Public on-sale begins on August 11, 2026.
Ticket price to be announced. Student tickets always $11. Eligible for CLE Credit.
“A spellbinding, thoroughly honest performance that reveal[s] his architect’s eye for structure and space and a tone that ranges from the achingly fragile to full-bodied robustness.” – The New York Times
How can the way we listen change when music is presented as part of a continuing story, rather than one moment in time? Does it make us feel more open, flexible, or curious?
Being in the audience for Shifting Ground might feel a bit like standing on the bank of a flowing river: being able to look toward what is coming or to turn and see what has passed, all from one vantage point.
Violinist Alexi Kenney invites audiences into this time-traveling musical journey which includes works by J.S. Bach interwoven with those of contemporary creators, including Rafiq Bhatia, Kaija Saariaho, Paul Wiancko, Salina Fisher and Angélica Negrón—all accompanied by projection art by Xuan. Along the way, audiences encounter deeply affecting moments including a work that pairs solo violin with the recorded sounds of a melting glacier.
As music and imagery unfold together, familiar sounds take on new meaning and unexpected connections emerge. The result is an experience of music as a living conversation across generations that rewards deep listening.
From Solo Exploration to Musical Conversation: Alexi Kenney with Janice Carissa
The following evening, Alexi Kenney returns for a duo recital with pianist Janice Carissa. Spanning nearly three centuries of music, the program includes The Wild Yes by composer and violinist Michi Wiancko, whose work also appears in Shifting Ground.
Together, these two separately ticketed performances offer a special opportunity to experience the violin in two distinct settings—from the immersive, multidisciplinary world of Shifting Ground to the intimacy of a musical conversation between violin and piano.
Why We’re Presenting This
At Carolina Performing Arts we believe that wonder often begins when we encounter something familiar in a new way. By bringing past and present into a shared moment in time, Shifting Ground encourages us to listen differently and discover unexpected connections across time, place, and perspective, and reveals how artistic traditions remain alive by continuing to evolve.
Event Details
- Runtime: approximately 60-75 minutes
- Late seating policy: to be announced
- Additional information: visit our FAQ page
Program
| Composer | Work |
|---|---|
| Rafiq Bhatia (b. 1987) | Descent (2021) |
| Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) | Allemande from Partita No. 2 BWV 1004(1720) |
| Paul Wiancko (b. 1983) | Allemande from X Suite (2019) |
| — | — |
| Angélica Negrón (b. 1981) | The Violinist for violin and electronics (2023), story by Ana Fabrega |
| — | — |
| Bach | Grave from Sonata No. 2 BWV 1003 (1720) |
| Nicola Matteis (c. 1675-1737) | Alia Fantasia (c.1700) |
| Kaija Saariaho (1952-2023) | Nocturne (1994) |
| Salina Fisher (b. 1993) | Hikari (2023) |
| — | — |
| Mario Davidovsky (1934-2019) | Synchronisms No. 9 (1988) |
| — | — |
| Matthew Burtner (b. 1970) | Elegy (2017/2020) |
| Bach | Chaconne from Partita No. 2 BWV 1004 (1720) |
About the Artists
Discount Information
We offer several discounts for CPA series performances only. Partner and rental events are not eligible.
Important Notes
- Discounts must be applied at the time of purchase and cannot be added retroactively.
- Only one discount can be used per order.
- Enter discount code before adding tickets to cart.*
UNC-Chapel Hill Students
$11 ticketsZones 3, 4 & 5
UNC-Chapel Hill Faculty & Staff
25% offUNCRET2627 Retired faculty/staff
UNC Health Staff
25% offCarolina Alumni Members
15% offSeniors (65+)
15% offNon-UNC Students
K–College, statewide
$11 ticketsZones 3, 4 & 5
Military & First Responders
15% off*We reserve the right to cancel tickets that do not follow these guidelines.
Explore More
Read: Shifting Ground — Alexi Kenney
Watch: Alexi Kenney | Bach Chaconne
Listen: Alexi Kenney – Shifting Ground