McCarter’s Spring Playlist
Spring Mixtape Liner Notes
Kim’s Convenience
1. “편의점 (Convenience Store)” by Lee Chanwon
Lee Chanwon is a young artist who performs music in the Korean “trot” genre, which reached a peak of its popularity during the 1970s. The combination of this old-school genre performed by a modern artist brings to mind the subject of generational legacy that Kim’s Convenience explores. The fact that the song is called “Convenience Store”? A bonus!
Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo
2. “Paquita: Variation 5: Allegro non troppo (by Cherepnin)” by Ludwig Minkus, Anna Takova-Baynova, Boris Spassov, Sofia National Opera Orchestra, and Valentina Raicheva
3. “Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake, Op. 20, Act 2: No. 20, Scene. Moderato” by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, André Previn, and London Symphony Orchestra
Since moments from Swan Lake and Paquita are some of the most beloved performances in the Trocks’ repertoire, these two songs help bring the essence of the Trocks to our playlist.
MOMIX: ALICE
4. “Taking Tea in Dreamland” by Chris Vrenna
5. “White Rabbit” by Jefferson Airplane
Seeing as how Momix: Alice is inspired by Alice in Wonderland, it feels fitting to include perhaps the most iconic Alice-related jam, “White Rabbit”, in this playlist. “Taking Tea in Dreamland”, also inspired by Alice in Wonderland, contributes a similar feeling of surreal whimsy, but this time with an instrumental approach.
Emanuel Ax
6. “Symphonic Etudes Op. 13: Etude 2” by Robert Schumann and Emanuel Ax
7. “Variations and Fugue for Piano in E-Flat Major, Op. 35 (‘Eroica Variations’): Finale. Alla Fuga: Allegro Con Brio” by Ludwig Van Beethoven and Emanual Ax
For his upcoming return, McCarter favorite Emanuel Ax will be playing compositions by Beethoven and Schumann. These songs serve as a teaser for the masterful interpretation this concert will surely contain.
José James Presents the 50th Anniversary of Marvin Gaye’s I Want You with Lizz Wright
8. “I Want You” by Marvin Gaye
9. “Take Me Home” by José James and Lizz Wright
“I Want You” and “Take Me Home” work together to remind us of just how incredible Marvin Gaye’s 1976 album is and how sensational it will sound reimagined through the artistry of José James and Lizz Wright.
Circus Quixote
10. “Don Quixote” by Luis Villegas
This Don Quixote-inspired tune by Spanish guitarist Luis Villegas sets the scene for the journey on which Circus Quixote will lead us.
DakhaBrakha
11. “Baby” - DakhaBrakha
12. “Sonnet” - DakhaBrakha
We are so excited to host incredible, boundary-breaking DakhaBrakha at McCarter. These tracks bring a bit of their self-coined “ethno-chaos” to our playlist. “Sonnet” was recently featured on the Apple TV show, Pluribus!
Yasmin Williams
13. “Harvest (feat. Kaki King & Darian Donovan Thomas)” - Yasmin Williams, Kaki King, Darian Donovan Thomas
14. “Dawning (feat. Aoife O’Donovan)” - Yasmin Williams, Aoife O’Donovan
Yasmin Williams’ music is characterized by her beautiful, innovative fingerpicking style, and these tracks showcase it perfectly. We love her taste in collaborators; Kaki King and Aoife O’Donovan have both performed at McCarter!
Ravi Shankar Ensemble
15. “Dhun” by Ravi Shankar
16. “Tabla Dhwani” by Ravi Shankar
We are honored to host the Ravi Shankar Ensemble, a group of musicians curated by Sukanya and Anoushka Shankar, on their first tour! A true luminary, Ravi Shankar’s work will continue to inspire, and his legacy will forever live on through the countless musicians he has influenced. These two tracks celebrate the timeless, enduring nature of his music.
