The 92nd Street Y, New York Kicks Off 150th Anniversary Celebration

New York's Global Center for Culture, Connection and Enrichment Celebrates 150 Years with Four Commissioned Pieces and Expanded Offerings in All Genres, including the popular Classical series, a robust slate of Jazz events, and more American Songbook shows than ever before The 92nd Street Y, New York (92NY) today announced its 2023/24 Tisch Music Season, as part of the institution's far-reaching 150th anniversary celebration. Over the past century and a half, 92NY has grown into one of New York City's — and the world's — most influential cultural institutions. This season builds exponentially on the organization's rich history of presenting the best and most innovative musicians performing across a wide range of genres, from classical to jazz and American Songbook, with the goal of advancing and expanding each genre through commissions and multi-disciplinary collaborations. "Since the 92nd Street Y, New York was founded in 1874, we have been committed to showcasing the best musical performers and performances on our stages," said Seth Pinsky, Chief Executive Officer of 92NY. "While this commitment has always been important to us, allowing us to bring the restorative power of great art to our diverse community, it is particularly important at this moment when so many arts and cultural institutions are being forced to retrench. With our expanded 2023/24 Tisch Music Season, we aim to attract new audiences to 92NY to experience innovative programs featuring world-class artists, in the process sending an important signal that the future of the arts in New York and around the world remains bright." Working within 92NY's 150th Anniversary theme, Inspired by the Past, Transforming for the Future, 92NY's Vice President, Tisch Music Amy Lam has curated a season featuring newly commissioned works and premieres and artist-driven programs that take, as a reference point, the history of 92NY, the artists themselves and music more broadly. Examples include the world premiere of a new, interdisciplinary project by Cécile McLorin Salvant that blends the old and new musically, as Salvant mines her classical music training to transform Baroque songs through a jazz-focused lens. The New York premiere of Damien Geter's COTTON explores an African American narrative of past and present, performed by Denyce Graves and Justin Austin. And Audra McDonald takes the stage with a new program that is inspired by her 30-year Broadway career, including Emmy, Grammy and Tony Award wins. Building on the theme of transformation, eleven of this season's 42 concerts will be presented in 92NY's newly renovated and creatively flexible Buttenwieser Hall at The Arnhold Center. In its Buttenwieser Hall programs, Tisch Music will continue to expand engagement on-site with audiences in new ways. And, as it continues to build its global audience (having secured approximately 5 million views from 200 countries and all 50 states for its original programming across the institution last year), 92NY will maintain its commitment to making its offerings available globally, with more than 20 events available for streaming and on-demand viewing. The 2023/24 Tisch Music Season builds on the recent success of its Midsummer MusicFest, launched this year in celebration of 92NY's 150th anniversary. Consistent with 92NY's anniversary theme, the annual Festival will look back on 92NY's musical history and will focus on programming that is inspired by that history, with 2023's festival inspired by 92NY's role in bringing jazz from small clubs to a concert hall setting. The Season also continues the evolution of Tisch Music's flagship Lyrics & Lyricists series, doubling the American Songbook offerings and focusing on the genre as defined, not only by Broadway, but in the many genres of American music found across the country. Highlights of the 2023/24 Tisch Music Season include: Opening night performance by the great jazz saxophonist Joshua Redman Celebrations of the 150th Anniversary of the 92NY with shows featuring six-time Tony Award-winner Audra McDonald and the world premiere of a new, interdisciplinary project by genre-sweeping songstress Cécile McLorin Salvant NY premieres of new work by Tyshawn Sorey and COTTON