Composer Jon Scoville Unleashes Over-the-Top Multimedia Concert

Scovilleana features dance, film, jazz, and chamber music at UCSC's Music Center

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Composer Jon Scoville is set to present an extravagant multimedia concert featuring dance, silent film, chamber music, magic, and jazz piano at the UCSC Music Center. The program, titled "Scovilleana," will include performances by the New Music Works Ensemble, magician Calvin Kai Ku, hoop performer Natasha Kaluza, dancer Micha Scott, former Cirque performer Nathan Tsuji, and guest Artistic Director Tandy Beal, all set to Scoville's jazz-inflected world music compositions.

Why it matters

This concert represents an ambitious and innovative approach to classical and contemporary music, blending diverse artistic disciplines to create a truly immersive experience for the audience. Scoville's work aims to push the boundaries of traditional concert formats and showcase the versatility of classical music in the modern era.

The details

The program includes the premiere of Scoville's score for the surrealist silent film "Les Mysteres Chateau du dè" by Man Ray, performed by the New Music Works Ensemble. Also featured is the seven-movement suite "Mr. Miró's Saxophone," commissioned by New Music Works and performed by the MANA Saxophone Quartet, inspired by the work of painter Joan Miró. Legendary jazz pianist Art Lande will also create on-the-spot improvisations to Scoville's compositions.

  • The concert will take place on February 14, 2026 at 7 p.m.
  • New Music Works' second concert of the season

The players

Jon Scoville

An international composer based in Santa Cruz, California, known for his jazz-inflected world music compositions.

New Music Works Ensemble

A chamber music group that specializes in contemporary and avant-garde compositions, led by conductor Michael McGushin.

Calvin Kai Ku

A magician who will perform as part of the Scovilleana program.

Natasha Kaluza

A hoop performer who will be featured in the Scovilleana concert.

Art Lande

A legendary jazz pianist who will create improvisations to Scoville's compositions during the concert.

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What’s next

The concert is the perfect Valentine's Day date night event.

The takeaway

This concert showcases Scoville's innovative approach to classical and contemporary music, blending diverse artistic disciplines to create a truly immersive experience for the audience and pushing the boundaries of traditional concert formats.