Calendar

Six-time Grammy nominee and NAACP Image Award Winner for Outstanding Jazz Album-Vocal Category, Marcus and Jean Baylor share a combined musicianship that is unmatched. With their wide-ranging musical influences, The Baylor Project generates an eclectic sound at the intersection of jazz and gospel whose overall effect is spiritual, buoyant, feel-good music for all generations. Feb. 16.

Formed in 2007 by Norwegian trumpeter Tine Thing Helseth as a fun and exciting collaboration among musical friends, the 10-piece all-female brass ensemble tenThing have established themselves on the international scene to great acclaim. tenThing are celebrated for their commitment to outreach and access to music through a diverse repertoire that spans Mozart to Weill, Grieg to Bernstein and Lully to Bartok. March 15.

You will hear those who sing for the seas. From Taiwan to Aotearoa/New Zealand, Madagascar to Rapa Nui/Easter Island, Small Island Big Song maintain the cultural voice of their people, sing in the language and play the instruments of their land. These unique lineages mixed with their diverse contemporary styles – roots-reggae, beats, grunge, R&B, folk and spoken-word – establish a stunning contemporary musical dialogue among cultures. April 6.

As a brilliant reflection of the vibrant and growing music community in Greenville, the Alexander Series is proud to present the New Carolina Sinfonia. This professional orchestra gathers ECU faculty members, talented and accomplished alumni and other regional professionals under the baton of Jorge Richter as the cream of the crop in classical music. May 25.

Two-thirds rhythm and one-third soul. That’s how Fats Waller defined the uniquely American form of popular music and dance known as swing. Requiring only joyful enthusiasm and a ready partner, swing exploded out of prewar Harlem’s hotbed of youth culture and swept the world. SWING! celebrates this remarkable diversity to the beat of the most exhilarating songs of the period. This enthralling song-and-dance show reminds us that swing isn’t a time or place but a state of mind. Feb. 22-26.

Spring Dance 2023 celebrates the works of visiting guest artists, our esteemed faculty and our student choreographers as we highlight the musical works of Kurt Weill. Each piece interprets Weill’s evolving musical style, before, during and after the Holocaust. March 22-26.

The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society is proud to present their new production of a 1920s murder mystery. However, the set is not yet complete and there is no time to finish it. … Oh, well — the show must go on! The Play That Goes Wrong is an uproarious comedy where sets collapse, lines are forgotten, props start to disappear and actors go missing. Mayhem and chaos abound, the acting gets worse, and the set becomes progressively more dangerous, but the cast and crew struggle on regardless. Will any of the company members will remain standing, or conscious for that matter, by the final curtain? April 17-21.

Get ready to “Activate.” Dance, sing and learn about being active in your community with 123 Andrés! Andrés and Christina are the Latin Grammy-winning music duo whose catchy songs and lively performances get the whole audience dancing, singing and learning. Feb. 9.

As the first Polkadot in an all-Square school, Lily faces an almost impossible task of gaining acceptance from her peers. From daily bullying to segregated drinking fountains, Lily’s quest seems hopeless until she meets Sky, a shy Square boy whose curiosity for her unique polkadot skin blooms into an unexpected pal-ship. Inspired by the events of the Little Rock Nine, Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical serves as a colorful history lesson for children, reminding them that our individual differences make us awesome, not outcasts. March 28.

ORCHESTRA

The ECU Symphony Orchestra is in concert Feb. 10 performing Felix Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in D and Antonín Dvořák’s Czech Suite, Op. 39. On March 16, they perform William Grant Still’s Danzas de Panama for Strings, Jean Sibelius’ Pelleas and Melisande Suite, Op. 26. On April 13, they perform Lukas Foss’ Renaissance Concerto and Mozart’s Symphony No. 41 in C “Jupiter,” K. 551. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. at Wright Auditorium and are free and open to the public.