Presenting Series | The DeBartolo Performing Arts Center

Come and See What’s Next!

Make DPAC your destination for essential entertainment. This season’s Presenting Series lineup delivers a more diverse and best-in-class live performance experience than ever before! No matter what you’re already familiar with or are ready to explore in music, dance, and theater, count on us to bring it to you.

The 2020−2021 DeBartolo Performing Arts Center Presenting Series season offers 31 performances in a variety of genres, ranging from a cappella choral music to a recital by one of the world’s most revered living instrumentalists to audience favorites in popular music, dance, and family programming.

Anticipate the variety of artists you crave, the powerful performances you expect, and reuniting with a welcoming community where you are an essential part of the arts at Notre Dame.

Season Ticket Sales Begin May 11

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Single ticket sales begin July 20.

2020–2021 Presenting Series

Matthew Morrison

Friday, September 25, 2020 | 7:30 p.m.

Emmy, Tony, and Golden Globe nominee Matthew Morrison, most recently on Broadway in Finding Neverland, headlines as our Presenting Series season opener. An accomplished, old-school triple threat entertainer known for his silky voice and impressive dancing, the Glee star will light up your night at DPAC with songs from his new album of cherished Disney classics.

Gregory Crowell, organ

Sunday, September 27, 2020 | 4 p.m.

Gregory Crowell is particularly noted for his performances of the keyboard works of Johann Sebastian Bach. He has appeared internationally as organist, harpsichordist, lecturer, and conductor, performing at the American Guild of Organists and Organ Historical Society conventions, the Boston Early Music Festival, and the Saugatuck Chamber Music Festival.

Fred Hersch Trio

Thursday, October 1, 2020 | 7:30 p.m.

In case you need another reason for a night out, we’ve got it. Celebrated pianist Fred Hersch leads his long-running trio of bassist John Hébert and drummer Eric McPherson in a rescheduled date from last season. Expect a sizzling set of fascinating rhythm and beautiful sounds from instrumentalists among the jazz pantheon.

Irish Theatre of Chicago presents Stones In His Pockets by Marie Jones

Friday + Saturday, October 2-3, 2020 | 7:30 p.m.

An Olivier Award-winning play where two actors portray more than 15 characters has enraptured audiences from Belfast to Edinburgh and London to Broadway. Now, Irish Theatre of Chicago mounts Marie Jones’s comedic two-hander centered on small-town Irishmen Charlie and Jake, extras on a big-budget U.S. movie invading their quiet County Kerry backwater in the mid-1990s.

Ailey II

Thursday + Friday, October 8–9, 2020 | 7:30 p.m.

Ailey II is universally-renowned for merging the spirit and energy of the country’s best young dance talent with a dazzling repertoire, including Alvin Ailey’s timeless classics and new works by innovative choreographers. After nearly 50 years, Ailey II’s brilliance still captivates in powerful performances faithful to the Ailey genius.

Fischoff Competition Senior String Division Winner

Sunday, October 18, 2020 | 4 p.m.

Founded in 1973 right here in South Bend, Indiana, the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition has grown to become the largest chamber music competition in the world, and one of the most prestigious classical music prizes attainable today. The 2020 Senior String Division Gold Medal Winner makes a stop on the Presenting Series as part of Fischoff’s international Double Gold Tour.

The Boston Pops on Tour

Sunday, October 11, 2020 | 4 p.m.

We had to reschedule last season’s closer, Lights, Camera … Music! Six Decades of John Williams, for you. The Boston Pops on Tour honor the formidable legacy of John Williams, one of the greatest and most beloved living composers. Hear Williams’s most memorable scores from Star Wars, E.T., and Raiders of the Lost Ark to Jurassic Park, and Harry Potter.

23 Skidoo presents The Secret Agency

Saturday, October 24, 2020 | 11 a.m.

The Secret Agency is part Dr. Seuss and part Dr. Dre! The Grammy-winning, internationally touring, family funk show phenomenon mixes music genres into multi-instrumental, musically sophisticated, lyrically intelligent classic hip-hop. It’s a creative and adventurous show that’ll satisfy a 3-year-old, a 13-year-old, and still get a 30-something rap fiend boppin’. 60 minutes/No intermission/Best for all ages.