by composer Damien Geter New York concert debuts of the Isidore String Quartet and of pianist Tony Siqi Yun Pianist Conrad Tao returns to 92NY as part of the global celebration of Rachmaninoff at 150 Ongoing partnerships continue with concerts from the Curtis Institute of Music, the New York Philharmonic, and Orpheus Chamber Orchestra with special guest artists Art of the Guitar Series with Beijing Guitar Duo, David Russell and Manuel Barrueco 2023/24 Lyrics & Lyricists series celebrating Howard Ashman, Laura Nyro, Stevie Wonder, and Sheldon Harnick in a special event led by Ted Sperling honoring the legacy of the triple Tony Award winner and Broadway legend, as well as a one-night-only appearance by three-time Tony Award winner Jason Robert Brown Expanded American Songbook offerings to include exclusive concerts by Audra McDonald, Joshua Henry and Stephanie J. Block "This season will be an expansion of what Tisch Music built last year – rich, diverse and forward-looking, providing a platform for the most defining artists and brightest creators in our field today," said Amy Lam, Vice President, Tisch Music, 92NY. "Inspired by the icons who graced our stages and the trailblazers who advanced the art form - and with it, our institution - through innovation over the past century and a half, our 150th Anniversary Season celebrates our history and redefines what music means to all of us against an ever-evolving cultural landscape. In every category, we celebrate tradition as well as newer directions. From programmatic content to concert experiences, we continue to explore new models to forge meaningful connections with our audiences. The restoration and reimagining of the historic Buttenwieser Hall at The Arnhold Center exemplifies this dual commitment and provides the perfect backdrop as we celebrate our 150 years of culture, connection and enrichment and lay the groundwork for continued expansion and innovation." The full slate of performances and dates are listed below. For more information, please visit 92NY.org/Concerts. 2023/24 92NY SEASON * New York / World Premieres ** 92NY commissions + 92NY debuts TISCH MUSIC 2023/24 SEASON OPENING NIGHT PERFORMANCE Joshua Redman Group featuring Gabrielle Cavassa "where are we" Tour Wednesday, September 27, 2023 / 7:30 pm Jazz saxophonist Joshua Redman returns following his sold-out 2022 92NY concert to open the season with an NYC exclusive. A release concert for his new album where are we, the project marks Redman's first-ever with a vocalist – the mesmerizing Gabrielle Cavassa. Co-winner of the 2021 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, Cavassa joins Redman with the newly assembled rhythm section of pianist Aaron Parks, bassist Joe Sanders, and original Redman quartet drummer Brian Blade. Redman calls where are we "a meditation on America and the power and importance of place" as the artists take on music from Rodgers & Hart to Bruce Springsteen. 92NY 150TH ANNIVERSARY EVENTS An Evening with Audra McDonald+; Andy Einhorn, music director and pianist Thursday, October 12, 2023 / 7:30 pm Friday, October 13, 2023 / 7:30 pm Audra McDonald joins for an exclusive 92NY 150th Anniversary event – a celebration of her remarkable 30-year Broadway career. The Emmy, Grammy, and six-time Tony Award-winning icon appears with her longtime music director and pianist (and Lyrics & Lyricists favorite) Andy Einhorn for an evening of songs and stories reflecting on her extraordinary career. Cécile McLorin Salvant *, ** Saturday, April 13, 2024 / 7:30 pm The artistry of Cécile McLorin Salvant defies genres. A storyteller above all, she returns to the stage with the world premiere of a 92NY 150th Anniversary commission, drawing from her brilliance in jazz, expertise in Baroque music, and more. As Cécile says, "Blending old and new, exploring language and mythology... this commission will be my first step in the writing of a long form genre fluid story about sisters and secrets." COTTON: Denyce Graves, mezzo-soprano & Justin Austin +, baritone* Thursday, April 18, 2024 / 7:30pm Mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves leads this song cycle by rising-star composer Damien Geter. Rooted in John E. Dowell's photography of South Carolina cotton fields, COTTON explores an African