Commissioning Partners

Cal Performances

Production dates: September 25-28, 2008

with the Berkeley Symphony Orchestra
Stephan Asbury, conductor

Cal Performances, the performing arts presenter and producer of the University of California, Berkeley, is now in its 102nd season. The organization's mission is to inspire, nurture and sustain a lifelong appreciation for the performing arts by presenting, producing and commissioning outstanding artists, both renowned and emerging to serve the University and the broader public through performances and education and community programs. A deep commitment to excellence in service, facilities, staff and volunteer leadership provides a unique environment where artists flourish and where the community is enriched through programs of innovation and diversity.

"When two really significant artists come together for the first time—whether both are living or one has preceded the other by decades or centuries—a lot of electricity is generated. Certainly that was true with the likes of Cunningham and Rauschenberg, Sellars and Mozart, Brook and Shakespeare. Now it's Mark Morris and Prokofiev," said Robert Cole, Director of Cal Performances. "This is an unusual opportunity: a newly discovered manuscript of one ofthe greatest scores of the 20th century in a fresh interpretation by the leading choreographer of our day. I imagine Diaghilev felt this kind of excitement when Stravinsky and Nijinski worked together but I'm reasonably assured that there will be no rioting at this premiere."

Cal Performances, MMDG's official West Coast home, has long been famous for its commitment to bringing important dance works on a grand scale to Zellerbach Hall. Cal Performances and MMDG's relationship over the last twenty years has played a major part in fulfilling that commitment. MMDG first performed two mixed repertory programs at Zellerbach Hall in 1987. Since then, Cal Performances has presented 53 different works by Mark Morris, eleven of which were premieres and seven of which were commissions. Mozart Dances in September '07 marked the 150th MMDG performance at Zellerbach Hall.

Cal Performances has hosted more performances of Mark Morris's holiday classic, The Hard Nut than anywhere else in the world—65 performances to date.

Website: http://www.calperfs.berkeley.edu/