UF Performing Arts celebrates 20 years with 20 ‘anniversary artists’

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Michael Blachly, director of University of Florida Performing Arts, Wednesday announced the 2011-2012 season, which kicks off a two-year celebration of UFPA’s 20th anniversary.

The program that eventually became UFPA started with the Florida Arts Celebration and the construction of the Phillips Center, which opened its doors in January 1992 with three sold-out performances of “Cats.” Because the year 2012 coincides with both the 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 seasons, UFPA decided to celebrate the anniversary over both seasons, Blachly said.

Among the 2011-2012 season line-up are returning artists such as Pilobolus Dance Theatre, which has “senior status” among UFPA’s 20th anniversary artists. The company made its first Gainesville appearance in January 1993. Just behind Pilobolus is violinist Joshua Bell, who first appeared in March 1994 with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. His Feb. 4 performance with Sam Haywood marks his sixth appearance under the auspices of UFPA.

This season marks the Ahn Trio’s seventh appearance with UFPA. The trio also holds the record for the most collaborations, having worked with artists such as the David Benoit Trio (November 2007), Australian pop duo The Kin (February 2009) and Welson Tremura and Larry Crook in BraziliAHN Trio (February 2010). This season, they’ll present Temptation of the Muses with the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company on Feb. 9.

The most frequent 20th anniversary artist award goes to Interpreti Veneziani. The chamber group has appeared on UFPA’s schedule each season since its U.S. premiere during the 2006-2007 Season. Interpreti Veneziani makes its sixth appearance Nov. 6.

In all, 20 “20th Anniversary Artists” will be making a repeat appearance during the 2011-2012 season. Of those, three artists will be returning in solo performances. Peter Yarrow, who has previously performed with Peter, Paul and Mary, and Órla Fallon, who has performed with Celtic Woman, will both be performing intimate solo concerts in the Squitieri Studio Theatre. Aaron Neville, who appeared in 2005 with The Neville Brothers, will perform a holiday-themed concert Nov. 25.

Other 20th Anniversary Artists making an appearance during the 2011-2012 season include vocalist Audra McDonald (Nov. 8), The Manhattan Transfer (Jan. 19), STOMP (March 30 and 31), the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis (March 13) and Buddy Guy (April 21).

Artists appearing for the first time under the auspices of UFPA include the Mongolian music ensemble AnDa Union (Oct. 20); Young Concert Artist Caroline Goulding (Nov. 13); Women Fully Clothed (Jan. 21 & 22); the Canadian acoustic pop duo Dala (February 11); the Joffrey Ballet (March 27); and the Australian Chamber Orchestra with Dawn Upshaw (April 20).

“We are fortunate to be able to bring back artists such as Joshua Bell, Peter Yarrow, Audra McDonald and Buddy Guy, while continuing to expand and internationalize our program by presenting new, emerging artists such as Buffalo Rome, Vijay Iyer Trio and Delfos Danza Contemporánea,” said Blachly.

Tickets for the 2011-2012 Season go on sale at noon Monday, June 27.