Wisconsin Union theater 2007-2008 Season
By Sarah J. Smogoleski
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Known for its commitment to presenting quality acts from all corners of the world, the Wisconsin Union
Theater announced its 2007-2008 Season last week, full of artists such as classical violinist Hilary Hahn,
world music ambassador Anoushka Shankar, and Jazz innovator Fred Ho. Commencing with the theater's
popular Madison World Music Festival from September 14th to 16th, a spectacular season is about to
unfold./On October 5th Anoushka Shankar returns to Madison as part of the Wisconsin Union Theater's World
Stage Series. Joined by virtuoso Western and Eastern musicians, Shankar will perform songs off her
Grammy-nominated album, Rise, which was released in 2005. Composed, produced and arranged by
Shankar, Rise features an ensemble of musicians selected by the artist herself. Trained by her father, sitar
legend Ravi Shankar, Anoushka Shankar made her recording debut at the age of 13 and has since earned a
name for herself as a premiere sitarist. Her debut solo album was released in 1998, the same year she was
awarded the House of Commons Shield by the British Parliament. She was the first female and youngest
recipient. Since then she has had several other firsts, including being the first Indian artist to perform at the
Grammy Awards.
Classical piano enthusiasts will enjoy Jeffrey Siegel's Keyboard Conversations , a combination of
performance and commentary that often focuses on the work and life of the featured composer of the evening,
or on interesting musical themes. This season, the concerts will explore various countries and their music.
Don't miss renowned pianist and radio host Christopher O'Riley when he performs on March 8, 2008.
In addition to classical piano, the theater continues its commitment to presenting some of the world's
greatest classical musicians, including 27-year old violinist Hilary Hahn, who performs on November 4. In its
88th season, the Concert Series will present its first harpist on December 8th, when Yolanda Kondonassis
performs with the Rossetti String Quartet. The series also features performances by innovative composer and
bassist Edgar Meyer and mandolinist Mike Marshall on October 10th, the legendary Academy of Ancient Music
on February 8th, 2008, and female vocal group Anonymous 4 with violinist Darol Anger and guitarist Scott
Nygaard on April 10, 2008.
The theater will also present several special events such as a performance on March 2, 2008, by
Complexions Contemporary Ballet, who are known for their artistry and diversity. Founded by Dwight Rhoden
and Desmond Richardson, both dancers with the renowned Alvin Ailey Dance Theater in New York City, the
company includes dancers from all corners of the world, including Seoul, Korea, and The Hague, The
Netherlands. Since its inception, the company has received numerous accolades for its powerful and
thought-provoking performances. After receiving the coveted New York Times "Critics Choice" Award in 1995,
the company began touring nationally and internationally. They have performed at standing room only shows
in Spain, Italy, South America and, most recently, at the Bolshoi Theater.
Later that month, on March 7, 2008, at 8 pm, baritone saxophonist Fred Ho presents "Revolutionary Earth
Music: People and the Planet before Profit!" The event celebrates the band's 25th anniversary and is
sponsored by the Asian American Studies Program and the School of Music. Co-sponsors include the
Department of Theatre and Drama, Department of Afro-American Studies, and the Dance Program. Leader of
the Afro Asian Music Ensemble and the Monkey Orchestra, Ho was commissioned to write several works,
most recently writing The Struggle for a New World Suite for Temple University in Philadelphia. He has written
over 20 commissioned works for universities around the nation and has released over 10 albums. He has
also worked as an artist in residence at several universities, including his upcoming residency at the Arts
Institute on the UW-Madison campus.
To see a full schedule of the season, go to www.uniontheater.wisc.edu or call 608-262-2201 to request a
season brochure.
(L-R photos) Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Anoushka Shankar, and Academy of Ancient
Music