Active Woman Traveler

Featuring Pilobolus, Esperanza Spalding, Joan Baez, Takács Quartet, The Indian Ink Theatre presentation of “The Guru of Chai,” Cirque Mechanics’ “Boom Town,” The Grascals, and much more

(RICHMOND, VA) June 8, 2011 – The Modlin Center for the Arts at the University of Richmond will launch its 2011-2012 season on September 7 with world-renowned Salsa Dura group, La Excelencia.  “The University of Richmond’s Department of Theatre and Dance, Department of Music, and our own ModlinArts Presents will come together to create a dynamic season with nearly 70 events and 96 performances,” says Executive Director Deborah Sommers, beginning her second season at the Center.  “We’ve worked hard to offer a line-up that includes a blend of new faces and old favorites while maintaining the level of performance for which the Modlin Center has become known.”

Following La Excelencia, ModlinArts will present the opera, “Rappahannock County” as the first performance in its Classical and Chamber series.  As co-commissioners for the piece, the Modlin Center and the University of Richmond provide audiences the opportunity to be among the first to experience this captivating new work.  Other performances in the Classical and Chamber series include the duo of Christopher O’Riley, piano and Matt Haimovitz, cello; the world renowned Takács Quartet; celebrated vocal ensemble Stile Antico; pianist Garrick Ohlsson; the Shanghai Quartet with guest artist Stephen Prutsman, piano; and ensemble-in-residence eighth blackbird.

The 2011-2012 season includes three Modlin Downtown events at the Carpenter Theatre, Richmond CenterStage.  The first of the Modlin Downtown events will be a co-presentation with the Richmond CenterStage Foundation of the National Acrobats of The People’s Republic of China, Direct from Beijing.  As one of the most thrilling and influential acrobatic troupes, the performers will astound audiences with acts ranging from skillful to daring, set to a beautiful combination of traditional and modern music.  Rounding out the Modlin Downtown events will be the All New Original Tribute to the Blues Brothers in February, and soprano Dawn Upshaw with the Australian Chamber Orchestra in April.

In the ModlinArts Concert series, the Modlin Center will host a dynamic blend of contemporary music.  The Carolina Chocolate Drops kick off the series with what Rolling Stone described as “dirt-floor-dance electricity.”  Also including the Concert series are singer-songwriter Josh Ritter; Folk legends Joan Baez and Arlo Guthrie; “Mr. Tambourine Man” Roger McGuinn; and three shows sponsored in part by the H.G. Quigg Foundation – perennial favorites, The Red Clay Ramblers; acclaimed Bluegrass group, The Grascals; and the Grammy® Award-winning Béla Fleck joined by the original Flecktones. 

On October 1, the Modlin Center, in partnership with the University of Richmond Museums, will host the Family Arts Day Celebration featuring Justin Roberts & The Not Ready for Naptime Players.  The Family Arts Day Celebration will include activity tables, art projects, food, and two performances by Grammy® nominated children’s singer Justin Roberts, considered one of the “all-stars” of the indie family music scene.  Children and families will also enjoy Cirque Mechanics’ latest production, “Boom Town,” and the interactive experience of Compagnia T.P.O. “Farfalle (Butterflies).”

The ModlinArts Jazz series swings into the Modlin Center beginning in October with a very special performance by the 2010 Grammy® Award-winner for Best New Artist, Esperanza Spalding.   A stellar line-up continues with the Hot Club of San Francisco, Grammy® Award winner Chucho Valdés and the Afro-Cuban Messengers, and two shows supported in part by the Mid Atlantc Arts Foundation – Thelonious Monk International Jazz Vocal Competition winner Gretchen Parlato, and the award-winning René Marie.

The 2011-2012 season will include an eclectic and exciting array of dance events including the always entertaining and evocative Pilobolus, the critically-acclaimed Doug Varone Dance Company, the energetic Jump Rhythm Jazz Project, the visionary River North Dance Chicago, and the imaginative Shen Wei Dance Arts.  The finale of the ModlinArts Dance series will be a very special Moscow Festival Ballet presentation of “Swan Lake.”

The Modlin Center will criss-cross the globe in the World Arts series.  In addition to La Excelencia, the upcoming season will include Compañia Flamenca José Porcel, a premier Flamenco dance troupe founded in Madrid, Spain; Celtic Nights, direct from Ireland; and from the island of Mallorca, “Flamenco Queen” Buika.

Finally, ModlinArts will present a series of Theatre, Comedy, and Special Events, the first of which will be Indian Ink Theatre Company’s “The Guru of Chai.”  Now in its second decade, the Indian Ink Theatre Company is presenting a show that has been called “comic genius” and “absolute enchantment.”  Also included in the new Artist Voices series will be a very special performance created for the Modlin Center by master puppeteer Basil Twist.   Other performances include the Aquila Theatre Company production of “The Importance of Being Earnest,” supported in part by the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, and the always hilarious, Emmy® Award-winning comedian and author, Paula Poundstone. 

For a full listing of 2011-2012 season events, please visit modlin.richmond.edu. Tickets are available at the web site or by phone at (804) 289-8980.