PRINCETON UNIVERSITY CONCERTS
OPENS 2024-25 SEASON SINGLE TICKET SALES AND ANNOUNCES NEW COMMUNITY PROGRAMMING
With concert single tickets now on sale online, Princeton University Concerts’ (PUC) newly announced community events include free Live Music Meditations, Do-Re-Meet social events for music lovers, documentary screenings at The Princeton Garden Theatre, free book discussions at the Princeton Public Library, and a community Dance Jam in partnership with American Repertory Ballet. Access information and registration at puc.princeton.edu.
PRINCETON, NJ— As part of the 2024-25 season, Princeton University Concerts (PUC) is offering 20 additional events designed to provide new points of access to classical music. These community events—encompassing free Live Music Meditations, Do-Re-Meet social events for music lovers, documentary screenings at The Princeton Garden Theatre, free book discussions at the Princeton Public Library, and a free community Dance Jam in partnership with American Repertory Ballet—are offered as extensions of PUC’s performance calendar. They offer ways to get to know the visiting musicians outside of the traditional concert hall setting, facilitate community among concertgoers, and provide new contexts in which to experience music. For a full calendar listing, visit puc.princeton.edu.
Registration for these events is now available online at puc.princeton.edu, as are single tickets for all upcoming PUC concert programming. Phone sales of single tickets will begin on Monday, September 9, 2024. PUC’s ticket access program Admit All affords qualified members subsidized tickets. You can learn more about this program at puc.princeton.edu/admit-all.
“In the 2024-25 Season, it feels like more than ever there are countless opportunities to listen your way,” says PUC Director Marna Seltzer. “Perhaps that’s in a traditional concert setting, experiencing performances by some of the field’s most established and renowned classical musicians, including violinist Janine Jansen; the Ébène, Belcea, and Takács String Quartets; and pianists Mitsuko Uchida, Igor Levit, and Sir Stephen Hough. Maybe your way is seated on stage alongside the artists in our Performances Up Close format, including alongside the GRAMMY-winning members of the world music ensemble the DoosTrio, or hearing Iranian clarinetist Kinan Azmeh and live illustrator Kevork Mourad respond to the Syrian Revolution in a Healing with Music event.
“Or maybe your way is a deep and varied listen; pairing your experience of an artist in live performance with watching a documentary about them, reading a book about them, dancing to their music… It is exciting to watch the ever-increasing demand for our wide breadth of community events that foster both enhanced connection among our loyal audiences and increased points of entry to experiencing classical music.”
“This season, PUC is presenting 26 performances, 30 musical offerings, and 20 community events,” notes PUC Outreach Manger Dasha Koltunyuk. “It’s remarkable that we are doing almost as many events outside the concert hall as we are concerts. We wouldn’t be able to facilitate this reach without our terrific partners, including American Repertory Ballet, The Princeton Garden Theatre, the Princeton Public Library, the Princeton University Office of Religious Life, and Risa Grimaldi of TheSinglesGroup.com. We are grateful for our community and hope you’ll join us.”
LIVE MUSIC MEDITATION | FREE
Wednesday, November 20, 2024 | 12:30PM
ISIDORE STRING QUARTET
Richardson Auditorium, Alexander Hall, Princeton University Campus
Wednesday, February 5, 2025 | 12:30PM
RAPHAËL FEUILLÂTRE Guitar
Richardson Auditorium, Alexander Hall, Princeton University Campus
Thursday, February 13, 2025 | 12:30PM
KAYHAN KALHOR Kamancheh
Location TBA
Monday, March 24, 2025 | 12:30PM
THOMAS DUNFORD Lute
Location TBA
PUC’s internationally acclaimed Live Music Meditation program, presented in collaboration with the Princeton University Office of Religious Life, facilitates poignant, focused listening experiences. Held over lunchtime on weekdays, Live Music Meditations are free and open to the public. Each event begins with a brief period of meditation instruction led by Matthew Weiner, Princeton University Associate Dean of Religious Life. Then, attendees settle into a quiet state for a few minutes before live music emerges from the silence. This year, PUC invites audiences to “breathe in music” played live by the Isidore String Quartet, guitarist Raphaël Feuillâtre, kamancheh player Kayhan Kalhor, and lutist Thomas Dunford — who are all also appearing as part of PUC’s Performances Up Close series and, in the case of kamancheh player Kayhan Kalhor, the Healing with Music series, as well.
