The Four Freshmen
‘Tis the season the catch the Four Freshman live! Now in their 61st year of performance, the quartet continues to bring their unique brand of vocal harmony to audiences worldwide. Although the line-up of The Four Freshmen has changed since its debut in the 1950s, the jazz quartet’s ability to entertain has remained consistent. Join current members Bob Ferreira, Brian Eichenberger, Curtis Calderon and Vince Johnson when they take the MDPAC stage to perform your favorite holiday classics!
Biava String Quartet
Known for their mastery of the classical repertoire, this exciting string quartet also has a passion for the works of contemporary composers, among them Dr. Albert Glinsky, Mercyhurst faculty of the D’Angelo Department of Music. Violinists Austin Hartman and Hyunsu Ko, violist Mary Persin and cellist Gwendolyn Krosnick will perform Allegheny Quartet, commissioned by the Pittsburgh Chamber Music Society for the city’s celebration of its 250th anniversary.
92nd Street Y
Founded more than a century ago to serve the Jewish people, the 92nd Street Y promotes individual and family development and participation in civic life within the context of Jewish values and American pluralism. The 92nd Street Y reaches out beyond its core constituency of American Jews to serve people of diverse, racial, religious, ethnic and economic backgrounds, seeking partnerships that leaven our programs and broaden our influence. A selection of these programs will be broadcasted live at the Taylor Little Theater at Mercyhurst College.
Met Operas Live in HD
The Met's groundbreaking series of live, high-definition performance transmissions to movie theaters around the world expands in its third season. To meet increasing global demand, The Met: Live in HD will present 11 transmissions this season. Don't miss the chance to experience the Met live at the Mary D'Angelo Performing Arts Center.
STREB
Company founder Elizabeth Streb describes her choreographic vision as a “mixture of slam dancing, exquisite and amazing human flight, and a wild action sport that captures kids, older people and the general public’s hearts, minds and bodies.” Streb’s words are both alluring and true; however, words cannot wholly encompass the group’s high intensity performances. Some might say a ticket is worth 1000 words.
Max Raabe and The Palast Orchester
Slick, nostalgic and unmistakably modern, Berlin-based max Raabe & Palast Orchester channels the high style and musical glory of 20s and 30s Weimar big band with uncanny precision, drama and humor. A singer of incredible range, Max Raabe has a singular ability to capture the cunning rasp of the cabaret singer, the confident belcanto hero, the oily melodiousness of the revue beau, the carefree timbre of early jazz, as well as the falsetto of ragtime, all backed by his stellar 12-member band.
Tchaikovsky Ballet Theatre
Everyone is familiar with the age-old fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty, the young girl who could only be awakened from eternal slumber by true love’s kiss. Now, the classically trained dancers of the Tchaikovsky Ballet Theatre bring to audiences an interpretation of the beloved fable, in a performance the entire family can enjoy! Bringing together a breathtaking production comprised of over sixty dancers, opulent sets and intricate costumes, productions of this caliber are once-in-a-lifetime in Erie.
Ailey II
Ailey II was formed in 1974, when legendary choreographer Alvin Ailey initiated a workshop composed of the most promising scholarship students from The Ailey School. Combining the ideals of African-American cultural expression and the American modern dance tradition, Ailey II is universally renowned for merging the spirit and energy of the country's best young dance talent with the passion and creative vision of today's most outstanding emerging choreographers.
Maria Ferrante
Critically acclaimed for her 2003 performance of Puccini’s Madame Butterfly, Maria Ferrante’s talent has reached new heights in the years since. Ferrante joins pianist Lincoln Mayorga to bring an exceptional program of 19th and 20th century American Art Song to the stage of the Walker Recital Hall. The program encompasses an historical spread of the art song repertoire, a classical vocal form enhanced by the contributions of American composers and song writers.
Ana Vidovic
Classical guitarist Ana Vidovic is a bright young talent of formidable gifts, destined for a major international career. Barely 23 years of age, she has already won an impressive number of prizes and international competitions, including first prizes in the Albert Augustine International Competition in Bath, England, the Fernando Sor competition in Rome, Italy, and the Francisco Tarrega competition in Benicasim, Spain. Vidovic continues to perform internationally, showcasing her skills with some of the most technically complex and beautiful guitar music ever composed. Today, Vidovic continues to impress audiences with the breadth of her performances, tackling composers from Bach to those of the 21st century.
