Spring Arts Season to Drive Off Winter Doldrums

The lights will come up at The University of Texas at Dallas for the spring arts season almost before some people get their holiday decorations down.

With approximately 30 events showcasing music, visual arts, theater and dance, the spring portion of the UT Dallas arts season boasts an event almost every weekend.

“The performances of the spring semester span the globe from Texas to Asia,” said Dean of the School of Arts & Humanities Dennis Kratz. “We are celebrating a jazz style born in Texas, bringing to campus outstanding ensembles from China, and our annual Guitar Festival has attracted participants from four continents.”

Highlights of the spring season include:

• A Tribute to the Texas Tenors, featuring the Woody Herman Orchestra and James “Red” Holloway, in concert Jan. 30 & 31. Also on the bill are the Texas Instruments Jazz Band and young local Texas tenor saxophonist Quamon Fowler. Saturday’s performances are sponsored in part by the city of Richardson.

• Two-week residency of the Lily Cai Chinese Dance Company, which will perform Dynasties and Beyond, in which East meets West in ancient forms blended with modern dance. The dance troupe will begin its residency with a performance at the Eisemann Center on Saturday, Feb. 7. (Visit the center’s Web site for ticket information.) The residency culminates with a lecture and demonstration at 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, at the University Theatre.

• Sound Bites, a performance March 6 by The Ying Quartet. The chamber group won a Grammy in 2005 for 4 + Four, an album recorded in collaboration with the Turtle Island Quartet. The concert will be held in cooperation with Dallas Chamber Music.

• The Eighth Annual Texas Guitar Competition and Festival, taking place on the UT Dallas campus March 12 -14. Festival headliner and internationally-renowned guitarist David Russell will conclude the festival with an 8 p.m. performance.

Valentine’s Day plans are made easier with the Dallas Chamber Orchestra’s Salute to Love. Beginning Apr. 16, theater lovers can experience a revival of classic theater with the production of Aristophanes’ Lysistrata, directed by Kathy Lingo. This timeless tale of a gender-based test of wills is sure to have audiences questioning who really is the weaker sex.

Other season favorites are:

• Musica Nova ensemble on May 1.
• Spring Arts Festival May 1 – 9.
• UT Dallas Choral Concert on May 9.

“Spring will blossom with a bouquet of arts performances at UT Dallas,” said Associate Dean for the Arts Kathryn Evans. “It’s a great time to experience the talent we bring to our campus as well as seeing the talent we have here with our student and faculty shows.”

No ticketed event costs more than $25; ticket sales are now available online.

For information about the many musical, arts, theatre, dance and other performances and exhibitions held throughout the year at UT Dallas, visit ah.utdallas.edu or call 972-UTD-ARTS (972-883-2787). People with disabilities needing special accommodations may call 972-883-2982, Texas Relay Operator: 1-800-RELAYVV.

---