There’s a good measure of risk in nearly every event in the series.
For the venue, which books dancers, singers and musicians who are at the top of their game, though not guaranteed to sell every seat — and for ticket buyers, who willingly take chances on performers they haven’t necessarily heard of.
Not every gamble pays off — hey, that’s show business — but the arrangement has reaped plenty. No single operation has contributed more to Denver’s cultural awareness.
A full 50 percent of the performers booked during Newman’s 12 years have been new to Denver. “What we’ve always tried to do is present artists who might not otherwise have a chance to be here,” said Executive Director Stephen W. Seifert, who puts together the eclectic series.
This mission continues with the 2014-15 season, officially announced today. Some popular attractions are on the list, kicking off Sept. 23 with the double punch of mandolinist Chris Thile and bassist .
There are also a few international favorites, such as the veteran choral group The King’s Singers and violinist Pinchas Zukerman, who solos with the .
But there will also be six performers who’ve never been seen here before, despite long and respected careers, like Donal Fox, the pianist, composer (and Guggenheim fellow) who makes connections between the improvisation of jazz and the hard structure of classical.
Another new and interesting name: Roomful of Teeth, the innovative a cappella ensemble influenced by vocal styles as diverse as Tuvan throat singing and yodeling.
Seifert includes the group on a list of new artists mining international forms to create an amalgam that might be described as “American, folk, jazz, classical, chamber music.”
Year by year, the Newman Center has been working to fill a gap in Denver’s art scene by bringing in contemporary dance companies. Next season there will be a considerable five offerings.
The list includes top names, like the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company and the popular surreal illusionists .
But also rarely seen acts like , founded in 2005 as the first company in China with modern influences. The troupe is known for its quick and energetic movement.
“It encourages the development of contemporary dance in China for them to be able to tour and show the world what they are doing,” said Seifert.
Subscriptions for the 2014-15 season are on sale now and can be purchased in multiple combinations. Single tickets will be available July 14.
The is located at 2344 E. Iliff Ave. on the University of Denver campus, and its box office is open 10 a.m.to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Tickets and info are also available via phone at 303-871-7720 or online at newmancenterpresents.com.
Ray Mark Rinaldi: 303-954-1540, rrinaldi@denverpost.com or twitter.com/rayrinaldi
Here’s the schedule:
Sept. 23: Chris Thile and Edgar Meyer
Oct. 10: Hot Sardines
Oct. 17: Capitol Steps
Nov. 8-9: MUMMENSCHANZ
Nov. 16: The Colorado Symphony, with Pinchas Zukerman
Nov. 18: Beijing Dance/LDTX
Dec. 10: The King’s Singers
Jan. 10: Renaud Garcia-Fons Quartet
Jan. 24-25: Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company
Feb. 5: Alarm Will Sound + Medeski Martin & Wood
Feb. 21-22: Aspen Santa Fe Ballet
March 6: Roomful of Teeth, with the Colorado Symphony
April 2: Donal Fox Inventions Trio
April 24: “It Gets Better” with Speak Theater Arts and Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles
May 9-10: Diavolo
