Previewing DU’s Slate of Winter, Spring Arts & Culture Events

Two dancers from the Compagnie Hervé Koubi performing on stage.

For members of the University of Denver and wider Denver community, opportunities abound this winter and spring to see performances and exhibits ranging from song and dance to tactile arts and photography on the DU campus.

Arts and culture aficionados will have a variety of events to choose from, thanks to offerings from the Newman Center for the Performing Arts, the Lamont School of Music and other DU departments.

The Newman Center Presents

Part of the 2023-24 Newman Center Presents Dance Series, Compagnie HERVÉ KOUBI will visit Newman on Jan. 23 at 7:30 p.m. The French-Algerian choreographer’s company of Algerian, Moroccan, Bulgarian, Italian and French dancers will give what the Washington Post called a “jaw dropping” performance.

On Feb. 3 at 7:30 p.m., guests will see the Emmet Cohen Trio—led by the inimitable Emmet Cohen, along with bassist Rueben Rogers and drummer Kyle Poole—make its first Newman Center appearance. As noted by the Newman Center, Cohen “is a vibrant solo performer” who plays with “the command and passion of an artist fully devoted to his medium.”

Small Island Big Song will appear at the Newman Center on Feb. 16 at 7:30 p.m. The performance, made up of First Nation artists, will combine music, spoken word and live cinema to tell the story of island nations of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. 

A love story that has evolved into a successful performance career, Seth Bloom and Christina Gelsone are the creators, writers and performers of Acrobuffos: Air Play (Feb. 18 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.). The couple plays two siblings journeying through a make-believe land of air in this part- circus, part-theatre performance.

On March 1 at 7:30 p.m., the Newman Center will welcome the Joshua Redman Group to its stage. Newman calls Redman “one of the most acclaimed and charismatic jazz artists of his generation.” The performance will also feature vocalist Gabrielle Cavassa.

One of the leading contemporary Maori dance companies in New Zealand, Okarera Dance will bring its Mana Wahine show to Newman on March 10 at 2 p.m. The performance is yet another part of the 2023-24 Newman Center Presents Dance Series.

Sphinx Virtuosi, a self-conducted chamber orchestra, will come to the Newman Center on March 20 at 7:30 p.m. The performance, co-presented by Friends of Chamber Music, highlights innovative music by composers of color past and present.

The New York Times calls Aoife O'Donovan “a vocalist of unerring instinct.” The Grammy-winning artist will be accompanied by acoustic music supergroup Hawktail on March 30 at 7:30 p.m.

On April 12 at 7:30 p.m., Urban Bush Women will bring its groundbreaking, women-centered dance performance to the Newman Center. The group has been dubbed “…triple-threat performers who dance, sing and act with a sometimes-searing sense of truthfulness” by The New York Times.

The TAKT Trio, comprised of Austin Wulliman on violin, David Byrd-Marrow on horn and Conor Hanick on piano, will perform new work by composer Hilda Paredes on April 19 at 7:30 p.m.

Coming to Newman on May 3 at 7:30 p.m., the Maria Schneider Orchestra is a seven-time Grammy award-winning group whose latest album, "Data Lords," won the Grammy for Large Jazz Ensemble Album in 2021.

Lamont School of Music

Feb. 7, 7:30 p.m.—Lamont Symphony Orchestra

Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m.—Lamont Wind Ensemble

Feb. 15, 7:30 p.m.—Lamont Choirs

Feb. 26, 7:30 p.m.—Lamont Jazz Orchestra

March 8, 4:30 p.m.—Lamont Bluegrass Ensemble

March 12, 7:30 p.m.—Liederabend

March 13, 7:30 p.m.—Lamont Wind Ensemble

DU Department of Theatre

“The Taming,” Feb. 7-10

“Constellations,” May 23-26

Tickets for all performances are available at newmantix.com.

Other events and performances

From Jan. 11-March 24, the Vicki Myhren Gallery will showcase the work of acclaimed artist Hung Liu (1948–2021): “Hung Liu: Control and Freedom” traces the creative trajectory of this celebrated artist following her emigration from Communist China and the repressive regime of Mao Zedong. Featuring paintings, prints and tapestries produced over the last 30 years, this exhibition underscores the depths of Liu’s talent and demonstrates her incredible range as she perfectly captures the beauty and dignity of her subjects.

On view through Jan. 17, The Davis Gallery is continuing to exhibit “Vestiges,” curated by artist Saylem Delgado. There will be a reception for the exhibition on Jan. 10, 5-7 p.m.