VOCES8

Thursday, October 29, 2020 | 7:30 p.m.

The program for this concert is yet to be determined but we guarantee it will be superb! If you love or are curious about choral music, come for this renowned British vocal ensemble’s diverse a cappella program of contemporary and classical songs. They travel the globe to share their joy of singing as they seek to inspire people through music. Recommended for ages 5 and up.

Gilbert Kalish & Christina Dahl, piano

Sunday, November 1, 2020 | 4 p.m.

Legendary Stony Brook University piano faculty members Gil Kalish and Tina Dahl present a recital of works for two pianos and four hands. Now head of the performance faculty, Kalish is a significant figure in American music-making. He was a founding member of the Contemporary Chamber Ensemble, a group that thrived during the ‘60s and ‘70s. Dahl is a chamber musician, soloist, and teacher and a two-time fellow at the Tanglewood Center. Recommended for ages 5 and up.

Dame Emma Kirkby, soprano & Jakob Lindberg, lute

Saturday, November 14, 2020 | 7:30 p.m.

Among the world’s great sopranos, Emma Kirkby’s career spans nearly 50 years and a discography of more than 100 recordings. Her trailblazing contribution revived audiences for the elegant beauties of early Baroque and Renaissance classical music. The winner of the Queen’s Medal for Music is joined by her long-time musical partner, Swedish lutenist Jakob Lindberg. Recommended for ages 5 and up.

Jonathan Hehn ’11, organ

Sunday, November 8, 2020 | 8 p.m.

Jonathan Hehn, O.S.L., is a musician and liturgist currently serving the University of Notre Dame. Hehn has won prizes in both regional and national competitions in organ performance. He is a brother in the Order of Saint, a religious order committed to sacramental renewal and liturgical scholarship.

The Midtown Men: Holiday Hits

Sunday, November 29, 2020 | 4 p.m.

Your holidays will go ring-a-ding-ding thanks to the incredible stars from the original cast of Broadway’s Jersey Boys. Radiating Rat Pack chemistry, they’ll treat you to tight four-part harmonies on Yuletide classics like “Let it Snow” and their signature renditions of ‘60’s hits. Not a performance of/not affiliated with the show “Jersey Boys.”

UZIMA! Drum and Dance

Saturday, January 16, 2021 | 7:30 p.m.

The multicultural Afro-Caribbean dance company brings people of all ages and backgrounds together to celebrate wholeness, health, and life through drum and dance. UZIMA! returns as the highlight of the Center’s contribution to the community celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and joins the University of Notre Dame’s observance, Walk the Walk Week.

Huw Lewis, organ

Sunday, January 24, 2021 | 4 p.m.

Huw Lewis is Professor of Music, Organ, at Hope College. He performs nationally and internationally regularly and has been featured at meetings and conventions sponsored by professional organizations, including the American Guild of Organists and the Royal College of Organists.

The Clayton Brothers Quintet

Friday, February 5, 2021 | 7:30 p.m.

Fueled by the cohesion and creativity of two prolific brothers — seven-time Grammy winner John (bass) and Jeff (saxophone) — their Grammy-nominated quintet is rounded out by John’s son, Grammy-nominated Gerald Clayton (piano), Terell Stafford (trumpet), and David Alvarez (drums).

Trike Theatre presents The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs!

Saturday, February 6, 2021 | 11 a.m. + 2 p.m.

There are two sides to every story, and when the Big, Bad Wolf takes the stand in Piggsylvania’s Trial of the Century, he finally gets his say. But whether he’ll get a fair trial in a corrupt piggy court is anyone’s guess. Enter the jury box and decide the fate of Big ‘n’ Bad in this musical adaptation of the hit children’s book. 60 minutes/No intermission/Best for ages 3+.

BODYTRAFFIC

Friday + Saturday, January 29–30, 2021 | 7:30 p.m.

