Barry Lieberman and Friends series with a recital by bassist Ted Botsford. Jessica Lang Dance 8 p.m., November 10-12 | Meany Theater Hailed as “a…

This week in the arts: the Henry Art Gallery opens an exhibition of works by Chuck Close and Meany Center for the Performing Arts presents programs by a classical pianist and a contemporary dance ensemble. Catch the UW Symphony’s first concert of the year or stop by the Burke Museum for its annual Meet the Mammals day. Joyce Yang 7:30 p.m., November 3 | Meany Theater Joyce Yang captivates audiences across the globe with her stunning virtuosity, combined with heartfelt…

Celebrate Halloween with a concert of spooky organ classics in Kane Hall or a dinosaur dress-up party at the Burke Museum. Catch performances from jazz pianist Marc Seales, the Calidore String Quartet, or fado singer Mariza. The Jacob Lawrence Gallery celebrates the centennial anniversary of its namesake’s birth with a new exhibition. Calidore String Quartet 7:30 p.m., October 27 | Meany Theater The award-winning Calidore String Quartet performs a program of chamber music by Beethoven, Mendelssohn and Schumann at Meany…

This week, the University of Washington launches its philanthropic campaign with a live multimedia experience. The School of Drama revisits a classical tale, and faculty performances are front and center at the School of Music. Swing by the Henry for an exhibition that explores the history of transgender communities in the Pacific Northwest. Iphigenia and Other Daughters October 18- 30 | Glenn Hughes Penthouse Theater The School of Drama opens its 2016-2017 season with modern retelling of the ancient Greek…

The Chamber Dance Company celebrates the birth of post-modern dance in Meany Hall, the School of Drama opens its season with a modern retelling of a Greek classic, and School of Music faculty members Stephen Stubbs and Tekla Cunningham give a performance of 17th century works. The Henry Art Gallery invites the public to practice mindfulness meditation and the Burke Museum celebrates the rugged beauty of the Wild Nearby.   Chamber Dance Company October 13-16 | Meany Theater The UW…

It’s a busy week for the arts: The Silk Road Ensemble and Mark Morris Dance Group collaborate on a new work at Meany Center; School of Music artist-in-residence Greg Sinibaldi gives the first faculty recital of the school year, and the Burke Museum hosts its annual “Birds at the Burke” day. The Henry Art Gallery presents artwork by American artist Senga Nengudi and the Jacob Lawrence Gallery showcases work by second-year MFA students. Mark Morris Dance Group with the Silk…

UW Drama wraps up the 2015-2016 season with “Skies Over Seattle,” and UW Symphony gives its last performance of the year. Hear the music of Indonesia at Meany Theater, or explore jazz and improvised music at IMPFest. Visit the Henry Art Gallery for a workshop about counterculture comics. Ade Suparman & Sundanese Music of Indonesia 7:30 p.m., June 2 | Meany Theater Ethnomusicology visiting artist Ade Suparman and his students perform music from West Java, Indonesia. The performance will include traditional…

Celebrate the work of graduating MFA and MDes students from the School of Art + Art History + Design at their annual Thesis Exhibition party. Catch performances by a host of music ensembles, including Studio Jazz Ensemble, Modern Band, University Singers, UW Women’s Choir and Men’s Glee Club. See the final Mallethead Series performance of the year, or stop by the Penthouse Theater for a School of Drama production. Studio Jazz Ensemble and Modern Band 7:30 p.m., May 26 |…

This week in the arts, the School of Music takes center stage with performances by the UW Gospel Choir and Modern Music Ensemble, and a production of Gluck’s Baroque opera, Orphée. The Dance Program presents its annual MFA Dance Concert, and the School of Drama opens its latest production at the Penthouse Theater. The School of Art + Art History + Design’s graduation exhibitions continue at the Jacob Lawrence Gallery.   MFA Dance Concert May 18-22 | Meany Studio Theater…

This week, visit the School of Art + Art History + Design for a visiting scholar lecture or graduation exhibition, and engage directly with the artists at the Burke Museum’s Native Art Market. Catch the annual MFA Dance Concert or a performance by the School of Music’s Daana Quartet. Explore the enduring legacy of the Orpheus & Eurydice legend with faculty from the Arts and Humanities in a fast-paced “short takes” event. Native Art Market 10 a.m., May 14 |…

This week in the arts, see the world-renowned Martha Graham Dance Company perform at Meany Hall and witness the talent of the next generation at the 2016 School of Music Scholarship Recital. Explore production design at a UW Drama exhibition, take an ArtVenture at the Henry Art Gallery and shop for Native American art at the Burke Museum. Martha Graham Dance Company May 5-7 | Meany Theater UW World Series’ 2015-2016 season concludes with three performances by the Martha Graham…

