Evan J. LancasterThe Irvine-based Barclay Theatre has announced its 2022-23 calendar of events, which is set to feature a blend of different performance genres. From the Queen of Mariachi to renowned jazz vocalists, the Barclay’s upcoming calendar of events showcases nearly two dozen different live musical performances set to take the stage starting in September.
Continuing a partnership with the Philharmonic Society of Orange County with Distinctive Experiences, the Irvine Barclay Theatre has an extensive calendar of events, including a live holiday performance by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, along with the iconic holiday performance of The Nutcracker by Festival Ballet Theatre.
Saturday, Sept. 17
Hindustani Music with Rakesh Chaurasia, Rahul Sharma & Abhijit Banerjee
8:00 p.m.
A duet featuring Rakesh Chaurasia on the Bansuri (flute) and Rahul Sharma on the Santoor accompanied on the Tabla by Abhijit Banerjee.
Sunday, Sept. 25,
Trio Barclay: Mendelssohn and Seyfried
5:00 p.m.
The Irvine Barclay Theatre’s Ensemble-in-Residence, Trio Barclay, returns to the stage following its critically acclaimed inaugural season. The trio includes Dennis Kim on violin, Jonah Kim on cello, and Sean Kennard on piano.
Friday, Sept. 30,
Aida Cuevas: 45th Anniversary – Yo Creo Que Es Tiempo
8:00 p.m.
Aida Cuevas is known as “The Queen of Mariachi,” thanks to an unwavering devotion to traditional mariachi music and for her mastery of its demanding vocal forms.
With more than 40 albums in circulation, Cuevas will celebrate the 45th Anniversary of “Yo Creo Que Es Tiempo,” which some say has propelled her to be recognized as Mexico’s most important female voice. This year, Mariachi Aztlán, and other special guests will join Aida at the Barclay Theatre to perform her most beloved songs, including “El Pastor,” “Mexico en la piel,” and her greatest hits “Te Doy Las Gracias” and “Quizás Mañana.”
Thursday, Oct. 6
Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice performed by Aquila Theatre Company
8:00 p.m.
The Aquila Theatre is recognized as the foremost producer of classical theater in the United States, brings this classic to life with its signature passion, energy, and visual flair which has captured national attention
“Aquila’s productions are beautifully spoken, dramatically revealing and crystalline in effect,” the New Yorker recently reported.
Thursday, Oct. 20
Soweto Gospel Choir: HOPE
8:00 p.m.
Made possible with support from the Worah Family Foundation, this Gospel Choir performance pays homage to legendary artists including Billy Holiday, James Brown, Otis Redding, and the one and only, Aretha Franklin.
Friday, Oct. 21,
Kronos Quartet & Mahsa Vahdat
8:00 p.m.
Part of the Eclectic Orange Series co-presented by the Irvine Barclay Theatre and the Philharmonic Society of Orange County, the Kronos Quartet is composed of David Harrington and John Sherba on violin, Hank Dutt on viola, and Sunny Yang on cello. The group has performed for more than 45 years.
Wednesday, Nov. 16
Alan Cumming Is Not Acting His Age
8:00 p.m.
A new cabaret show, “Alan Cumming Is Not Acting His Age,” is an evening of story and song with a joyful and mischievous exploration of that most communal of pastimes: aging!
Do not bring children or guests with delicate sensibilities. This event contains adult language used to discuss adult content.
Friday, Nov. 18
Grace Kelly at the Movies
8:00 p.m.
After selling out the Barclay in Irvine in 2018, Grace Kelly returns with a nine-piece ensemble and the World Premiere of her new project, “Grace Kelly at the Movies.” This first-ever concert features reimagined versions of Grace’s favorite movie music, including songs by legendary film composers and contemporary artists like Billie Eilish.
Saturday, Nov. 19
A Family Affair starring Peisha, Adriana and Kathrine McPhee
8:00 p.m.
Join internationally renowned singer Peisha McPhee for an unforgettable evening of musical memories featuring her daughters, Adriana McPhee and Katharine McPhee-Foster.
Sunday, Nov. 20
Trio Barclay: Schubert and Chang
5:00 p.m.
Irvine Barclay Theatre’s Ensemble-in-Residence, Trio Barclay, includes Dennis Kim on violin, Jonah Kim on cello, and Sean Kennard on piano. Franz Schubert’s second piano trio – rich in thematic ideas, constant transformations, and ingenious details – is a formidable challenge for musicians.
Thursday, Dec. 1
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s Wild and Swingin’ Holiday Party
8:00 p.m.
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s unique and spirited “Wild and Swingin’ Holiday Party” has become an eagerly anticipated annual family event throughout the country.
Dec 10 – 24
The Nutcracker presented by Festival Ballet Theatre
8:00 p.m.
This full-length traditional production is choreographed and directed by Festival Ballet Theatre’s Artistic Director, Salwa Rizkalla, and features world-renowned guest artists, FBT’s professional company dancers, and exceptional young talent from across the Southland.
Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023
Trio Barclay: Tchaikovsky and Arroyo
5:00 p.m.