American narrative of past and present, from rural Southern fields to the concrete canyons of New York City. Joining Graves are Justin Austin, who made his Metropolitan Opera debut in the 2021/22 Season and was hailed for his "mellifluous baritone" (Wall Street Journal); and pianist Laura Ward. Originally commissioned by Lyric Fest in Philadelphia and featuring the poetry of Nikki Giovanni, Marc Bamuthi Joseph, Afaa Michael Weaver, Lauren Alleyne, Charlotte Blake Alston, Glenis Redmond, Alora Young, and Trapeta Mayson, and Dowell's photographs. CLASSICAL Jay Campbell, cello; and Conor Hanick, piano: Three Enigmas*, ** Friday, October 20, 2023 / 7:30 pm Two new-music luminaries – cellist Jay Campbell and pianist Conor Hanick – perform the world premiere of the latest work in Marcos Balter's Three Enigmas. Campbell and Hanick premiered Kerning, the first of three interconnected works in this 92NY commission, on our stage in February 2020 in a concert The New York Times selected as a weekend pick. The duo reprises Kerning – inspired by the graphic design term for adjusting letter and line spacing – before premiering the newest chapter in Balter's Three Enigmas, along with performances of Debussy and Poulenc's masterful cello sonatas. Imani Winds + with Terrence Wilson, piano Thursday, November 2, 2023 / 7:30 pm Imani Winds was among the first to put a wind ensemble on center stage and has since redefined what its forces perform. They make their first 92NY appearance with acclaimed pianist Terrence Wilson in a program conceived around rhythm and dance. Repertoire includes Paquito D'Rivera's take on the Venezuelan joropo, former Imani hornist Jeff Scott's arrangement of Piazzolla's sultry tango "Oblivion," a jazzy Poulenc work, and a Brazilian choro from acclaimed film music composer Marcelo Zarvos. The program also includes Louise Farrenc's Sextet for Piano and Winds – a showcase for Wilson and Imani in a concert that highlights the unique qualities a wind quintet brings to the chamber music experience. Beijing Guitar Duo: Meng Su +, guitar; Yameng Wang +, guitar Saturday, November 4, 2023 / 7:30 pm The Beijing Guitar Duo – Meng Su and Yameng Wang – makes its 92NY debut. The guitarists, who were mentored by the legendary Manuel Barrueco, are hailed for their technical mastery, color-rich sound world, and embrace of transcription. Works include compositions originally written for piano, among them selections by Albéniz and three French pieces. Their program culminates in Piazzolla's Tango Suite, written for Sérgio and Odair Assad. Anne Sofie von Otter+, mezzo-soprano; Brooklyn Rider: Songs of Love and Death* Friday, November 10, 2023 / 7:30 pm In a rare NYC appearance and first-ever on the 92NY stage, mezzo-soprano Anne Sofie von Otter joins cutting-edge string quartet Brooklyn Rider to perform their Songs of Love and Death. Longtime collaborators, their program intersperses movements from Schubert's iconic "Death and the Maiden" string quartet with arrangements of Schubert lieder by Osvaldo Golijov and modern torch songs by Rufus Wainwright. A meditation on themes of love and death, inspired by the most enduring songwriter in history. Garrick Ohlsson Plays Chopin Sunday, November 12, 2023 / 2:00 pm World-renowned pianist Garrick Ohlsson was the first – and remains the only – American winner of the Chopin International Piano Competition. In a career marked by celebrated performances of works of Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert, there has been no greater force in the pianist's repertoire than the music of Chopin. Ohlsson has not performed an all-Chopin recital in New York City in over a decade. Gil Shaham, violin and Akira Eguchi, piano Friday, November 17, 2023 / 7:30 pm Celebrated violinist Gil Shaham returns to the 92NY stage in a rare NYC recital appearance. In concert with his frequent collaborator, pianist Akira Eguchi, Shaham performs in Faure's A-Major Sonata and a contemporary work that has become a hallmark of his repertoire, Avner Dorman's "Nigunim," commissioned by 92NY and premiered by Shaham in 2011. Also on the program: a Mozart rondo and three short solo violin works written for Shaham. Curtis on Tour: Osmo Vänskä+, clarinet; Erin Keefe+, violin; and Musicians from the Curtis Institute of