Cal Performances Announces 2012–2013 Season: SWAN LAKE, EINSTEIN ON THE BEACH and More

Matías Tarnopolsky's third season as Director of Cal Performances features 113 artists and ensembles presented in more than 125 performances. Highlights include 13 multi performance residencies with important ensembles, including the Philharmonia Orchestra led by Esa-Pekka Salonen and Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela led by Gustavo Dudamel; the third year of Ojai North!, featuring longtime Cal Performances collaborator Mark Morris; the world premiere of The Secret Garden, in collaboration with San Francisco Opera; Théâtre de la Ville's acclaimed production of Eugène Ionesco's Rhinocéros; nine new works from eight diverse dance companies, including the Mariinsky Ballet & Orchestra in their signature 1950 production of Swan Lake; the world premiere of Harrison Birtwistle's Gigue Machine co-commissioned with Carnegie Hall for British pianist Nicolas Hodges; and the iconic Einstein on the Beach, by legendary artists Robert Wilson, Philip Glass and Lucinda Childs, in the first fully realized performances west of the Hudson River.

In videotaped remarks filmed specifically for Cal Performances' season announcement, performance artist Laurie Anderson complemented the adventurous spirit of Berkeley audiences as did the composer Philip Glass, who called Zellerbach Hall a "West Coast home." Participating live via Skype from his London home, Esa-Pekka Salonen commented that, after 17 years in California, he is "thrilled to be making my debut in Berkeley," and "excited to work with composers and musicians on the UC Berkeley campus" during residency activities with Philharmonia Orchestra in November 2012.

Thirty-five debuts are featured including Eric Owens, Chucho Valdés and the Afro-Cuban Messengers, Leonidas Kavakos, Oliver Mtukudzi, Miloš, Les 7 Doigts de la Main Circus, Afiara String Quartet, Georgia's Ensemble Basiani and Fran Lebowitz. Yo-Yo Ma, Angélique Kidjo, The Tallis Scholars, Davitt Moroney, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Noche Flamenca, Emanuel Ax, Christian Tetzlaff and Wynton Marsalis are welcomed back to Berkeley.

The Kronos Quartet, appointed next season as Artists in Residence, opens the 2012?2013 Season on September 30 at the third annual Fall Free for All, a free day of music, theater and dance featuring dozens of artists and now, according to Tarnopolsky, "part of our DNA." Through its innovative programming and education programs, Cal Performances serves more than 200,000 people each year.

For complete information, visit calperformances.org.