News Summary
Texas Performing Arts has unveiled its lineup for the upcoming season, featuring 17 events from diverse genres. The season opener will feature Carrie Rodriguez alongside guest artists, culminating in a performance by Rhiannon Giddens. Highlights include the return of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s iconic ‘Revelations’ and concerts by renowned musicians. Ticket sales will begin soon, with a presale option for members. Additionally, the local organization Future Front Texas will hold the Front Festival in celebration of its 10th anniversary.
Austin, Texas – Texas Performing Arts has announced an exciting lineup for its 2025-2026 season, which features a total of 17 events and aims to be accessible to everyone. The season is set to kick off on Sunday, November 2, 2025, and will run until Sunday, May 2, 2026.
The season opener will feature Carrie Rodriguez, accompanied by the Laboratorio house band and guest artists Gaby Moreno and Mireya Ramos. Attendees can expect a diverse program that includes a mix of original music, classic covers, and a unique “radionovela” reading. The season will conclude with a performance by Rhiannon Giddens, a celebrated banjo player and cultural educator who has garnered two Grammy Awards, a Pulitzer Prize, and a MacArthur “Genius” grant for her significant contributions to the preservation and celebration of African American music and history.
Among the highlights of this season will be the iconic Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, which will present its staple performance titled “Revelations” on March 3, 2026. This seminal work explores the African American experience through powerful spirituals and gospel music, making it a profound cultural event, especially given the Ailey company’s absence from Austin for the past 15 years.
The renowned jazz trumpeter and nine-time Grammy winner Wynton Marsalis will also grace the season, leading the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra on November 15 with a program of new and classic compositions. Additional performances will include classical pianist Lang Lang, showcasing pieces by Mozart, Beethoven, and others, and celebrating Mendelssohn’s Octet’s 200th anniversary with performances by the Miró and Isidore Quartets.
In a unique twist, Chicago’s Manual Cinema will present a creative reimagining of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” in the form of avant-garde theater through its piece, “The 4th Witch.” This variety of performances will ensure a rich and diverse season that appeals to a broad audience.
General ticket sales for the season will begin on Friday, June 13, 2025, at 10 AM. For those looking to secure tickets earlier, a presale for Texas Inner Circle members will start on Monday, June 9, at noon.
In addition to the season schedule, the local organization Future Front Texas (FFTX) is celebrating its 10th anniversary by hosting the Front Festival from August 28-31. Although FFTX has faced challenges, including losing $65,000 in federal funding, it remains dedicated to supporting women and LGBTQ+ artists through active community engagement and participation in its events. The organization distributes over $25,000 to emerging artists annually through partnerships and has opened its call for artists, running until June 30.
The upcoming performances of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, particularly the presentation of “Revelations,” hold special significance due to the company’s rich history. Originally premiered in 1960, this work profoundly explores themes of Black history and culture, confronting issues of slavery, spiritual redemption, and community strength. The founder of the Ailey company, Alvin Ailey, grew up in nearby Rogers, Texas, further emphasizing the cultural connection of the dance theater to the Austin community.
Civic leaders in Austin have expressed enthusiasm for the return of the Ailey company, recognizing its vital role in celebrating Black culture and its continued relevance in today’s social landscape. The upcoming performances not only feature “Revelations” but also include newer pieces and shorter versions of classic Ailey works, ensuring that audiences experience both tradition and innovation in this celebrated art form.
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Additional Resources
- CultureMap Austin
- Google Search: Texas Performing Arts 2025-2026 season
- New Yorker
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Alvin Ailey
- Austin American-Statesman
- Google Scholar: Revelations Alvin Ailey
- The Daily Texan
- Google News: Alvin Ailey Dance Theater AUSTIN
- Austin Chronicle
- Wikipedia: Broadway theatre
