Letter from the Director
Welcome to Cal Performances’ 2024–25 season! Over the coming year, we’ll spotlight fresh perspectives, captivating stories, and brilliant talent in presentations that expand the boundaries of the performing arts and inspire us to engage more deeply with the world around us.
As you read this brochure, I recommend you give particular attention to our Illuminations theme of "Fractured History," which will introduce nuanced accounts and powerful new voices to enrich our understanding of the past and explore how our notions of history affect our present and future.
As part of our Illuminations thematic programming, we’ll welcome the return of two extraordinary talents: the brilliant South African artist William Kentridge, with the Bay Area premiere of his new chamber opera, The Great Yes, The Great No; and powerhouse soprano and artistic thought leader Julia Bullock, who will serve as our artist in residence over the course of the season.
I’m delighted to recognize the Maria Manetti Shrem and Elizabeth Segerstrom California Orchestra Residency, which will host an impressive selection of performances by the legendary Vienna Philharmonic under preeminent conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin.
And finally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention our outstanding dance season, which is distinguished by Twyla Tharp’s 60th anniversary Diamond Jubilee, toasting the artistic output that has easily made Tharp one of today’s most celebrated choreographers; as well as the Cal Performances debut of the world-renowned Brazilian troupe Grupo Corpo.
I look forward to engaging with so many fresh artistic perspectives alongside you all, and to witnessing how these experiences will move each one of us in profound and incalculable ways made possible only by the live performing arts.
Executive and Artistic Director Jeremy Geffen
