We’re so happy we connected with so many of you in the safety of your homes during the past year with our online programs. Here are a few of our favorite (virtual) highlights: awe-inspiring moments with Martha Graham Dance Company, a commissioned work reflecting on the isolation of quarantine by dance company DIAVOLO, a tribute to Linda Ronstadt with Aida Cuevas and Marisoul, our annual holiday celebration Nochebuena, soul-stirring performances on Violins of Hope, and the virtual kickoff of our 10th Anniversary celebration.
Martha Graham Dance Company’s Immediate Tragedy
Premiered: June 19, 2020
Inspired by Martha Graham’s lost solo from 1937, Immediate Tragedy is a new digital creation created by 22 artists collaborating from locations across the U.S. and Europe using a variety of technologies to coordinate movement, music, and digital design. Commissioned by The Soraya, the new work references today’s immediate tragedy and is choreographed by Janet Eilber and the dancers of Martha Graham Dance Company with a new score by Christopher Rountree performed by Wild Up⇈, and digital design by Ricki Quinn.
In the Press
The New York Times: ‘If I Was Martha, What Would I Do?’ For One, Stay Upright
Diavolo’s This Is Me: Letters From The Front Lines
Premiered: July 31, 2020
This Is Me – Letters from the Front Lines is a new dance film by Diavolo that captures the resilience, determination, and hope of the human spirit, following the paths of military veterans and first responders as they share what it means to be true warriors on the front lines – and fight the invisible enemy that all humanity is currently battling. At a time when most have been asked to halt and withdraw, others, like soldiers, are charging forward.
Violins of Hope
Premiered: November 20, 2020
The Violins of Hope, interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, have been kept safely under The Soraya stage for the past 7 months. In a farewell performance and interview, we say goodbye, for now, to these historic instruments that stand as a testament to resilience, now more than ever.
Linda Ronstadt Tribute featuring Aida Cuevas and La Marisoul
Premiered: November 21, 2020
Aida Cuevas, La Marisoul, Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar and special guest David Hidalgo from Los Lobos pay tribute to the legend Linda Ronstadt with performances of “Desperado,” “Por un amor,” “When Will I be Loved,” “Los Laureles” and many more filmed at San Fernando Valley’s performing arts center The Soraya on the California State University, Northridge campus. Plus, an interview with Linda Ronstadt.
Nochebuena
Premiered: December 18, 2020
In what has become a popular Mexican holiday tradition at The Soraya, the lively Nochebuena celebration returns this year as Nochebuena En Casa, an online presentation. This year’s extraordinary line-up – all of whom are returning artists and part of The Soraya family – includes “The Queen of Ranchera” Aida Cuevas along with Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles, Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar, Suzanna Guzmán, plus José “Pepe” Martínez Jr. and Susie García.
Nochebuena En Casa was hosted by Dan Guerrero, an award-winning producer of diverse programming for network and cable television and of live arts and culture concert events.
From Their Homes to Yours
This season, The Soraya spent some time up close with some of The Soraya’s favorite artists of Jazz, Broadway, and Tap dance.
For the past ten months, we’ve been bringing you together with artists online, which has been unique, engaging, and even personal.
The Soraya’s 10th Anniversary
Premiered: January 29, 2021
To celebrate The Soraya’s 10th Anniversary, we take a look back at the road that led to The Soraya’s creation – from construction to curtain call.