UW World Series presents its final two performances of the school year: Daedalus Quartet and the Martha Graham Dance Company. Graduating students from the School of Art + Art History + Design’s 3D4M program showcase their works at the Jacob Lawrence Gallery, and the UW Dance Program and the Henry Art Gallery collaborate in a performance piece. UW Drama‘s production of “Force Continuum” continues through May 8. Daedalus Quartet 7:30 p.m., April 29 | Meany Theater This critically acclaimed string…

This week in the arts, UW Drama opens their production of Force Continuum, and the School of Music presents two visiting artists: mezzo-soprano Michaela Martens and chamber ensemble Decoda. You can also hear the groundbreaking music of Harry Partch or attend the Henry Art Gallery’s annual Arty Party. Directions for a Cloud-Crowd 7 p.m., April 21 | Henry Art Gallery In this 90-minute performance, artists Anne Walsh, Jim Melchert and 3D4M Assistant Professor Michael Swaine explore the giving and taking…

A daylong colloquium, “Shakespeare, Music and Memory” will bring scholars and musicians to the University of Washington campus April 29 for lectures ending with a concert of Shakespeare-themed songs by the School of Music’s Collegium Musicum ensemble. The free events were organized by JoAnn Taricani, associate professor and chair of the School of Music‘s Division of Music History, are timed to commemorate the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare‘s death in April of 1616. Scholars from several universities will give presentations…

Visit Meany Hall this week for the chance to hear two world-renowned classical musicians – violinist Gil Shaham and pianist Murray Perahia – each perform solo recitals. Join the UW Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band for an exploration of music by French composers, or catch lectures by artist Buster Simpson and art historian Susan P. Casteras. Artist Talk: Buster Simpson 7 p.m., April 14 | Henry Art Gallery Artist Buster Simpson will discuss the development of his current commission for…

This week, catch the final events of two series: UW Drama’s Seattle Theatres Lost & Founded play readings and the School of Art + Art History + Design’s Critical Issues in Contemporary Art Practice lectures. Hear performances by the UW Wind Ensemble, UW Symphony, and Latin Grammy Award-winning flamenco guitarist Vicente Amigo. Bring the whole family to campus this weekend for a fairy tale-themed ArtVenture at the Henry Art Gallery. Critical Issues in Contemporary Art Practice: Park McArthur 7:00 p.m.,…

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation has awarded the University of Washington a three-year, $750,000 grant to support guest artists in developing new works, and to better integrate arts disciplines into the broader university curriculum.

The grant will support a Creative Fellowships Initiative, under which guest performing artist fellows will be recruited from around the world for one- to three-year residencies in dance, music and theater.

Chamber music takes center stage at the School of Music this week with a Faculty Chamber Concert and Schubertiade, both on March 6. Watch two different dance productions at Meany Hall, see an exhibition of student work at the Jacob Lawrence Gallery, or catch a reading of ‘Sons’ as part of UW Drama’s New Play Workshop series. Strange Coupling March 2-4 | Jacob Lawrence Gallery This short exhibition shows works by students who are applying to partner with professional artists…

It’s a busy week for the arts: the School of Drama collaborates with Seattle Children’s Theatre, Pacific MusicWorks presents Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” and the UW Concert and Campus Bands perform their winter quarter concert. Experience contemporary dance at the UW Dance Majors concert and head over to the School of Art + Art History + Design’s annual sale, Buy Art. “The Walk Across America for Mother Earth” February 24-28 | Glenn Hughes Penthouse Theater The School of Drama partners with…

The School of Drama’s new production, “The Walk Across America for Mother Earth,” opens this week. The School of Music presents piano, viola and percussion performances, and the School of Art + Art History + Design offers the latest Critical Issues in Contemporary Art Practice lecture at the Henry Art Gallery. Critical Issues in Contemporary Art Practice Lecture Series: Josh Faught 7:00 p.m., February 18 | Henry Art Gallery The Critical Issues in Contemporary Art Practice lecture series brings together artists and…

Music is at the forefront this week: the UW Symphony Orchestra gears up to play alongside guest violinist Glenn Dicterow, the Mallethead series returns with a percussion performance in Meany Studio Theater, and world-famous folk artists Béla Fleck and Abagail Washburn give a concert at Meany Hall. The Henry Art Gallery hosts two public events on Valentine’s Day, and the School of Drama explores the meaning of “new drama” in its annual lecture series. UW Symphony with Glenn Dicterow 7:30…