Music Sunday, December 3, 2023 / 2:00 pm This first Curtis on Tour program of the season culminates in Sibelius' tone poem En Saga for flute, clarinet, two violins, viola, cello, and bass. It unfurls from a trio of works for elements of these forces by Mozart, Dohnányi, and Schulhoff. Musicians from the Curtis Institute of Music are joined by the acclaimed conductor laureate of the Minnesota Orchestra – the clarinetist Osmo Vänskä in an uncommon appearance on his instrument – and current Minnesota Orchestra concertmaster Erin Keefe on violin. Conrad Tao, piano: Rachmaninoff Songbook Wednesday, December 6, 2023 / 7:30 pm As part of the global celebration of Rachmaninoff at 150, the incisive pianist Conrad Tao brings his unique perspective on the composer – creating a direct line to the music of Billy Strayhorn, Harold Arlen, and Stephen Sondheim. Tao explores the influence of Rachmaninoff and his gift for sweeping melody and intoxicating orchestration on these and other leading composers in popular music and film. He also explores the impact of Rachmaninoff's pianistic virtuosity on the artistry of jazz piano titan Art Tatum. Orpheus Chamber Orchestra with Anthony McGill, clarinet: American Dream Thursday, December 14, 2023 / 7:30 pm In their first-ever collaboration, groundbreaking clarinetist Anthony McGill joins the renowned Orpheus Chamber Orchestra for a classic of American music, Aaron Copland's Clarinet Concerto. Written for Benny Goodman in 1948, the work's blend of Americana and jazz influences offers ideal ground for McGill's virtuosity, versatility, and expressivity. Orpheus opens the concert with Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson's miniature symphony, which paints an intergenerational portrait of an American family. Closing the program is an adaptation of Dvořák's beloved "American" Quartet for Orpheus' strings. JACK Quartet with Tyshawn Sorey, percussion* Saturday, December 16, 2023 / 7:30 pm A US premiere from composer, multi-instrumentalist, and MacArthur Fellow Tyshawn Sorey in performance with JACK Quartet - the ensemble presenting chamber music for the 21st century. Sorey furthers his longtime collaboration with the modern string quartet champions with For Grachan Moncur III (Everything Changes, Nothing Changes II). Following a world premiere at the Lucerne Festival in summer 2022, the work is in homage to Moncur – the late composer and trombonist who blazed a trail through modern jazz in the 1960s, shares Sorey's Newark, NJ roots and had a major influence on Sorey's musical development. New York Philharmonic String Quartet with Emanuel Ax, piano Sunday, December 17, 2023 / 2:00 pm World-renowned pianist Emanuel Ax joins the New York Philharmonic String Quartet in a program to be announced. Co-presented with the New York Philharmonic. Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra+ with Richard Egarr, conductor and harpsichord and Reginald Mobley+, countertenor: Garden of Good & Evil * Thursday, January 25, 2024 / 7:30 pm America's premier Baroque ensemble joins 92NY with music director and harpsichordist Richard Egarr and countertenor Reginald Mobley, bringing their compelling program performed to acclaim in the UK. Centered on the creation story, Garden of Good & Evil pairs Handel arias with modern works for Baroque forces by celebrated composers Errollyn Wallen and Tarik O'Regan – jointly commissioned to write new music exploring an aspect of the Biblical creation story. Sandbox Percussion+ with Conor Hanick, piano* Wednesday, January 31, 2024 / 7:30 pm Sandbox Percussion and Conor Hanick bring a program centered on two works composed for them. A 17-minute concerto for prepared piano and percussion quartet, Christopher Cerrone's Don't Look Down was written during the pandemic and is the composer's reflection on its effects. He says, "The title of the work takes its name from an article by the economist Paul Krugman – himself referring to the moment when the cartoon character Wile E. Coyote would look down and suddenly realize he'd fallen off a cliff, at which point he would actually drop." The work's movements reflect on the world before the pandemic, the uncertainty of the during, and the welcome noise of the now, employing sonic oddities from wine bottles to a bicycle