No prior experience with meditation is necessary for attendance. Capacity is limited, and we advise participants to arrive early—although each Live Music Meditation event officially begins at 12:30PM, venue doors will open and meditation instruction will begin at 12:00PM (noon). The events will conclude by 1:30PM.
DO-RE-MEET
Wednesday, November 20, 2024 | 7PM
SPEED DATING and Isidore String Quartet Concert
Saturday, December 7, 2024 | 5:30PM
LGBTQIA+ and ALLIES MINGLE and Chanticleer Vocal Ensemble Concert
Wednesday, February 13, 2025 | 7PM
SPEED FRIENDING and DoosTrio Concert
Sunday, March 23, 2025 | 1PM
SPEED DATING and Lutist Thomas Dunford Concert
Do-Re-Meet creates opportunities for concertgoers to connect both platonically and romantically with fellow audience members over a shared love of music in a facilitated format. This year’s Do-Re-Meet events include two pre-concert speed dating events and one speed friend-ing event, co-hosted by Risa Grimaldi of TheSinglesGroup.com (TheSinglesGroup.com), and a pre-concert LGBTQIA+ and Allies Mingle, which will take the form of a festive “Ugly Sweater Party.” Speed Dating events are open to ages 24+, with daters split into ages groups: Group Do: 24-39 | Group Re: 40-59 | Group Mi: 60+. The LGBTQIA+ and Allies Mingle and speed friend-ing event are open to music lovers of all ages.
Do-Re-Meet events are all paired with concerts featuring the Isidore String Quartet, A Chanticleer Christmas, the DoosTrio, and lutist Thomas Dunford. Attendees will enjoy hors d’oeuvres, catered by Do-Re-Meet community partner Olsson’s Fine Foods, and form new connections at the historic Maclean House on Princeton University’s campus before taking a short walk to the concert venue to enjoy live music, together.
“At each of my 8minuteDating events, people can match on a variety of levels,” explains co-host Risa Grimaldi, owner of TheSinglesGroup.com, who has been making matches at all levels, including romance, friendship, and business, across New Jersey and New York for over 18 years. “In our first two seasons we have hosted eight Do-Re-Meet events and have been consistently sold out. Our average match rate is 90% which is evidence that the odds of finding a connection go way up when you share a common interest! The matches created at these events have felt extra special as all of the attendees love music and are able to experience a PUC performance together, which creates a deeper bond.”
The Do-Re-Meet LGBTQIA+ and Allies Mingle, offering everyone a unique opportunity to connect over a shared love of music, will be an “Ugly Sweater Party,” complete with an Ugly Sweater contest and raffle prizes.
“A spirit of welcoming inclusivity is at the core of all that PUC does,” notes Paula Alekson, a PUC Committee member and advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community. “Uniting people over a shared love of music, perhaps particularly over a holiday concert with Chanticleer, a choral group whose founder and many of its members identify with the LGBTQIA+ community, is a fabulous and joyful way to celebrate the season of giving. What’s also fabulous and joyful? Kitschy, audaciously ugly, sweaters, and the added spice of friendly (but fierce) competition! I can’t wait for the Ugly Sweater Contest!”
Tickets ($50 General/$25 Students) include access to both the pre-concert social event and ensuing concert. Tickets for Do-Re-Meet are also available for $25 for members of PUC’s Admit All ticket access program. (You can learn more about this program at puc.princeton.edu/admit-all.)
AT THE LIBRARY
The Pianist from Syria by Aeham Ahmad
Book Group: Wednesday, August 28, 2024 | 10:30AM (In Person) and 7:00PM (Zoom)
Key Note Discussion with Deborah Amos: Wednesday, September 4, 2024 | 7PM (Zoom)
The Septembers of Shiraz by Dalia Sofer
Book Club: Thursday, October 17, 2024 | 10:30AM (In Person) and 7:00PM (Zoom)
Key Note Discussion with Deborah Amos: Thursday, October 24, 2024 | 7PM (Zoom)
Rough Ideas by Sir Stephen Hough
Book Club: Thursday, January 2, 2025 | 10:30AM (In Person) and 7:00PM (Zoom)
Key Note Discussion with Sir Stephen Hough: Friday, January 10, 2025 | 12:30PM (Zoom)
In advance of select concerts, the Princeton Public Library will host free book talks (held both in person and online) encompassing small group discussions and a keynote conversation with a notable guest speaker. The featured books are The Pianist from Syria by Aeham Ahmad with keynote speaker Deborah Amos (related to “Home Within,” a program to be performed by Syrian clarinetist Kinan Azmeh and live illustrator Kevork Mourad); The Septembers of Shiraz by Dalia Sofer (related to Iranian kamancheh player Kayhan Kalhor who will appear as part of PUC’s Healing with Music and Performances Up Close series) with keynote speaker Deborah Amos; and Rough Ideas by pianist Sir Stephen Hough (who will be performing with the Takács String Quartet) with the author as keynote speaker. Registration is required for these free events.
