MoCA Westport's Performing Arts Series is a hidden gem within Fairfield County. Beyond providing entertainment, this series embodies an immersive journey through the arts that captivates a wide array of tastes and preferences. Situated at 19 Newtown Turnpike in Westport, CT, MoCA Westport has become a beacon for those seeking vibrant, diverse, and engaging performing arts experiences.
Starting with "MoCA Some Noise: Open Mic Night" on January 5, this series is all about showcasing a variety of talents, right from our backyard. Kristen Young, the visionary behind MoCA Westport's Performing Arts, says, "We’re excited to bring a mix of performances that resonate with Fairfield County’s unique community.”
What sets MoCA Westport apart is its steadfast commitment to inclusivity and genre diversity. Collaborations and solo performances alike are curated to transcend conventional boundaries, creating an environment where music becomes a unifying force, stirring emotions, and fostering connections among community members.
Fairfield County is known for its vibrant culture, and MoCA Westport’s series is a perfect reflection of that. "We're not just putting on shows; we're creating a hub where art, community, and experience intersect," Kristen Young, Director of Performing Arts adds. From classical renditions to contemporary compositions, jazz ensembles to folk ballads, the Performing Arts 2024 Series is a testament to the power of artistic expression. It's more than just a series of events; it's an invitation to embark on a journey where every note strikes a chord, resonating deeply within the hearts of all who attend.
This series is your ticket to the heart of Fairfield County’s art scene. The lineup for 2024 is robust. Following MoCA Some Noise, trumpet player Anthony Hervey takes the stage on Saturday, January 27, a Jazz at Lincoln Center Emerging Artist who is recognized by Grammy.com as one of “10 emerging artists to know in 2023”. Local talent and sensational vocalist Michelle Pauker performs Love Songs on Friday, February 9, followed by a delightful Children's Program on Saturday, March 23 by Frederic Chiu on piano and David Gonzalez as a captivating storyteller, offering a Classical experience for all ages. Saturday, April 27 presents Natalia Kazaryan, an acclaimed Classical pianist who presents a program that fuses lesser-known works of three women composers with two staples of the piano repertoire. Friday, May 10 brings Jazz to the forefront with Stella Cole, a vocalist with a timeless quality, as part of Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Emerging Artist Spotlight Series. Then, on Friday, May 31, the spotlight shines on Herlin Riley, a master drummer who has played with distinguished performers such as Wynton Marsalis, Harry Connick Jr., and Jon Batiste. The Jazz series continues on Friday, September 20, with Grammy-Winner Steven Feifke, followed by a performance on Saturday, October 5 of a Classical and Jazz collaboration by Sean Lee on violin and John Bitoy on piano.
Friday, October 25, with the Viano String Quartet, one of the most sought after young ensembles today. The series culminates in December with a Holiday Special by Kristen Young, violinist and Joe Bush, pianist. [November 22-23, 2024] The 2024 Heida Hermanns Piano Competition will once again bring the world’s top young pianists to Westport to compete over the course of two days in one of America’s most celebrated cultural communities. The winner receives a cash prize of $10,000. In addition to a cash prize, the Winner performs a solo recital at MoCA Westport the following year.
To catch these must-see events, head over to [MoCA Westport's Music Performances](mocawestport.org/music/#performances). Grab your tickets and be part of
something special right here in Fairfield County at MoCA Westport.
mocawestport.org
"We’re excited to bring a mix of performances that
resonate with Fairfield County’s unique community."