Laurie Berkner
17. “We Are the Dinosaurs” - The Laurie Berkner Band
Laurie Berkner is a master of creating timeless jams for kids. The proof is that this song, despite being over 25 years old, is still as fresh and fun as when it was released!
Lucius
18. “Dusty Trails” - Lucius
19. “Gold Rush” – Lucius
When it comes to harmonies, Lucius are on another level. “Dusty Trails” is just a taste of the harmonic goldmine that lives in their catalog. The next track, “Gold Rush”, is a favorite of the McCarter staff!
Silkroad Ensemble with Rhiannon Giddens
20. “Traveling Music” by Silkroad Ensemble
21. “Mahk Jchi (feat. Pura Fé)” by Silkroad Ensemble, Rhiannon Giddens, and Pura Fé
Silkroad Ensemble’s performances are always a transformative experience. In their latest return to McCarter, they will perform Sanctuary: The Power of Resonance and Ritual, a new work centered on humanity and community. With these two songs, we take a look back on some of their past compositions and look forward to the music yet to come.
The Making of Life on Our Planet: Dinosaurs
22. “Main Titles” by Lorne Balfe
23. “Dinosaurs” by Lorne Balfe
The theme song for Life on Our Planet sets the tone for this event that will give us a peek behind the curtain of the innovative Netflix show. The track that follows, “Dinosaurs”, is also taken from the show’s soundtrack and centers us on the main theme of the evening.
The Center Will Not Hold
24. “A Little Room” by Donovan Dorrance
25. “Clump” by Donovan Dorrance
Dorrance Dance’s The Center Will Not Hold features original music written by Donovan Dorrance, a talented multi-instrumentalist and the brother of Dorrance Dance founder, Michelle Dorrance. Included here are two songs off of Donovan Dorrance’s The Center Will Not Hold EP.
Coltrane 100
26. “Giant Steps” - John Coltrane
27. “In a Sentimental Mood” - Duke Ellington, John Coltrane
Coltrane 100 will feature an all-star band consisting of Joe Lovano, Melissa Aldana, Nduduzo Makhathini, Linda May Han Oh, and Jeff "Tain" Watts. Each member is brilliant in their own right and some are making their return to McCarter’s stages! In Coltrane 100, they will celebrate the 100th anniversary of John Coltrane’s birth. The omnipresence of his music makes it easy to take for granted, but these tracks remind us of just how much the development of jazz owes to Coltrane. The complex “Giant Steps” has now become a jazz standard, and few could claim they’ve never heard his breathtaking contributions to “In a Sentimental Mood”.
Angélique Kidjo
28. “Mother Nature” by Angélique Kidjo
29. “Once in a Lifetime” by Angélique Kidjo
Angélique Kidjo’s mark on what is often called “global music” is undeniable. Across a career spanning decades, she has reshaped how African music is heard around the world, bridging cultures, genres, and generations while reminding us of our shared humanity. These songs offer a glimpse of her extraordinary power as a vocalist, her fearless musicality, and her commanding presence as one of the most influential and visionary artists on today’s stages.
John Malkovich in The Music Critic
30. “From Mozart with Love” - Igudesman, Joo
31. “Chopin Allergy” - Igudesman, Joo
One thing is for sure: this event will be an evening like no other. These recordings demonstrate the talent, drama, and humor with which John Malkovich, Aleksey Igudesman, and Hyung-ki Joo will perform some of the most iconic works of classical music.
Steven Mackey: MEMOIR
32. “Memoir, Act I: Introductions” by Steven Mackey, Arx Duo, Dover Quartet, and Natalie Christa Rakes
In this inventive theatrical musical work, GRAMMY Award-winning composer (and beloved Princeton professor) Steven Mackey will explore his mother’s unpublished memoir. In an effort to avoid spoiling any of the storytelling, we’re only previewing the introduction in our playlist.
Sweet Honey in the Rock
33. “Oh My Goodness, Look at This Mess!” - Sweet Honey in the Rock
34. “On Children” - Sweet Honey in the Rock
Sweet Honey in the Rock’s music is able to uplift and rejuvenate the spirit unlike any other ensemble. Take a listen to these two emblematic tracks and tell us you don’t feel refreshingly reconnected to yourself and what matters.
