In an effort to encourage audiences to engage with live music in new ways, Princeton University Concerts (PUC) has forged partnership with local organizations including American Repertory Ballet, Princeton Public Library, the Princeton Garden Theatre, and The Singles Group; along with local artist Diana Weymar.

Learning experiences designed to foster community outside the concert hall include book clubs, documentary screenings, an embroidery workshop, Dance for PD (Parkinson’s disease) classes, and facilitated social events. Many of these events are free.

“We are Princeton University Concerts, presenting chamber music concerts by the most celebrated musicians in the world, but I like to think that the ‘C’ of ‘PUC’ stands for community and collaboration as much as it stands for concerts,” said PUC Director Marna Seltzer. “Community is at the core of our mission to make classical music accessible to all. Collaboration is at the heart of what we do. This year, in particular, our vision for creating connection through music has blossomed into multiple partnership programs. It’s about creating pathways for the music to meet you where you are and speak to you in deep, perhaps surprising, ways.”

For PUC’s Healing with Music series, with Princeton Public Library, several free book club events are planned, including Between Two Kingdoms: A Memoir of a Life Interrupted by guest Suleika Jaouad, and others with books by Oliver Sacks, Adam Haslett, and Jonathan Biss. Additional initiatives include “Threading the Needle” with artist Diana Weymar, and Dance for PD classes with American Repertory Ballet.

PUC’s Live Music Meditation programs include a partnership with the Chanticleer Vocal Ensemble and another with harpsichordist Jean Rondeau. The documentary Capturing Grace, exploring the Mark Morris Dance Group’s development of Dance for PD, is part of the partnership with
Princeton Garden Theatre.

For information on these and other upcoming programs of PUC, visit puc.princeton.edu.