“One of the most talked-about companies nationwide” (L.A. Times) and named as one of Dance Magazine’s “25 to Watch,” BODYTRAFFIC has surged to the forefront of the concert dance world. After celebrating its 10th anniversary with a world tour to more than 20 cities, BODYTRAFFIC has pushed into new styles and movement vocabulary that is not only surprising but unforgettable. Its program features Snap by former company dancer Micaela Taylor.

Lankum

Friday, February 12, 2021 | 7:30 p.m.

Brothers Ian and Daragh Lynch, along with Cormac MacDiarmada and Radie Peat, are breathing new life into old music. They have an alchemical ability to combine traditional folk roots with urban punk fervor. What they forge in sets spanning Dublin music-hall ditties to their own original material is music that is intense, mysterious, and transcendental.

Jennifer Koh, violin

Sunday, February 14, 2021 | 4 p.m.

In his review of Jennifer Koh’s glorious “Shared Madness” program performed in the 2016 NY Phil Biennial, The New York Times’s Anthony Tommasini wrote, “Just as Paganini explored 19th-century violin virtuosity in his solo caprices, the composers who wrote these pieces for Ms. Koh explored the ‘meaning of virtuosity in the 21st century,’ as she explained in a program note. On Tuesday, she played 16 of them with tireless passion and stunning brilliance.” Learn why it’s shared madness to come between a violinist and her violin. Recommended for ages 5 and up.

Irish Theatre of Chicago presents Marble by Marina Carr

Friday + Saturday, February 19–20, 2021 | 7:30 p.m.

Two couples inhabit the uneasy spaces of marriage and gender roles in a relationship drama that will disturb and interrupt your empathy. Catherine and Ben, and Art and Anne, have urban, successful, young family lives full of indulgence. Then a recurring dream bursts the bourgeoisie bubbles in which each has been living.

Renée Anne Louprette, organ

Sunday, February 28, 2021 | 4 p.m.

Renée Anne Louprette has established an international career as an organ recitalist and conductor. Renowned as a liturgical organist, improviser, and consummate musician, she is associated with several famous sacred music programs in the New York City area. Her recording of the Great Eighteen Chorales of J. S. Bach on the Metzler Organ in the chapel of Trinity College, Cambridge, England, was named a classical music Critics’ Choice 2014 by The New York Times.

Yo-Yo Ma & Kathryn Stott

Thursday, March 4, 2021 | 7:30 p.m.

Classical music’s most celebrated artist, world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma, is joined by his long-time friend and collaborator, Kathryn Stott. Internationally recognized as one of Britain’s most versatile and imaginative pianists, the Washington Post wrote Stott is “every bit Ma’s equal, playing with striking individuality.” Their reunion is your rare chance to hear a live performance by one of the most influential and best-selling classical artists alive. Recommended for ages 5 and up.

Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional de México with Alexandra Soumm, violin

Wednesday, March 17, 2021 | 7:30 p.m.

French violinist Alexandra Soumm joins this rare U.S. tour. Founded in 1928, the Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional is the most crucial musical ensemble in Mexico. The award-winning orchestra’s programs feature a wide range of traditional orchestral music. Named Musical America’s 2019 Conductor of the Year, Music Director Miguel Prieto is considered the leading Mexican conductor of his generation.

Camerata RCO

Sunday, March 28, 2021 | 4 p.m.

The Camerata RCO brings the magnificent talents of Amsterdam’s Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra to the realm of chamber music. Musicians from the orchestra band together to perform some of their favorite works during a rare American tour. This is a brilliant opportunity for you to hear the music of the pillars of the chamber repertoire. Recommended for ages 5 and up.

Patina Miller

Saturday, April 10, 2021 | 7:30 p.m.

When it comes to performing, there’s nothing Patina Miller can’t do. The Tony winner (Pippin) and nominee (Sister Act) leads in Starz’s Power Book III: Raising Kanan, a prequel covering the early years of Power character Kanan Stark. She also starred in CBS’s Madam Secretary. Now, add cabaret to a prolific career in Broadway, TV, and film. Miller’s impressive range shines in everything from classic R&B to Broadway standards.