Angelique Kidjo & Yo-Yo Ma at The Greek Theatre

Sarabande Africaine 2025

The Greek Theatre in Berkeley is one of the most iconic venues in South Cali to see a show that’s larger than life. And this August folks - it becomes the stage for something unlike anything the city has ever experienced before. Nestled inUC Berkeley’s campus with its open-air stone amphitheater and sweeping Bay views, the venue is pure magic — a space built for transformation, connection, and sonic celebration. And on Saturday, August 30th, that magic gets turned all the way up when two world-class forces — Angélique Kidjo and Yo‑Yo Ma — come together for one night only to perform Sarabande Africaine live under the stars.

This special project has taken the global stage by storm. After selling out shows at Hollywood Bowl and headlining a major outdoor concert at Millennium Park in Chicago, Sarabande Africaine lands in the Bay Area as the final stop of a rare three-city U.S. tour. It’s a visionary collaboration years in the making — a musical journey that stretches from the classical sarabandes of Bach and Mozart all the way to the spiritual and rhythmic heartbeat of Africa. Featuring original arrangements, poetry readings, and reimagined masterpieces (including Ravel’s Boléro with Kidjo’s own lyrics), the show is not just a concert — it’s a cultural conversation told through music. Whether you’re a longtime classical fan or just here for the vibes, this one's for you. It’s about legacy. It’s about rhythm. It’s about reimagining tradition and seeing where we all come together in the sound. You won’t want to miss this one-night-only experience in Berkeley — because when two artists like this team up, you KNOW it’s gonna be a night for transcending. 

Kidjo, a five-time Grammy winner and global ambassador of African sound, brings her fierce energy and limitless voice. Yo‑Yo Ma, the legendary cellist known for pushing genre boundaries and building bridges through art, brings his signature grace and introspective spirit. Together, they create a space where history, movement, and sound meet in ways that are as thrilling as they are deeply moving. They’re joined by an international ensemble of instrumentalists and vocalists who bring the show to life in surround-sound brilliance.

We’ll see you soon - right here at Berkeley!