Arthur Wille, London City Ballet, photo by ash
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- McCarter Theatre Center has announced its 2026–2027 Dance and Music Series, bringing world-renowned artists to Princeton, with a season spanning Bach's St. Matthew Passion, contemporary dance, and orchestral masterworks.
"Each season, we look for artists who expand how we see and experience the world," said Paula Abreu, Director of Presented Programming, William Lockwood Jr. Chair. "This year's dance and music series bring together extraordinary voices across traditions, offering performances that invite discovery, connection, and reflection."
2026–2027 Dance Series
London City Ballet makes its McCarter debut on Wednesday, November 4, 2026 with a dynamic mixed repertory program. Anchored by Glen Tetley's Firebird, revived in his centenary year, the evening also includes Ashley Page's Mephisto Waltz, Jerome Robbins' Quiet City, and Soon, a new work by Tasha Chu.
Praised by The New York Times as "one of the most profound choreographers of his modern dance generation," Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE performs on Thursday, February 11, 2027. Celebrating its 40th anniversary season, the company blends African dance with contemporary choreography, music, and spoken word to create works rooted in community and storytelling. The program concludes with Grace, a signature work in the repertory since 2004.
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, a leading force in contemporary dance, returns on Thursday, April 8, 2027 with a program featuring works by Matthew Rushing, Bob Fosse, Chanel DaSilva, and Aszure Barton.
2026–2027 Music Series
Pianist Eric Lu, photo by Lukasz Rajchert
Pianist Eric Lu performs on Tuesday, November 17, 2026. Winner of the International Chopin Piano Competition, Lu is acclaimed for his poetic insight and expressive depth. His program features works by Brahms, Schubert, and Chopin.
The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center returns on Monday, December 14, 2026 at Richardson Auditorium, Princeton University with Bach's Brandenburg Concertos, six landmark works of the Baroque era known for their brilliance, structural invention, and enduring vitality.
The National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine performs on Monday, February 1, 2027. Founded in 1918, the orchestra is among Eastern Europe's leading ensembles and serves as a prominent cultural ambassador for Ukraine. The program includes works by Bortniansky and Silvestrov, alongside Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4, performed by pianist Antonii Baryshevskyi, and Symphony No. 5.
The Monteverdi Choir and English Baroque Soloists, conducted by Masaaki Suzuki, perform Bach's St. Matthew Passion on Wednesday, February 17, 2027 at 7:00pm. Internationally regarded as one of the foremost interpreters of Bach, Suzuki brings clarity and emotional depth to this monumental work through his historically informed approach.
Dance & Classical Music Schedule & Program Details
London City Ballet: Firebird & Mixed Repertory
Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at 7:00pm
Matthews Theatre
Two years on and nearing 100 performances later, London City Ballet makes its McCarter debut with its latest program. The program's anchor is Glen Tetley's Firebird, revived in his centenary year. Originally created for the Royal Danish Ballet, this reinterpretation tells the story of a young woman breaking free from constraint and embracing her individuality. The evening opens with Ashley Page's Mephisto Waltz, followed by Jerome Robbins' Quiet City and Tasha Chu's Soon.
Program
Mephisto Waltz (Ashley Page)
Soon (Tasha Chu)
Quiet City (Jerome Robbins)
Firebird (Glen Tetley)
Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE
Thursday, February 11, 2027 at 7:30pm
Matthews Theatre
Praised by The New York Times as "one of the most profound choreographers of his modern dance generation," Ronald K. Brown blends African dance with contemporary choreography, music, and spoken word to tell stories that illuminate the human experience. Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the company's work reflects a deep commitment to community, culture, and storytelling.
Program
Upside Down
Clear As Tear Water
Gatekeepers
Grace
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago
Thursday, April 8, 2027 at 7:30pm
Matthews Theatre
For nearly 50 years, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago has been a leading force in contemporary dance, bringing innovative choreographers and repertory works to audiences worldwide.
Program
Beauty Chasers (Matthew Rushing)
Percussion IV (Bob Fosse)
ATLAS (Chanel DaSilva)
New work (Aszure Barton)
Eric Lu, piano
Tuesday, November 17, 2026 at 7:30pm
Matthews Theatre
Program
Brahms: Theme & Variations, Op. 18b
Schubert: 4 Impromptus, Op. 142
Chopin: Polonaise, Op. 71 No. 2
Chopin: Sonata No. 3, Op. 58
Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center: The Brandenburg Concertos
Monday, December 14, 2026 at 7:30pm
Richardson Auditorium, Princeton University
National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine
Monday, February 1, 2027 at 7:30pm
Matthews Theatre
Program
With pianist Antonii Baryshevskyi
Bortniansky: Il Quinto Fabio Overture
Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 4
Silvestrov: Silent Music
Beethoven: Symphony No. 5
Monteverdi Choir & English Baroque Soloists
Bach: St. Matthew Passion
Masaaki Suzuki, conductor
Wednesday, February 17, 2027 at 7:00pm
Matthews Theatre
Program
Bach: St. Matthew Passion
Ticket Information
Tickets and subscriptions are available at mccarter.org or by calling Patron Services at 609-258-2787.
Subscribers enjoy the best seats at the best price, along with benefits including priority access to additional events, flexible exchange policies, and more.
McCarter Theatre is located at 91 University Place, Princeton, New Jersey.
McCarter is one of the country's flagship theaters and a vibrant center for community and the performing arts. Located on the campus of Princeton University, the independent nonprofit serves as a nationally renowned, multi-disciplinary creative hub for arts and ideas, offering theatre, music, dance, spoken word, and education programs for all ages.
A two-time Tony Award winner, McCarter's legacy of artistic excellence dates back to 1930. Thornton Wilder's Our Town, George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart's You Can't Take It with You, and William Inge's Bus Stop all premiered on the McCarter stage.
McCarter is equally revered for presenting global artists including Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Yo-Yo Ma, Samara Joy, Hasan Minhaj, Jon Stewart, Caetano Veloso, Rhiannon Giddens, Patti Smith, Esperanza Spalding, Lake Street Dive, and Herbie Hancock.
Each year, more than 5,000 students participate in McCarter's educational programs across the region. McCarter creates experiences that enliven minds, expand imaginations, and engage communities.
