Weekend picks: Russian pianist Nikolai Lugansky at Keyboard Concerts, Armenian Museum of Fresno, Contemporary Dance Ensemble at Fresno State, ‘Alice by Heart’ at Selma Arts Center and ‘Pagliacci’ at Youth Orchestras of Fresno
It’s one of those “cultural season” weekends packed with events. So much to choose from!
Here’s a selective rundown:
Contemporary Dance Ensemble
Fresno State’s resident dance company is nearing the end of its run of “Stability/Change,” an eclectic dance concert featuring choreography by Kenneth Balint, Angela Rosenkrans, Waeli Wang, and Abigail Salyer. Performances continue through Saturday, Feb. 22.
In the new episode of “The Munro Review on CMAC,” I got the opportunity to sit down with Balint, the company’s artistic director, to talk about the production. Here’s the episode:
Armenian Museum of Fresno
Also on my CMAC show: Varoujan Der Simonian, the executive director of the Armenian Museum of Fresno, to talk about a remarkable story related to the Los Angeles wildfires.
When the fires threatened Beverly Hills, a show featuring the noted Armenian painters Paylak and Kaytz Vanikian, brothers who have been featured all over the world, had to be canceled. The Armenian Museum stepped in, offering a quick home to the exhibition. It features 60 works by the brothers painted in the classical style.
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“We’re lucky to have it in Fresno,” Der Simonian told me.
The exhibition continues through Feb. 28 at the museum, which is housed at the University of California Center building (across from Fashion Fair Mall), 550 E. Shaw Ave. More details here.
Theater update: In case you hadn’t heard, the museum is also involved with a community production of William Saroyan’s classic play “The Time of Your Life.” It will be performed April 5-6 and 12-13 at The Vault (the former Security Bank Building downtown).
Keyboard Concerts
It’s been a while since the famed Russian pianist Nikolai Lugansky performed as part of the Philip Lorenz International Keyboard Concerts series. He performs 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, at the Fresno State Concert Hall.
This will be Nikolai Lugansky’s third visit to Fresno after his acclaimed performances on the Keyboard series in 2009 and 2011.
Insiders are well aware of Lugansky’s stature in the classical music world, says Andreas Werz, artistic director of the series. “The Keyboard Series is extremely privileged to welcome him,” he says.
Tickets and more details here.
Special ticket giveaway: Leave a comment on this post requesting tickets by 10 a.m. Friday. I’ll pick two winners (two tickets each) for Friday night’s performance.
‘Alice by Heart’ at Selma Arts Center
Once again, Selma’s potent theater scene delivers a new and fascinating musical. This one is titled “Alice By Heart,” and it’s a startling adaptation of the “Alice in Wonderland” tale. The company is heading into the second weekend of a run that continues through March 8.
Here’s a description:
In the rubble of the London Blitz of World War II, Alice Spencer’s budding teen life is turned upside down, and she and her dear friend Alfred are forced to take shelter in an underground tube station. When the ailing Alfred is quarantined, Alice encourages him to escape with her into their cherished book and journey down the rabbit hole to Wonderland. As they travel through the tale, Alice by Heart explores the poignancy of first love, coming to terms with loss, and finding the courage to move forward. This magic and emotional musical encourages us all to celebrate the transformational power of the imagination, even in the harshest of times.
The musical boasts a sterling creative pedigree: It’s from the creators of “Spring Awakening,” Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik, and co-written by Jessie Nelson (“Waitress”). Claudio Laso and Toph Ortiz direct.
Tickets and details here.
‘Pagliacci’
Fresno State faculty, students and opera stars from San Francisco opera company will perform the classic one-act opera “Pagliacci” with the Youth Orchestras of Fresno. There’s just one performance: 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23, at Shaghoian Concert Hall. Thomas Loewenheim conducts. Tickets and details here.