pump. The kinetic nature of Cerrone's work is in stark contrast to the elegance of the New York premiere of new concerto, For Arthur Jafa, by Tyshawn Sorey. Inon Barnatan, piano Friday, February 2, 2024 / 7:30 pm Pianist Inon Barnatan returns to the 92NY stage with the first NYC performance of his own solo transcription of Rachmaninoff's Symphonic Dances. The program transitions from the color and rhythmic energy of the Rameau suite through the delicate gems of Ravel's waltzes and the tour-de-force of Agosti's solo piano transcription of Stravinsky's Firebird ballet score. Barnatan's transcription of the Rachmaninoff dances – well established in both its orchestral and two-piano form – is the first-ever solo version. Curtis on Tour: Trio Zimbalist+ with Roberto Diaz+, viola Wednesday, February 28, 2024 / 7:30 pm The new piano trio Trio Zimbalist – each member a distinguished alum of the world-renowned Curtis Institute of Music, a soloist of stature, and now an internationally sought-after ensemble – makes their NYC debut in this performance. The ensemble is joined by Roberto Díaz, President of the Curtis Institute of Music, and viola royalty, with a resume including principal viola of the National Symphony Orchestra under Mstislav Rostropovich and principal viola of the Philadelphia Orchestra, in addition to a brilliant solo career. The four musicians bring their arsenal of talent to Fauré's rarely performed C-Minor Piano Quartet, and additional selections to be announced.  Castalian String Quartet+ with Sir Stephen Hough, piano * Friday, March 8, 2024 / 7:30 pm This program showcases Sir Stephen Hough as pianist and composer with his Les six recontres (The Six Encounters), a jagged, jazzy quartet conjuring 1920s Paris, inspired by chamber music masterpieces of Ravel and Dutilleux, and conceived by him as "a missing link of sorts" between their music. The string quartet then joins Hough for Brahms's Piano Quintet. Takács Quartet*, ** Wednesday, March 13, 2024 / 7:30 pm America's premier string quartet, the Takács Quartet returns to the 92NY stage with a program inspired by the natural world. Haydn's "Sunrise" Quartet sets the tone for the New York premiere of a nature-themed 92NY co-commission by acclaimed composer and violinist Nokuthula Nwengyama, hailed by Gramophone for "music of bold, mesmerizing character." The program concludes with the second of Beethoven's "Razumovsky" quartets, with its middle movement written after the composer reputedly gazed at stars twinkling in the night sky. Alisa Weilerstein, cello Wednesday, April 3, 2024 / 7:30 pm Alisa Weilerstein returns following her sold-out Tisch Music 2022/23 Season finale concert with violinist Stefan Jackiw and pianist Daniil Trifonov to perform two of Bach's iconic suites and the tour-de-force sonata by Kodály. Gramophonecalled Weilerstein's recording of the Kodály sonata "impassioned" and "formidable." Manchester Collective+ with Abel Selaocoe+, cello: Sirocco Saturday, April 6, 2024 / 7:30 pm The young classically trained South African cellist and vocalist Abel Selaocoe joins 92NY with the daring UK-based contemporary string quartet Manchester Collective, bringing their acclaimed collaboration "Sirocco" to 92NY's stage. Celebrating the warmth and diversity of folk music traditions around the world, their program is a blend of African music, folk-inflected music by Haydn and Stravinsky, Danish folk songs, and more, expanding notions of what classical music can be. Manchester Collective's mission is to "create intimate and intense human experiences built around live music." David Russell, guitar Wednesday, April 10, 2024 / 7:30 pm One of today's most celebrated classical guitarists, Grammy Award winner David Russell returns to 92NY's Art of the Guitar with a program to be announced. Jerusalem Quartet Tuesday, April 16, 2024 / 7:30 pm The beloved Jerusalem Quartet returns to 92NY with a program of music by Haydn, Brahms, and Shostakovich that captures the "gold blend of passion, precision and warmth" The Times (London) hailed as their hallmark. COTTON: Denyce Graves, mezzo-soprano & Justin Austin +, baritone* Thursday, April 18, 2024 / 7:30pm Mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves leads this song cycle by rising-star composer Damien Geter. Rooted in