UCSB Arts & Lectures (A&L) has announced its 2025-26 program lineup that features more than 50 events including seven evenings of newly co-commissioned works that represent A&L’s contribution to the national celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

“As I look ahead to a new chapter, this season stands as a reflection of everything I’ve cherished about leading Arts & Lectures. It’s been shaped by a deep belief in the power of live events to inspire, connect and transform,” said Celesta M. Billeci, Miller McCune executive director.

“With that in mind, I’ve worked to shape a season that reflects our highest ideals – presenting world-class talent, commissioning new work and bringing our community together around live performance and big ideas,” she said.

“Among the season’s most powerful offerings are seven newly commissioned evenings that represent our contribution to the national celebration of America’s 250th anniversary,” she said. “These projects – created in collaboration with some of our most cherished artists – honor the enduring values of independent thought and freedom of expression.”

The new season opens Tuesday, Sept. 30 with world-renowned pianist and composer, Daniil Trifonov.

Season highlights include:

Yo-Yo Ma in recital performing three new pieces commissioned by A&L; a night of soul with Boz Scaggs; dance performances by international ensembles including Sutra featuring the Shaolin Monks, Ballet Preljocaj and Compagnie Hervé KOUBI; a two-night, two-program Jerome Robbins Ballet Festival with New York City Ballet star Tiler Peck.

Also, two performances of Germán Cornejo’s “Tango After Dark;” a new Keyboard Virtuosos series with megastars Trifonov, Víkingur Ólafsson and Bruce Liu; two Great Performances series with new projects anchored by Yuja Wang & the Mahler Chamber Orchestra.

Also, Itzhak Perlman with an all-star klezmer band; the Danish String Quartet and Danish National Girls Choir performing an A&L co-commission by David Lang, and mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato with an A&L co-commission that celebrates Emily Dickinson; and jazz performances by Samara Joy, Terence Blanchard, and Ravi Coltrane.

Lecture series will present bestselling authors Elizabeth Gilbert and Miranda July; political commentators Fareed Zakaria and Ezra Klein.

Series subscriptions are now on sale; single tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19 at 10 a.m.

Subscriptions come in two forms: Curated Series Subscriptions offer biggest discounts (up to 25%) on a selection of related events; and Create Your Own Series Subscriptions (CYO) offer maximum flexibility. CYO patrons build their own series of four or more events for a savings of 10% on each ticket.

Additional ways to subscribe and save include the Great Performances Suite (all seven events from the Great Performances A and B series); and The Works, an all-events-included opportunity to experience the full spectrum of Arts & Lectures programming at one suite price.

For series subscriptions, brochures and more information, visit www.ArtsAndLectures.UCSB.edu; call 805-893-3535 or go to A&L Ticket Office (Campbell Hall lobby at UCSB (walk-up hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays).

For more about Arts & Lectures, call 805-893-3535, or visit www.ArtsAndLectures.UCSB.edu.