Nai-Ni Chen: Bamboo Rap

Bamboo rap—or Kuaiban—is a 500-year-old art form from the streets of China. It is storytelling performance that uses words and rhythm to speak about social justice and societal issues.

A fusion of contemporary dance, martial arts and hip hop, Bamboo Rap is intense, athletic and very exciting. This unique art form is echoed in our present day expression of rap music. The program itself will mesmerize both novice and veteran concert-goers. Nai-Ni Chen also offers school concerts, family programs and a dizzying array of residencies that include both the dance and music departments. You will want to be among the first to book this show.

Spark: on the Dance Floor

With vigorous momentum, breathtaking virtuosity and a unique mix of the classics, minimal music and avant-garde, the musicians of Spark whirl you across the dance floor in this program.

In the tradition of the Baroque pasticcio, they take a 360-degree perspective and assemble dance pieces from Baroque suites, Classical cycles and Romantic works in wildly daring sets, before eventually catapulting the listener back into the here and now with present-day sounds. In their customary manner they mingle the familiar with the unknown, old with new and tradition with innovation. Their infectious rhythms, pulsating fusion and electrifying performance brings the hall to a boiling point, which is what the five talented players have done again and again.

Ahn Trio: Candybox

Hailed as “exciting musicians” with virtuosity and flair, the three sisters of the Ahn Trio (pianist Lucia, violinist Angella and cellist Maria) have embraced 21st century classical music while redefining the art of chamber music.

Born in Seoul, Korea and educated at the Juilliard School in New York City, the Ahn Trio bring a vibrant energy and an ever evolving vision of music to the concert stage. Whether it be at the Vienna Musikverein, New York’s Lincoln Center, Beijing’s Concert Hall or The White House.

The Ahns bring exciting music from their newest album “Blue” to audiences. This career diary includes snapshots of their musical journey. Highlights include hanging out with Prince at Paisley Park playing “Purple Rain;” working with Pat Metheny who wrote “Yuryung” for the Trio; playing “Skylife” at President Obama’s White House; performing at TEDWomen; collaborating with Kenji Bunch and Hyung-ki Joo of Igudesman & Joo, a D.D. Jackson arrangement of Jimi Hendrix’ “Little Wing” and “Candybox” by Chiel Meijering.