The Trisha Brown Dance Company performs for three nights in Meany Hall, and also gives a site-specific performance at the Seattle Art Museum. Pianist Igor Levit makes his Seattle debut, and the UW Musical Theater program presents the final performances of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”   Trisha Brown Dance Company 8:00 pm, February 4 – 6 | Meany Theater A pioneer and maverick of postmodern dance, Washington state native Trish Brown has spent a lifetime pushing the limits…

UW’s Musical Theater program takes center stage with “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” School of Music’s Melia Watras performs a solo viola recital and the Dance Program showcases choreography by its talented faculty. Catch a free play reading through the School of Drama series Seattle Theatres Lost and Founded, and swing by the Jacob Lawrence Gallery to see its newest exhibit, “Steffani Jemison: Sol.”   Dance Faculty Concert January 20-24 | Meany Studio Theater This popular annual concert…

From acrobats to jazz, and from dance to thirteenth-century Japanese literature, there’s an arts event for everybody this week. Catch the UW Big Band’s January concert, visit the Penthouse Theater for a new play workshop from the School of Drama, or catch a lecture about legendary dance choreographer Trisha Brown at the Henry. Head over to Meany Hall for this year’s Dance Faculty Concert or a performance by the world-renowned Peking Acrobats. Bill Frisell & Michael Gibbs with the UW…

ArtsUW rings in the new year with art, opera and jazz. School of Music’s Stephen Stubbs leads UW students in scenes from early Baroque opera, world-renowned pianist Garrick Ohlsson takes the stage at Meany Hall, and the Henry Art Gallery invites families to take an ArtVenture. Plus, it’s a genre mash-up for the UW Symphony when it is joined by Michael Gibbs, Bill Frisell and UW Jazz Studies faculty for a January concert. Orpheus Ensemble 7:30 p.m., January 8 |…

The School of Music wraps up the quarter with four back-to-back days of events, including the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic and Campus Bands, UW Symphony, and two performances of Handel’s “Messiah.” There are still a few days left to catch the School of Drama’s production of “Loot” or visit the Jacob Lawrence Gallery for “Toward a Democracy of Making.” All month long, head over to the Burke for Maker:Market, and explore Native American boat making. Wind Ensemble, Symphonic and Campus Bands…

December is off to a busy start for the arts on campus. The School of Drama has two productions running this week, and UW World Series wraps up the calendar year with a performance by acapella ensemble Anonymous 4. The School of Music is brimming with events, from medieval holiday music and CarolFest to modern music, jazz and more.   Anonymous 4 7:30 p.m., December 4 | Meany Theater Presented by UW World Series, acclaimed acapella ensemble Anonymous 4 performs…

Don’t miss DXARTS’ fall concert – a chance to immerse yourself in groundbreaking electroacoustic music. The School of Drama opens two new productions: dark farce “Loot” and improv show “Beginnings: First Breath.” At Meany Hall, enjoy performances by pianist Yulianna Avdeeva and the University Chorale & Chamber Singers, or head over to Brechemin Auditorium to catch the talented Daana Quartet. Music of Today: DXARTS 7:30 p.m., November 20 | Meany Theater The School of Music and DXARTS present groundbreaking new…

Get your fill of Beethoven in three back-to-back days of concerts at the School of Music – and in a recital by cellist Sæunn Thorsteinsdóttir, newly appointed artist-in-residence. DXARTS presents its fall concert of electroacoustic music, and the Henry hosts two public lectures. Plus, don’t miss three nights of Indian classical dance with the Akram Kahn Company. Akram Khan Company 8 p.m., November 12 – 14 | Meany Theater The Akram Khan Company makes its Seattle debut at Meany Hall…

Melinda Bargreen is a Seattle-based freelance arts writer who spent 31 years as classical music critic for The Seattle Times. She is the author of “Classical Seattle: Maestros, Impresarios, Virtuosi, and Other Music Makers,” published this fall by University of Washington Press. Bargreen is a University of Washington alumna, with a bachelor of arts in English and a master of arts in music. Dave Beck of Seattle classical radio station KING FM said, “No other book provides such a well-informed…

The School of Drama wraps up its first play of the year this week, and pays tribute to one of the great theaters of Seattle’s past. In Meany Theater, catch the UW Symphony’s first concert of the year or explore Indian classical dance with the Akram Kahn Company. Visit the Henry for an exploration of Cervantes’ classic tale, “Don Quixote,” or an ArtVenture with the whole family. UW Symphony with Violinist Maria Larionoff 7:30 p.m., November 6 | Meany Theater…