The Princeton Public Library has been an extraordinary partner to PUC,” says PUC Director Marna Seltzer. “The discussions at our joint book groups have always been not only informative but huge testaments to the important role music plays in our lives. I have been continually impressed by the sensitivity, vulnerability, and passion that our community has brought to these discussions. This season, the addition of keynote discussions is sure to make these conversations even more robust.”
AT THE MOVIES
PUC continues its longstanding partnership with the Princeton Garden Theatre, the community’s local nonprofit arthouse theater, screening documentaries related to PUC programming.
Wednesday, September 25, 2024 | 7PM
THE MUSIC OF STRANGERS
The Grammy-nominated documentary The Music of Strangers directed by Oscar-winning director Morgan Neville follows members of the Silk Road Ensemble — including PUC upcoming and past artists Kinan Azmeh, clarinetist, Kevork Mourad, visual artist, Kayhan Kalhor, kamancheh player, Wu Man, pipa player, and Cristina Pato, bagpipe player — as they gather in locations across the world, exploring the ways art can both preserve traditions and shape cultural evolution.
Saturday, November 2, 2024 | 1PM
IGOR LEVIT: NO FEAR
Igor Levit: No Fear is a fly-on-the-wall documentary following pianist Igor Levit (who will appear at Princeton University Concerts on October 30 and November 3) from the final recordings of his Beethoven piano sonata cycle and into the beginning of Covid lockdown, when public music-making stopped and Levit gave a series of concerts from his apartment in Berlin. The film offers a fascinating look at the day-to-day life of a world-class artist.
ANNUAL JAM: NOW FOR DANCERS!
Thursday, April 10, 2025
Directly following the 7:30PM concert with saxophonist Jess Gillam and pianist Thomas Weaver
Princeton University Concerts’ Annual Chamber Jam is an opportunity for amateur musicians of all ages and levels to make music alongside professional artists, free of charge. This season’s Annual Jam welcomes community members of all ages and levels of ability to dance choreography by affiliates of American Repertory Ballet (ARB) to live music played by saxophonist Jess Gillam with pianist Thomas Weaver. There will be adaptations of the choreography available for all physical needs, including an accessible seated version. ARB will host opportunities to learn the choreography at their Princeton Ballet School studios prior to the Dance Jam on April 10. As with past Annual Jams, this Dance Jam will be free to all participants.
“Having the feeling of choreography in your bones when you listen to a piece of music allows you to hear the music differently, and we wanted to give that experience to our community,” notes PUC Communications and Events Coordinator Alexis Branagan, who has a background as a professional dancer and adult ballet instructor. “Dancing to live music is also a gift, and when it’s played by a musician as talented and vibrant as Jess Gillam, then all the better!”
“This event a natural extension of our work with ARB,” adds PUC Outreach Manager Dasha Koltunyuk. “ARB began offering Princeton-area Dance for Parkinson’s classes in conjunction with our event last season that focused on the intersection of music, dance, and Parkinson’s Disease. The classes are still going strong, and we are thrilled to now be working with ARB on curating an unforgettable, joyous experience of dance and music.”
Princeton University Concerts 2024-25 Performance Season
From Thursday, September 26, 2024 through Thursday, April 10, 2025, PUC will present 26 performances including the PUC debuts and returns of the world’s greatest classical music stars; a broad range of repertoire from Renaissance to contemporary composers and from world music to holiday classics; Saturday family concerts, including programs for neurodiverse children; and a new direction for the innovative Healing with Music series highlighting civically-engaged performers. The upcoming season offers musical experiences that have seldom been a part of PUC’s 131 years of programming, including classical guitar, jazz vocals sung to harpsichord and theorbo, solo lute, saxophone, guitar, kamancheh, pipa, and tabla.