John E. Dowell's photography of South Carolina cotton fields, COTTON explores an African American narrative of past and present, from rural Southern fields to the concrete canyons of New York City. Joining Graves are Justin Austin, who made his Metropolitan Opera debut in the 2021/22 Season and was hailed for his "mellifluous baritone" (Wall Street Journal); and pianist Laura Ward. Originally commissioned by Lyric Fest in Philadelphia and featuring the poetry of Nikki Giovanni, Marc Bamuthi Joseph, Afaa Michael Weaver, Lauren Alleyne, Charlotte Blake Alston, Glenis Redmond, Alora Young, and Trapeta Mayson, and Dowell's photographs. Isidore String Quartet+ Thursday, April 25, 2024 / 7:30 pm Winners of a 2023 Avery Fisher Career Grant and last summer's Banff International String Quartet Competition, the quartet makes its highly anticipated New York City debut with this concert. The quartet performs a Bach fugue before quartets by Billy Childs and Beethoven – works sharing underlying themes of affliction, healing and gratitude. Fleur Barron, mezzo soprano * Saturday, April 27, 2024 / 7:30pm British-Singaporean mezzo-soprano Fleur Barron returns to 92NY with HOME(land) – her personal reflection on the idea of home and homeland, juxtaposing works by Eastern and Western creators including Brahms, Chen Yi, Berg, Ives, Takemitsu, Mussorgsky, Huang Ruo, Alex Ho, and Charles Trenet. Barron captured hearts all over the world in her New York recital debut on 92NY's stage in March 2020, performing just days into the pandemic shutdown in an empty hall via livestream—a concert viewed in more than 125 countries. Dame Imogen Cooper, piano+ Friday, May 3, 2024 / 7:30 pm Dame Imogen Cooper joins for a rare NYC recital appearance. Her 92NY program showcases her programming of Thomas Adès' John Dowland-inspired Darknesse Visible played without pause before Beethoven's A-flat Major Sonata, and a second half featuring the Schubert that has earned her global renown. Manuel Barrueco, guitar Wednesday, May 1, 2024 / 7:30 pm Manuel Barrueco is internationally recognized as one of the greatest guitar masters of our time. Over more than three decades of performing and nurturing the next generations of classical guitarists, he has also contributed to the expansion of the repertoire. He returns to 92NY's stage with a program of works by J.S. Bach, Sor, Albéniz and Lou Harrison. Pekka Kuusisto+, violin and Gabriel Kahane+, piano and vocals*, ** Saturday, May 11, 2024 / 7:30 pm Finnish violinist Pekka Kuusisto joins 92NY to perform a new work co-written with intrepid musician/singer-songwriter Gabriel Kahane. Commissioned by 92NY, the work features Kuusisto on violin and Kahane on piano and vocals. The program also features music by Bach and Kuusisto in solo violin works by Kahane. Tony Siqi Yun +, piano Friday, May 17, 2024 / 7:30 pm Twenty-two-year-old pianist Tony Siqi Yun makes his New York City recital debut on 92NY's stage. The first-prize winner and gold medalist at the inaugural China International Music Competition has been hailed by Pianist Magazine as "a true poet of the keyboard. Expressive and with his own distinct voice, yet elegant and poised." Yun performs Beethoven's "Appassionata" Sonata, Schumann's Symphonic Etudes, and more. JAZZ Joshua Redman Group featuring Gabrielle Cavassa "where are we" Tour Wednesday, September 27, 2023 / 7:30 pm Jazz saxophonist Joshua Redman returns following his sold-out 2022 92NY concert to open the season with a NYC exclusive. A release concert for his new album where are we, the project marks Redman's first-ever with a vocalist – the mesmerizing Gabrielle Cavassa. Co-winner of the 2021 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, Cavassa joins Redman with the newly assembled rhythm section of pianist Aaron Parks, bassist Joe Sanders, and original Redman quartet drummer Brian Blade. Redman calls where are we "a meditation on America and the power and importance of place" as the artists take on music from Rodgers & Hart to Bruce Springsteen. Mary Halvorson +, guitar; Patricia Brennan, vibraphone; Nick Dunston, bass; Tomas Fujiwara, drums; Jacob Garchik, trombone; and Adam O'Farrill, trumpet: Amaryllis Saturday, February 10, 2024 / 7:30 pm MacArthur "Genius" Grant recipient guitarist-composer Mary