Performance Overview

The Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts and UNCSA present a new work led by GRAMMY-winning violinist and 2024 MacArthur Fellow Johnny Gandelsman. In a transformative evening of music and dance, "Johnny Loves Johann" pairs Gandelsman’s unique interpretation of Bach’s Cello Suites—performed live on violin—with original choreography and performances by John Heginbotham, Caili Quan, Jamar Roberts, and Melissa Toogood, celebrating the humanity and dance at the center of this iconic music.  

Carolina Performing Arts at UNC-Chapel Hill and the Kenan Institute for the Arts at UNCSA proudly serve as lead co-commissioners for “Johnny Loves Johann,” a world premiere exploring artistic unity and cultural connection through a new model of cross-campus collaboration in creation, education, and presentation of new work.