Eklektikos host John Aielli gives you his picks for this weekend and beyond
Austin Opera – The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs
February 3rd, 5th: 7:30pm
& 6th: 2:30pm
“Austin Opera is proud to present the Texas Premiere of Mason Bates and Mark Campbell’s The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs, February 3, 5, & 6, 2022. This new take on the life of Apple pioneer Steve Jobs caused a sensation at its 2017 world premiere at Santa Fe Opera, and the live recording went on to win the 2019 Grammy for Best Opera Recording. According to Seattle Weekly, “Mason Bates’ score is unfailingly inventive and often gorgeous…”
Making his Austin Opera debut in the title role is baritone John Moore, praised by Stereophile as a “vocally and theatrically exceptional Steve Jobs.” Joining him in company debuts are Sarah Larsen (Laurene Powell Jobs), Bille Bruley (Steve Wozniak) and member of the Grammy-Award winning cast Wei Wu (Kobun Chino Otogawa.) Plus, Madison Leonard, who triumphed as Gilda in 2019’s Rigoletto, returns to Austin as Chrisann Brennan.”
Following each performance, long-time Austin arts journalist Robert Faires hosts a post-show talkback with special guests. Simply stay in your seats in Dell Hall or come down to the Orchestra level to take part in the Q&A! Optional, no additional ticket required.
One World, One Music – Invoke: Bluegrass and music of Appalachia
Friday, February 4h, 2022
Bluegrass and music of Appalachia
Invoke continues to successfully dodge even the most valiant attempts at genre classification. The multi-instrumental band’s other not-nots encompass traditions from across America, including bluegrass, Appalachain fiddle tunes, jazz, and minimalism.
La Follia Austin Baroque – The Bach-Abel London Concerts, with Anton Nel
February 5-6, 2022
Johann Christian Bach (the youngest son of J. S. Bach) and his friend and musical collaborator Carl Friedrich Abel, instituted this enormously popular concert series in London in 1764.
Although many famous composers, such as Haydn, were featured in the series, we will focus on the music of Abel and JC Bach (the latter was passionately admired by Mozart).
Anton Nel is featured in two concertos.
The Rosette – Isaac Bustos
Saturday, February 5th at 8pm CST &
Sunday, February 6th at 4:30pm CST
“The Rosette features Isaac Bustos, a soulful and colorful virtuoso has has been one of our greatest creative Our first concert ever at The Rosette features Isaac Bustos, a soulful and colorful virtuoso has has been one of our greatest creative collaborators over the years. We are so excited to be swept away by Isaac’s exquisite musicianship as we experience music in our new home for the first time!”
Ballet Austin – A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
- Friday, Feb. 11, 2022, at 8 p.m.
- Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022, at 8 p.m.
- Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, at 3 p.m.
Delight your Valentine with a trip to an enchanted forest, where mortal and magical beings deliver loads of laughs while looking for love! Artistic Director Stephen Mills presents William Shakespeare’s tale of premarital mix-ups in a playful ballet that’s perfect for all ages. A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM showcases Mills’ choreographic agility and his dancers’ comedic talents. The production is so beloved that the prestigious John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., invited Ballet Austin to perform MIDSUMMER on its stage in January 2002, and this light-hearted romp remains a favorite with Central Texas audiences. Treat your special someone to this classic romantic comedy!
Texas Early Music Project – Celtic Crossings
Saturday, February 12, 2022 – Sunday, February 13, 2022
TEMP enjoys presenting this 16th- to 18th-century repertoire from Ireland and Scotland and some of its influences in England. This musical link to another time and place is still vibrantly alive and flourishing.
The Austin Symphony – REMARKABLE ROMANTICS
Jan 26 – 29 at 7:30pm CST
Kennedy Center 2021 honoree, Midori, returns for a much-anticipated performance of Sibelius’ only concerto, the exquisite Violin Concerto in D Minor. Bookends for the program include a work by Dvořák’s pupil, Joseph Suk’s expressive Fantastické Scherzo, and his own Symphony No. 3 written in only three movements. It begins with an expansive melody and ends with a spirited dancelike rondo; how else would you end a remarkable concert for a romantic night out?!
