Changemaker Series

The Visual, Performing Arts and Design Changemaker Series spotlights artists and performers that have made significant and lasting contributions to their fields, redefining or reimagining their particular art form.

As Nazareth University moves into its second millennium of sending Changemakers into the world, this series showcases academic talent while also supporting high profile touring presentations connected to Nazareth’s mission. It offers a slate of diverse and high-quality performances, exhibitions, speakers, and more, that balance student, faculty, and professional proficiency, highlight the excellence of Naz's visual and performing arts programs, and benefit the greater Rochester community through increased community engagement.

Current Season

2023 - 2024:

A Conversation with Marlee Matlin: From Oscar to The West Wing and Beyond

September 23, 2023

As a renowned advocate for diversity, Marlee Matlin, who is Deaf, has a story that will challenge the audience to advocate for equity, inclusion, acceptance, and access for all people. Matlin refuses to let naysayers get in the way of her success, saying, "The only thing I can’t do is hear. The rest is there for the taking.” She strives to live a life without judgment of others — believing everybody’s different, and nobody’s perfect.

 Marlee Matlin

 

An Evening with ATLYS

February 9, 2024

ATYLS is a classically trained, crossover string quartet comprised of four strong and unique women. Lauded for their passionate and dynamic performances and signature sound, their concerts are both mesmerizing and interactive. Curating programs that are diverse and intriguing, an ATLYS performance is more than an experience – it is a special conversation between artist and audience.

 ATLYS

Previous Seasons

2022 - 2023:

American String Quartet

September 16, 2022

"Internationally recognized as one of the world's finest quartets, the American String Quartet has spent decades honing the luxurious sound for which it is famous."

The program included, among others, Octavio Vázquez's Piano Quintet, a piece composed for the ensemble and commissioned by the Aspen Music Festival, which enjoyed a very successful premiere last summer: "The new quintet revels in the rhythms and curlicues of the composer's native Galicia (in northwestern Spain). A keen ear could also hear references to plainchant, medieval madrigals, hints of Flamenco Galician dance rhythms and Spanish popular songs of many eras, assembled into an evocative mix" (The Aspen Times).

 American String Quartet

 

An Evening with Limón Dance Company

January 21, 2023

Acclaimed for its dramatic expression, technical mastery, and expansive yet nuanced movement, the Limón Dance Company illustrates the timelessness of José Limón’s work and vision. The Company’s repertory, which includes classic works in addition to new commissions from contemporary choreographers, possesses an unparalleled breadth and creates unique experiences for audiences around the world.

Limón Dance Company