Halvorson is hailed for her sonic explorations at the intersection of jazz and rock and she joins 92NY to perform her acclaimed six-song suite Amaryllis with a sextet of master improvisors. One of New York City's most in-demand guitarists, Halvorson has collaborated with leading figures in contemporary music including Tim Berne, Anthony Braxton, Bill Frisell, Jason Moran, Marc Ribot, John Zorn, and others. Christian McBride Big Band Thursday, February 15, 2024 / 7:30 pm Eight-time Grammy Award-winning bassist Christian McBride joins 92NY with his 17-piece big band. In a career that has featured him in collaboration with artists from James Brown to Kathleen Battle to Sting and includes work as artistic director of the Newport Jazz Festival and more, it's the Christian McBride Big Band that is his longest-running project. Pat Metheny +, guitar Dream Box Tour Sunday, April 7, 2024 / 7:30 pm Pat Metheny joins 92NY for an exclusive NYC appearance on his new Dream Box solo tour. An unprecedented performance setting for the 20-time Grammy Award winner, the concert features personal and fan favorites from Metheny's nearly 50-year career, with an emphasis on the "quiet electric guitar" aspects of his artistry in music Downbeathas hailed for its "unadorned, heartfelt beauty." Performing on 12 guitars from his ever-growing collection, Metheny says, "[This] is something different for me – focused on the various ways of playing solo I have explored across all these decades, in an evening that I think will be very special." Cécile McLorin Salvant *, ** Saturday, April 13, 2024 / 7:30 pm The artistry of Cécile McLorin Salvant defies genres. A storyteller above all, she returns to the stage with the world premiere of a 92NY 150th Anniversary commission, drawing from her brilliance in jazz, expertise in Baroque music, and more. As Cécile says, "Blending old and new, exploring language and mythology... this commission will be my first step in the writing of a long form genre fluid story about sisters and secrets." Duets – Dianne Reeves, vocals; Joe Lovano, saxophone; Chucho Valdés +, piano Thursday, May 16, 2024 / 7:30 pm In a rare engagement together and their only joint appearance in NYC, the powerhouse triumvirate of Dianne Reeves, Joe Lovano, and Chucho Valdés joins us for an evening of duets. AMERICAN SONGBOOK CONCERTS An Evening with Audra McDonald+; Andy Einhorn, music director and pianist Thursday, October 12, 2023 / 7:30 pm Friday, October 13, 2023 / 7:30 pm Audra McDonald joins for an exclusive 92NY 150th anniversary event – a celebration of her remarkable 30-year Broadway career. The Emmy, Grammy, and six-time Tony Award-winning icon appears with her longtime music director and pianist (and Lyrics & Lyricists favorite) Andy Einhorn for an evening of songs and stories reflecting on her extraordinary career. Joshua Henry's Get Up Stand Up+ Sat, Nov 18, 2023 / 7:30pm Grammy Award winner and triple Tony nominee Joshua Henry has appeared on Broadway as Aaron Burr in Hamilton, opposite Audra McDonald in Shuffle Along, and in his Tony Award nominated performance as Billy Bigelow in the hit revival of Carousel. Now it's Joshua Henry as Joshua Henry, as he joins us for the only NYC performance of his concert production Get Up Stand Up – a survey of the soul, R&B, and funk that fuels his artistry. Featuring classic songs by Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, James Brown, John Legend, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and more, and including the "History of Soul in 25 Minutes," Henry swings as naturally from epic Earth, Wind & Fire to a Rodgers and Hammerstein gem. Stephanie J. Block Thu, Feb 22, 2024 / 7:30pm Tony Award-winning vocal powerhouse Stephanie J. Block returns following her triumphant 2022 92NY performance with an all-new show. Known for her roles in Wicked, The Cher Show, Falsettos, Anything Goes, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, and more, she joins 92NY with her distinctive interpretations of new selections from the Broadway songbook in her only NYC concert appearance of the season. LYRICS & LYRICISTS Tale as Old as Time: The Songs of Howard Ashman Saturday, October 28, 2023 / 7:30 pm Sunday, October 29, 2023 / 2:00 pm Monday, October 30, 2023 / 7:30 pm Known by many as the