Zodiac Trio: Songs and Dances

The Zodiac Trio celebrates the rich tapestry of human expression through two fundamental forms of music: songs and dances. At its heart, this program pays homage to the timeless allure of these two primal forms of musical expression by compiling works inspired by songs and dances.  From George Gershwin's iconic "Porgy and Bess" to the spirited music of the late Peter Schickele, each piece is inspired by one of these basic expressions. 

Among the highlights of the program is Bela Bartok's legendary "Contrasts," a masterpiece brimming with virtuosity and infused with the unmistakable rhythms of Hungarian folklore. 

Adding a twist to the classical repertoire, "Songs and Dances" features a special tribute to the king of swing, Benny Goodman. Through virtuosic arrangements of tunes popularized by the Goodman band, audiences are treated to a lively homage to one of the most influential figures in jazz history.

With its diverse selection of works, Zodiac Trio invites listeners to experience music in its purest forms, celebrating the timeless connection between melody, rhythm, and the human spirit.

Photo Credit: Marta Krakawka

SEATING POLICY | Programs are free and open to all, but registration is requested. Check-in line forms 45 minutes before the advertised start time. Registered guests are given priority check-in 15 to 30 minutes before start time. Five minutes before the advertised start time, all seats are released, regardless of registration, to our patrons in the stand-by line. If you arrive after the program starts, you will be seated at the discretion of our front-of-house staff.

STANDBY LINE | If registration is sold out or has ended, do not fret! We welcome you to come to the Library regardless of registration status and wait in our standby line, which forms 45 minutes before the advertised start time. Five minutes before the program starts, all remaining seats are released. While this is not guaranteed, we will do our best to get you into any of our programs.

ASSISTIVE LISTENING AND ASL | ASL interpretation and real-time (CART) captioning available upon request. Please submit your request at least two weeks in advance by emailing [email protected].

BRUNO WALTER POLICY | Please note that any unoccupied seat will be released five minutes before the show begins and holding seats for anyone beyond that is prohibited. There is no food or drink allowed inside the venue.

AUDIO/VIDEO RECORDING | Programs may be photographed and recorded by and at the discretion of the Library for the Performing Arts and will post signs indicating as such. If you would prefer your image not be captured, please let us know and we can seat you accordingly. Attending any program indicates your consent to being filmed/photographed and your consent to the use of your recorded image for any and all purposes of the New York Public Library.

PRESS | Please send all press inquiries to Alex Teplitzky at [email protected]. Please note that all recording, including professional video recordings, are prohibited without expressed consent from the Library.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

New York Public Library for the Performing Arts -Bruno Walter Auditorium, Enter via 111 Amsterdam Ave. between West 64th and 65th Street, New York, United States