Part of Duke Performances' mission is to help artists produce new work. Therefore, several performances a year feature brand-new music, theatrical and dance works specifically commissioned by Duke University. Additionally, the programming often seeks out the bleeding edge of the arts, allowing audiences to experience the latest thought provoking experiments and triumphs in various genres. Here is a complete schedule of performances for the current season.
To make the broad range of programming more accessible, Duke Performances creates series of themed shows for each season. For instance, the 2010-11 season had a series called Witnesses, featuring bands who breathe new life in to old-time music forms such as string band, bluegrass, Cajun and country. Another series was entitled Travelers and included international artists in both music and theater, "providing a lesson in artist dynamism and showcasing a hybrid American tradition defined, most of all, by its ability to move." They also offer more traditional performances such as the Piano Recital Series and the Chamber Arts Society.
The season runs close to the academic calendar and all shows are open to the public. One great way to get to know Duke Performances is with the Pick-4 program, which offers a 20 percent discount for purchasing tickets to any four or more programs at the same time (they don't have to be in the same series). Season tickets to other packages as well as any of the classical series are also eligible for discounts. Get ticket information and purchase tickets for Duke Performances.