25/26 Director's Choice

This year we continue our theme of discovery, welcoming a diverse cohort of outstanding artists and ensembles making their Mondavi Center debuts. As well, we will celebrate four important artist anniversaries and see return visits by many Mondavi Center audience favorites.

The season begins with Talking Heads guitarist Jerry Harrison and a 40th-anniversary screening of one of the most iconic concert films, Stop Making Sense.

In November, Itzhak Perlman returns on the 30th Anniversary tour of In the Fiddler’s House, an unforgettable experience with klezmer music that famously leaves audiences dancing in the aisles.

In April and May, we will celebrate the centenaries of jazz legends John Coltrane and Miles Davis, respectively. Each show features a super-group of current jazz stars, paying homage to two of our greatest American artists.

Another highlight in our jazz programming will be the debut of rising star Lucía in May 2026. If you enjoyed our recent debut presentations of artists like Samara Joy and Ekep Nkwelle, Lucía is not to be missed!

Additional 25-26 artist debuts include Hawaiian singer Raiatea Helm, Mariachi Herencia De Mexico, violinist Ray Chen, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Mahler Chamber Orchestra with Yuja Wang, the Ndlovu Youth Choir from South Africa, Ghanaian artist Okaidja Afroso, and Malpaso Dance Company from Cuba. We are proud that this will be another season of exciting firsts featuring artists from around the world.

We’ll also welcome back favorites Las Cafeteras, MOMIX, American Bach Soloists, and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, just to name a few.

As always, I encourage you to explore my Director’s Choice selections. Each are projects we’re especially passionate about and excited to share with you.  Thank You!

Jeremy Ganter
Executive Director 

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