lyricist behind "Beauty and the Beast," "Under the Sea," "Friend Like Me" and the many other iconic songs he and Alan Menken wrote for Disney films, Howard Ashman's musical legacy is wider and deeper. Artistic director Matt Kunkel kicks off 92NY's new Lyrics & Lyricists season with this celebration of Ashman's songbook, with music from Little Shop of Horrors – the cult favorite that catapulted his career – the lost-and-found gem Smile, and more, including his songs for the animated classics Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and others. In the Key of Life: The Genius of Stevie Wonder Saturday, December 2, 2023 / 7:30 pm Sunday, December 3, 2023 / 2:00 pm Monday, December 4, 2023 / 7:30 pm A one-of-kind celebration of the towering songwriter and artist with 25 Grammy Awards and a litany of smash hits spanning R&B, pop, soul, gospel, and funk. Stevie Wonder's songbook of hits includes "For Once in My Life," "Signed, Sealed, Delivered," "You Are the Sunshine of My Life," "Isn't She Lovely," "Superstition," "My Cherie Amour," and countless others. This performance is led by Broadway's Darius de Haas, who earned raves for the performances and insights in his 2022 Sam Cooke show. Soul Picnic: The Songs and Legacy of Laura Nyro Saturday, March 2, 2024 / 7:30 pm Sunday, March 3, 2024 / 2:00 pm Monday, March 4, 2024 / 7:30 pm Music icons from Joni Mitchell to Elton John to Elvis Costello acknowledge the profound influence of groundbreaking songwriter and artist Laura Nyro on their work. Barbra Streisand, Blood, Sweat and Tears, and the Fifth Dimension all made hit records of her songs. "Passionate, romantic, ethereal, eternal" is how Bette Midler described Nyro's songs upon her posthumous induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Tony and Grammy Award nominee Judy Kuhn leads this celebration of Nyro's musical contributions, and its unique blend of poetic, confessional lyrics, social consciousness, and pop melodies. Acclaimed for her work on Broadway in shows including Fun Home, She Loves Me, Les Miserables, and more, Kuhn is deeply connected to Nyro's music. She earned an Obie Award for her role in Diane Paulus' Laura Nyro musical Eli's Comin' and later recorded an album of Nyro's music, The New York Times writing that Kuhn "comes as close to channeling Ms. Nyro's essence as any performer I've heard." Through songs including "Stoned Soul Picnic," "Wedding Bell Blues", "Stoney End", "And When I Die," "Sweet Blindness," and more, we celebrate a pioneering contributor to the American Songbook. An Evening With Jason Robert Brown + (A One-Night-Only L&L Special Event) Thursday, May 9, 2024 / 7:30 pm Hailed as "one of Broadway's smartest and most sophisticated songwriters since Stephen Sondheim" by The Philadelphia Inquirer, triple Tony Award winner Jason Robert Brown joins 92NY for a special one-night-only L&L event. Brown is renowned for his songs and scores for Parade, The Bridges of Madison County, Mr. Saturday Night, The Last Five Years, and others among the most influential musicals over the past 30 years. His songs, including "Stars and the Moon," "Someone to Fall Back On," and "All Things in Time," have become American Songbook classics, performed and recorded by artists from Audra McDonald to Ariana Grande. Brown joins for an evening performing these and more. He illuminates his songs with stories from the creator perspective that is the heart of L&L. Wonder of Wonders: Celebrating Sheldon Harnick Saturday, June 1, 2024 / 7:30 pm Sunday, June 2, 2024 / 2:00 pm Monday, June 3, 2024 / 7:30 pm A celebration of the extraordinary legacy of the late Sheldon Harnick – Fiddler on the Roof lyricist, triple Tony Award winner, and Broadway legend – led by L&L favorite Ted Sperling. Harnick was a beloved part of L&L from its inaugural season in 1971, appearing in more than 20 productions and events on our stage over 50-plus years. Sperling leads this loving look at Harnick's remarkable body of work, with music from Fiddler, his Pulitzer Prize-winning Fiorello!, She Loves Me, and more, and filled with reflections on his wondrous life in musical theater. http://www.eventsnearhere.com/find-events/NY/NEW-YORK/Art/Performing-Arts/addetail/222155/The-92nd-Street-Y,-New-York-Kicks-Off-150th-Anniversary-Celebration--