PUC presents multiple formats in which to experience chamber music: the mainstage Concert Classics series, which has been running since PUC’s inception in 1894, with audience seated in the 800-seat Richardson Auditorium; Special Events with luminary soloists and exceptional ensembles; the intimate Performances Up Close series, with audience seated alongside the artist on stage in a more informal atmosphere; the Healing with Music series of conversations permeated by live music, hosted by international news correspondent and Princeton University professor Deborah Amos; concerts by the Richardson Chamber Players Princeton University faculty ensemble; and Saturday afternoon Family Concerts featuring artists from the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. The repertoire performed across each series ranges from early music to new compositions from around the world.
“We approach programming with a spirit of exploring the endless possibilities of what chamber music can encompass, all while bringing the world’s greatest musicians from all over the world to our community. We are so grateful to our audiences for coming on this exciting ride with us year after year,” says PUC Director Marna Seltzer.
2024–25 SEASON AT-A-GLANCE:
MUSICAL OFFERINGS AND COMMUNITY EVENTS
*Denotes Princeton University Concerts (PUC) debut
All events are held at Richardson Auditorium, Alexander Hall on the Princeton University campus,
unless otherwise noted.
Wednesday, August 28, 2024 | 10:30AM-12PM
PUC at the Library – Free event
Book discussion: The Pianist from Syria by Aeham Ahmad
At the Princeton Public Library, led by library staff
Wednesday, August 28, 2024 | 7-8:30PM
PUC at the Library – Free event
Book discussion: The Pianist from Syria by Aeham Ahmad
On Zoom, led by Princeton Public Library staff
Wednesday, September 4, 2024 | 7-8PM
PUC at the Library – Free event
Keynote discussion around The Pianist from Syria by Aeham Ahmad
On Zoom, led by PUC Healing with Music series host Deborah Amos
Wednesday, September 25, 2024 | 7PM
PUC at the Movies
THE MUSIC OF STRANGERS
At the Princeton Garden Theatre
Thursday, September 26, 2024 | 7:30PM
Healing with Music
KINAN AZMEH*, Clarinet
KEVORK MOURAD*, Illustrator
Home Within—A Response to the Syrian Revolution
Wednesday, October 9, 2024 | 7:30PM
Special Events
CÉCILE MCLORIN SALVANT, Vocals
SULLIVAN FORTNER, Piano/Harpsichord/Keyboards
EMI FERGUSON, Flute
DUŠAN BALARIN, Theorbo/Lute
YASUSHI NAKAMURA, Bass
KEITA OGAWA, Percussion
Thursday, October 17, 2024 | 10:30AM-12PM
PUC at the Library – Free event
Book discussion: The Septembers of Shiraz by Dalia Sofer
At the Princeton Public Library, led by library staff
Thursday, October 17, 2024 | 7-8:30PM
PUC at the Library – Free event
Book discussion: The Septembers of Shiraz by Dalia Sofer
On Zoom, led by Princeton Public Library staff
Saturday, October 19, 2024 | 1PM & 3PM
All in the Family
CMS Kids with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and host Rami Vamos
A relaxed-format concert curated for ages 3-6 and their families; These concerts will be held at the Lewis Arts Complex, Princeton University.
Thursday, October 24, 2024 | 7-8PM
PUC at the Library – Free event
Keynote discussion around The Septembers of Shiraz by Dalia Sofer
On Zoom, led by PUC Healing with Music series host Deborah Amos
Wednesday, October 30, 2024 | 7:30PM
Special Events
IGOR LEVIT Piano
Saturday, November 2, 2024 | 1PM
PUC at the Movies
IGOR LEVIT: NO FEAR
At the Princeton Garden Theatre
Sunday, November 3, 2024 | 3PM
Healing with Music
IGOR LEVIT Piano
Citizen-European-Pianist
Thursday, November 7, 2024 | 7:30PM
Concert Classics
BENJAMIN GROSVENOR, Piano
Wednesday, November 13, 2024 | 7:30PM
Concert Classics
ÉBÈNE & BELCEA STRING QUARTETS
Wednesday, November 20, 2024 | 12:30PM
Live Music Meditation – Free event
ISIDORE STRING QUARTET*
Wednesday, November 20, 2024 | 7PM
Do-Re-Meet
PRE-CONCERT SPEED DATING #1
Presented in partnership with TheSinglesGroup.com at Maclean House, Princeton University
Paired with ensuing Isidore String Quartet* concert
Wednesday, November 20, 2024 | 6PM & 9PM
Performances Up Close – Audience on stage!