João Bosco Quartet / Gabriele Leite
35. “Papel Machê” by João Bosco
36. “Linha de Passe” by João Bosco
37. “Melodia Sentimental” by Gabriele Leite
38. “Ponteio e Toccatina” by Gabriele Leite
We are thrilled to host Brazilian guitarist and genius of rhythmic innovation, João Bosco, for his McCarter debut! Constantly reaching new heights of poetry and invention, João Bosco has solidified himself as a mainstay of Brazilian music. “Papel Machê” and “Linha de Passe” exemplify just two sides of the many different styles and genres he has tackled in his 50+ year career. Curiosity: in a recent interview, genre-defying and widely renowned American bassist and producer Thundercat has expressed deep admiration for João Bosco’s music.
Adding to the mastery of the evening, Gabriele Leite, the first classical guitarist ever listed in Forbes’ Under 30, will open the show. “Melodia Sentimental” and “Ponteio e Toccatina” are two previews of her prodigious talent.
Mrs. Christie
39. “Agatha Christie’s Poirot” by Christopher Gunning and London Music Works
This spooky interval brings a touch of Mrs. Christie’s mystery to our playlist.
Madeleine Peyroux
40. “Dance Me to the End of Love” - Madeleine Peyroux
41. “Please Come on Inside” - Madeleine Peyroux
There is no doubt Madeleine Peyroux has had a remarkable career. These songs, released twenty years apart, demonstrate the way her sound has developed over the years.
Mark Morris Dance Group: Dances to American Music
42. “You’ve Got to be Modernistic” by James P. Johnson
43. “3 Preludes: II. Andante con moto e poco rubato” by George Gershwin and Jon Nakamatsu
Mark Morris Dance Group’s “Dances to American Music” will showcase selections from the catalogs of American composers James P. Johnson and George Gershwin. These songs alone create such a palpable atmosphere; pairing them with Mark Morris’ legendary choreography will surely bring the experience to a new level.
Catherine Russell & Sean Mason
44. “You Can Depend on Me” - Catherine Russell, Sean Mason
45. “I Don’t Need No Doctor” - Catherine Russell, Sean Mason
To put it simply, Catherine Russell’s vocals and Sean Mason’s piano are a heavenly pairing. In these two selections, taken from their 2024 album My Ideal, we get a taste for how this brilliant duo is able to put a fresh twist on the classics without sacrificing any nostalgic magic.
Christian McBride & Ursa Major
46. “More Is” - Christian McBride, Ursa Major
47. “Moanin’” - Christian McBride, José James
In this return to McCarter, Christian McBride will be joined by four rising young master instrumentalists: the members of his newest band, Ursa Major. The group’s first single, “More Is”, was released in 2025. “Moanin’” features José James, who will visit McCarter in February!
Hamilton de Holanda Trio
48. “Afro Choro” - Hamilton de Holanda, Chris Potter
49. “Sábado Azul” - Hamilton de Holanda Trio
Along with his trio, Hamilton de Holanda will bring his virtuosic improvisation and genre blending to McCarter in June! Hailing from Brazil, and with four Latin GRAMMYs under his belt, Hamilton de Holanda’s work unites and educates, transcending the sonic realm. “Afro Choro” represents an immaculate studio track, while “Sábado Azul”, recorded in NYC, displays the live flavor audiences can expect at one of his shows.
Brandee Younger Trio
50. “Olivia Benson” - Brandee Younger
51. “Discernment (feat. Josh Johnson)” - Brandee Younger, Josh Johnson
Brandee Younger is a true innovator, and her ethereal style is epitomized in “Olivia Benson” (yes, the track’s title is a nod to Law & Order: SVU). To wrap up our playlist, we’re tagging in the otherworldly finale from her 2025 album, Gadabout Season.