Announcing the 2024-25 Season at Krannert Center

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign proudly announces the 2024-25 performance season, featuring an exciting mix of both emerging and world-class artists. Events from September to May showcase national and international performers and multiple GRAMMY award-winners, as well as university student performances in music, theatre, lyric theatre, and dance.

Julieanne Ehre, newly appointed Assistant Director for Programming and Engagement states, “In my first year of overseeing programming at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, my guiding light was ‘joy.’ Our team focused on bringing our diverse community together through joyous events that highlight our common humanity.”

The season kicks off with the Opening Night Party on September 6, featuring Cyro Baptista, Squonk, and hip-hop dance and music with nationally acclaimed artists Versa-Style, Ladies of Hip-Hop, and Era Footwork Crew with special guest DJ Spinn, followed by the evening’s headliner, reggae band Soja. The celebration continues on September 7 with all ages events throughout the day.

Marquee performances include classical music from the London Philharmonic Orchestra October 15, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra November 7, GRAMMY Award-winning soprano Renée Fleming January 25, and the Czech National Philharmonic Orchestra of Moravia February 16. Sinfonia da Camera and the Jupiter String Quartet will continue as Krannert Center artists-in-residence, with several performances this season.

Other celebrated musicians appearing at Krannert Center include legendary jazz saxophonist Charles Lloyd October 23, Michael Feinstein’s tribute to Tony Bennett November 9. Other GRAMMY Award-winning artists include Indian percussionist Zakir Hussain with Rahul Sharma October 29, Meshell Ndegeocello on January 28, and Terence Blanchard’s excerpts from Fire Shut Up in My Bones on February 27. 10,000 Maniacs plays February 11.

Dance afficionados will welcome LaTasha Barnes’ The Jazz Continuum September 14, Dancing on the Ceiling September 20 and 21, and the famed Mark Morris Dance Group and Musical Ensemble February 20 and 21.

Fans of the theatre will enjoy performances by The 7 Fingers cirque troupe September 26-27, Food by Geoff Sobelle March 6-8, Drinking Brecht by Sister Sylvester October 10-12, Second City October 19, Broadway legend Mandy Patinkin with Nathan Gunn April 9, and a conversation with MacArthur “Genius” Taylor Mac April 22.

Krannert Center is privileged to host our University of Illinois resident producers as they present their selections for the 2024-25 season: Illinois Theatre returns to the historic Virginia Theatre in downtown Champaign for Krannert Center at the Virginia with Dracula, A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really November 14-16. Lyric Theatre @ Illinois’ season includes a production of Oklahoma November 12-16, and Dance at Illinois’ October Dance is at Krannert Center October 10-12.

Krannert Center’s Uncorked series will continue to feature the best of the Champaign-Urbana local music scene at Stage 5 in the Krannert Center lobby on select Thursdays from 5-7pm. The Krannert Center Youth Series will feature four performances for K-12 students, including 7 Fingers, Imani Winds and Boston Brass, Hero: The Boy from Troy and musical group 123 Andrés (also GRAMMY winners for Best Children’s Album 2024).

We are grateful to host the Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra as they return to Krannert Center for their 65th season. Stephen Alltop, music director and conductor, will lead the CUSO through four performances: Season Opening: Music and Majesty (October 12); Holiday Concert: Season of Glory (December 11); Beethoven's Fifth Symphony (March 8); and The Rite of Spring (April 12). They will also perform a Youth Series concert, Carnival of the Animals, on April 22 and 23.

Krannert Center continues its support of local presenters with the celebration of PYGMALION’s 20^th Anniversary September 19-21, the opening night of the Champaign-Urbana Folk and Roots Festival October 3, the 10^th anniversary of Champaign Urbana Jazz Festival on October 10, and the first anniversary of Illinois Public Media’s new radio station, Illinois Soul, on February 1.

Ticket on-sale dates will be announced later this summer.

Since 1969, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts has offered a vibrant selection of music, theatre, and dance programming. Fulfilling roles as both a professional venue for internationally touring artists and a hub of education in and through the performing arts, Krannert Center works at the intersection of classroom, laboratory, and public square. Audience members from all walks of life are encouraged to experience the joy and wonder that live performances at Krannert Center can offer.

Complete 2024-25 Season Calendar. All Events Subject to Change.

Opening Weekend

FR SEP 6