There is plenty of promise on Denver’s fine arts calendar for 2024, a mix of classical music, dance and visual arts. Here are some highlights.
The Pacifica Quartet, with Karen Slack, Jan. 17, Newman Center
The Pacifica Quartet has been a top-ranking player on the international music scene for decades now and the string ensemble is a favorite with local crowds whenever it comes through town. This time, there is a very welcome addition to the usual lineup, soprano Karen Slack, who will join to perform contemporary composer James Lee III’s “Double Standard for Soprano and String Quartet.” It’s an up-to-date twist for a timeless act. The Newman Center is on the University of Denver campus, 2344 E. Iliff Ave Info: 303-871-7720 or friendsofchambermusic.com.
Company Hervé Koubi, Jan. 23, Newman Center
Newman Center Presents has a big 2024 on the books, starting with this dance company that is getting serious attention across the globe. French-Algerian choreographer Hervé Koubi is known for creating highly physical, acrobatic works that blend traditional movements of Mediterranean cultures with contemporary ideas about dance. Critics have gone crazy over this troupe, which includes Algerian, Moroccan, Bulgarian, Italian and French dancers. The Newman Center is on the University of Denver campus, 2344 E. Iliff Ave. Info: 303-871-7720 or newmancenterpresents.com.
Imagination Music Series, February-April, Colorado Symphony
The most impressive thing about the Colorado Symphony’s experimental Imagination Artist Series is just how committed everyone has been to the cause. That includes the orchestra, plus all three of the pop-world musicians it has invited separately to collaborate: rapper and record producer RZA; Broadway veteran Mary-Mitchell Campbell; and local indie rocker Nathaniel Rateliff. The series comes to a climax this year with three crowd-pleasing events.
RZA starts it off Feb. 16-17 with a re-do of the legendary hip hip album “Only Built 4 Cuban Linx … .” Campbell follows March 15-16, leading a tribute to musicians associated with California’s Laurel Canyon. Ratliff closes it out April 5-6, with a tribute to singer and songwriter Leonard Cohen. Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver Performing Arts Complex. Info: 303-623-7876, or coloradosymphony.org.
“Have a Seat: Mexican Chair Design Today,” Feb 18-Nov. 3, Denver Art Museum
DAM’s upcoming design show is full of promise, a chance to see work from 22 of the most interesting Mexican designers working today; an opportunity to learn how old traditions are crashing into new ideas in the furniture world; and — interestingly — a chance to try out the goods. Well, at least some of the goods, since visitors will be invited to sit on selected seats. Curator Jorge Rivas Pérez knows this terrain well and pairs the chairs with a site-specific art installation by Daniel Valero, the creative force behind the in-demand brand Mestiz. DAM, 100 W. 14th Ave. Info: 720-865-5000 or denverartmuseum.org.
“The Flying Dutchman,” Feb. 24-March 3, Ellie Caulkins Opera House
Wagner’s “The Flying Dutchman” premiered in 1843, and it has been a staple of the opera world ever since. Still, we do not get to hear it too often in these parts, so Opera Colorado’s staging is a welcome gift. The story, set on a famous ghost ship, is part supernatural legend and part love story. It’s a bit old-world, to say the least, but it has a big heart and a classic tale about redemption. Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver Performing Arts Center. Info: 303-468-2030 or operacolorado.org.
Gala Porras-Kim, Steven J. Yazzie, Ken Gun Min, March 8-May 26, Museum of Contemporary Art Denver
The MCA Denver continues its tradition of presenting multiple exhibitions on a similar timetable with these three solo shows running simultaneously on different levels of the museum. Gala Porras-Kim, whose work connects to nature, will show sculptures and paintings that “will grow, evolve or degrade throughout the lifespan of the exhibition.” Steven J. Yazzie brings new works from his series inspired by the landscape of Navajo reservations in Arizona and New Mexico where he grew up. Ken Gun Min, in his first museum solo, will show creatively composed landscapes that explore “race, gender, sexuality and the immigrant experience.” MCA Denver, 1485 Delgany St. Info: 303 236 1836 or mcadenver.org.
Okareka Dance, March 10, Newman Center
Okareka Dance is a Maori dance company based in New Zealand. The troupe gets much of its inspiration from indigenous tales that it pulls from the past and reinterprets for contemporary audiences, incorporating multi-media elements into the movement. This evening will feature a signature work, “‘Mana Wahine [Powerful Women]” so it is a good opportunity to see the company at its core. The Newman Center, University of Denver campus, 2344 E. Iliff Ave. Info: 303-871-7720 or newmancenterpresents.com.
“Biophilia,” May 5-Aug. 11, Denver Art Museum
“Biophilia” will be a departure for DAM, an ambitious exhibit that intends to show how the natural world connects to the human-made objects created by contemporary designers, architects and artists. It’s a big theme, and it is hard to picture how the final product will take shape, but curator Darrin Alfred has put together an impressive roster of international players who just might pull off something special. Among the names: fashion designer Iris van Herpen, architects from Studio Gang, and the tech-savvy arts collective teamLab. DAM, 100 W. 14th Ave. Info: 720-865-5000 or denverartmuseum.org.
Ray Rinaldi is a freelance writer based in Denver who specializes in fine arts.
