Program Letter from Rudy

Friends,

For almost 90 years, the Artist Series has been a beacon for global artistry at Macky Auditorium, enriching our cultural landscape. As director and curator of the series now entering a second season, I am thrilled to bring you our 2025-2026 season—one that celebrates the cultural fabric of Boulder and our university community.

The season begins with Aristo Sham, this year’s Cliburn Piano Competition Gold Medal winner, followed by Ballet Hispánico’s “CARMEN.maquia” on Oct. 9, a powerful reimagining of the classic tale through Latin and flamenco culture. On Nov. 7, Cirque Kalabanté presents “Afrique en Cirque,” a stunning blend of acrobatics, West African rhythms and dance. The holiday season heats up with the Bria Skonberg Sextet’s “Jingle Bell Swing” on Dec. 11, bringing jazz joy to Boulder.

In 2026, we welcome Baroque ensemble Ruckus on Jan. 23, performing “The Edinburgh Rollick” with violinist Keir GoGwilt and featuring folk music from the Niel Gow Collections. Versa-Style Street Dance from Los Angeles pays tribute to the guardians of street dance on Feb. 11. On March 11, by popular demand, Danú returns to share the traditional music of Ireland.

On March 28, Bang on a Can All-Stars perform Ryuichi Sakamoto’s “1996,” a rare live performance of the legendary composer’s works for film. The season concludes on April 11 with Michael Feinstein and the Carnegie Hall Ensemble in “Big Band Broadway” celebrating the Great American Songbook.

I invite you to join us and be part of these transformative experiences this season. Please consider becoming a subscriber or supporting the Artist Series with an additional gift as ticket sales cover only a portion of the costs of bringing these world-class artists to Boulder.

Rudy Betancourt 

Director, CU Artist Series + Macky Auditorium

“Culture does not create humanity; humanity creates culture and our humanity is embodied in what we create and share, not in what we consume.” —Ted Gioia