Irvine Barclay Theatre’s Ensemble-in-Residence, Trio Barclay, includes Dennis Kim on violin, Jonah Kim on cello, and Sean Kennard on piano.
In its final performance of the 2022-23 season, Trio Barclay dives into Tchaikovsky’s only piano trio – an immersive work filled with characteristically expressive melodies, which foreshadow his later iconic symphonic works.
Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023
Aaron Diehl Trio
8:00 p.m.
Aaron Diehl returns this season leading his own trio in a project showcasing his fluency in both classical repertoire and dynamic jazz improvisation. Part of Distinctive Experiences co-presented by Irvine Barclay Theatre and the Philharmonic Society of Orange County, the evening will feature Aaron Diehl on piano, John Webber on bass, and Aaron Kimmel on drums.
Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023
H.M.S. Pinafore by the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players
7:30 p.m.
“H.M.S. Pinafore” is as popular in the new millennium, as at its premiere more than 100 years ago. With infectious tunes, broad comedy, imaginative staging, lively choreography, and beautiful costumes, this classic comedy still makes a modern-day splash. The New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players’ production of “H.M.S. Pinafore” is musical satire at its best.
Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023
Cyrille Aimée
8:00 p.m.
Having won the Montreux Jazz Festival Vocal Competition and the Sarah Vaugh International Jazz Vocal Competition, Cyrille Aimée has established his name in the top ranks of contemporary jazz. Now a native of France, living and working in New Orleans, Grammy-nominated vocalist Cyrille Aimée is being hailed as the new generation of jazz royalty.
Saturday, March 11, 2023
Curtis on Tour: L’Histoire du Soldat (Soldier’s Tale)
8:00 p.m.
Co-presented by Irvine Barclay Theatre and the Philharmonic Society of Orange County, Igor Stravinsky’s “L’Histoire du Soldat” will come to life by way of a Curtis Institute of Music ensemble. The performance will also feature actor and narrator John de Lancie, (“Star Trek: The Next Generation”), and award-winning performer David Shifrin on clarinet, as well as prominent violinist, Soovin Kim.
Sunday, March 12, 2023
Alisa Weilerstein: Fragments
3:00 p.m.
“Fragments” is performed inside a space defined by fragmented wall pieces, re-framing the stage through mutable design that uniquely frames each selection with aspects paying respects to Bach’s Cello Suites.
Lighting cues shift the wall pieces in mood in response to each musical “chapter” that Alisa performs. “Fragments” is part of the Eclectic Orange series co-presented by the Irvine Barclay Theatre and the Philharmonic Society of Orange County.
Thursday, March 16, 2023
Zakir Hussain: Masters of Percussion
8:00 p.m.
“Masters of Percussion” is an evening of drumming that crosses cultures and unites audiences in a dance of the heart performed by tabla virtuoso and Indian national treasure, Zakir Hussain.
Saturday, March 18 & 19 2023 – 7:00 p.m., March 19, 2023, 2:00 p.m.
Swan Lake presented by Festival Ballet Theatre
This beloved classical ballet is choreographed by Artistic Director Salwa Rizkalla, after Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, and features world-renowned guest artists in the lead roles. Set to Tchaikovsky’s elegantly moving score, “Swan Lake” is the story of young Prince Seigfried and Odette, the Swan Queen, a young girl doomed to be a swan by day and a woman by night.
Saturday, April 1, 2023,
Nathalie Joachim: Fanm d’Ayiti (Women of Haiti)
8:00 p.m.
An evening of voice, flute, string quartet and electronics developed by Grammy-nominated composer/performer Nathalie Joachim, “Fanm d’Ayiti” is a celebration of iconic Haitian female artists and Joachim’s Haitian heritage.
Sunday, April 16, 2023
Midori Plays Bach
3:00 p.m.
Midori has shared the stage with renowned artists for more than 35 years. Having collaborated with Leonard Bernstein, Yo-Yo Ma and many other celebrated names, Midori will bring her precision and unmistakable sound to the Irvine Barclay Theatre. This show is part of the Distinctive Experiences co-presented by Irvine Barclay Theatre and the Philharmonic Society of Orange County.
Saturday, April 22, 2023
Selected Shorts: Unchartered Territories
8:00 p.m.
The hit public radio and podcast series returns to Irvine Barclay Theatre with a program of spellbinding original short fiction performed by actors of stage and screen. “Selected Shorts” is broadcast on over 150 radio stations around the country, attracting over 300,000 listeners each week through the live show and podcast. Past performers have included Catherine O’Hara, Blythe Danner, and Tony Hale, among many others.
Friday, April 28, 2023
Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles & Villalobos Brothers
8:00 p.m.
Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles is America’s first all-female mariachi ensemble and will take the stage with Villalobos Brothers on April 28.
Saturday, April 29, 2023
Christian McBride’s New Jawn
8:00 p.m.
Christian McBride, is a seven-time Grammy-winning jazz bassist with more than three decades of experience. From jazz to R&Bm McBrides breadth of talent has spanned many genres working with some of the most well-known names, including The Roots, D’Angelo, and Sting and Paul McCartney.
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