ISIDORE STRING QUARTET*
Sunday, November 24, 2024 | 3PM
Richardson Chamber Players
RICHARDSON CHAMBER PLAYERS ensemble of Princeton University faculty and exceptional students
Saturday, December 7, 2024 | 5:30PM
Do-Re-Meet
PRE-CONCERT LGBTQIA+ & ALLIES MINGLE
At Maclean House, Princeton University
Paired with ensuing Chanticleer vocal ensemble concert
Saturday, December 7, 2024 | 7:30PM
Special Events
CHANTICLEER
“A Chanticleer Christmas” at Princeton University Chapel
Wednesday, December 11, 2024 | 7:30PM
Concert Classics
JANINE JANSEN*, Violin
DENIS KOZHUKHIN*, Piano
Thursday, January 2, 2025 | 10:30AM-12PM
PUC at the Library – Free event
Book discussion: Rough Ideas by Sir Stephen Hough
At the Princeton Public Library, led by library staff
Thursday, January 2, 2025 | 7-8:30PM
PUC at the Library
Book discussion: Rough Ideas by Sir Stephen Hough
On Zoom, led by Princeton Public Library staff
Friday, January 10, 2025 | 12:30-1:30PM
PUC at the Library
Keynote discussion around Rough Ideas by Sir Stephen Hough
On Zoom, led by author and pianist Stephen Hough
Thursday, January 30, 2025 | 7:30PM
Concert Classics
CHRISTIAN GERHAHER*, Baritone
GEROLD HUBER*, Piano
Wednesday, February 5, 2025 | 12:30PM
Live Music Meditation – Free event
RAPHAËL FEUILLÂTRE *, Guitar
Wednesday, February 5, 2025 | 6PM & 9PM
Performances Up Close – Audience on stage!
RAPHAËL FEUILLÂTRE*, Guitar
Wednesday, February 12, 2025 | 7:30PM
Healing with Music
KAYHAN KALHOR*, Kamancheh
Finding Home in Music
Thursday, February 13, 2025 | 12:30PM
Live Music Meditation – Free event
KAYHAN KALHOR*, Kamancheh
Thursday, February 13, 2025 | 7PM
Do-Re-Meet
PRE-CONCERT SPEED FRIEND-ING
Presented in partnership with TheSinglesGroup.com at Maclean House, Princeton University
Paired with ensuing DoosTrio* concert
Thursday, February 13, 2025 | 6PM & 9PM
Performances Up Close – Audience on stage!
DOOSTRIO*:
KAYHAN KALHOR, Kamancheh
WU MAN, Pipa
SANDEEP DAS, Tabla
Thursday, February 20, 2025 | 7:30PM
Concert Classics
TAKÁCS STRING QUARTET
SIR STEPHEN HOUGH*, Piano
Sunday, March 2, 2025 | 3PM
Richardson Chamber Players
RICHARDSON CHAMBER PLAYERS ensemble of Princeton University faculty and exceptional students
Saturday, March 15, 2025 | 1PM
All in the Family
“Meet the Music: Inspector Pulse Takes His Pulse!” with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and host Bruce Adolphe
Curated for kids ages 6-12 and their families
Sunday, March 23, 2025 | 1PM
Do-Re-Meet
PRE-CONCERT SPEED DATING #2
Presented in partnership with TheSinglesGroup.com at Maclean House, Princeton University
Paired with ensuing concert with lutist Thomas Dunford
Sunday, March 23, 2025 | 3PM & 6PM
Performances Up Close – Audience on stage!
THOMAS DUNFORD, Lute
Monday, March 24, 2025 | 12:30PM
Live Music Meditation – Free event
THOMAS DUNFORD, Lute
Thursday, March 27, 2025 | 7:30PM
Concert Classics
MAHLER CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
MITSUKO UCHIDA, Piano
Wednesday, April 2, 2025 | 7:30PM
Concert Classics
MARTIN FRÖST, Clarinet
ANTOINE TAMESTIT, Viola
SHAI WOSNER*, Piano
Thursday, April 10, 2025 | 7:30PM
Concert Classics
JESS GILLAM, Saxophone
THOMAS WEAVER, Piano
Thursday, April 10, 2025
Directly following the 7:30PM concert
Annual Jam: Dance Jam
JESS GILLAM, Saxophone
THOMAS WEAVER, Piano
