Music That Moves You: Lincoln Center Unveils Dynamic Weekly Lineup Featuring Wynton Marsalis, Topaz Jones, and Día de Muertos
Photo by Lawrence Sumulong / Courtesy of Lincoln Center Press Archives / October 2026
Bringing together world-class jazz visionaries, cross-genre dance collaborations, and vibrant cultural celebrations, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York officially presented its weekly programming slate titled "Music That Moves You."
Running across iconic campus venues including the David Rubenstein Atrium, Rose Theater, and The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts the lineup spans an expansive range of artistic disciplines. From a visionary jazz dialogue featuring Wynton Marsalis and Metropolitan Opera General Manager Peter Gelb to live sets by Topaz Jones, contemporary Cuban music with Gerardo Contino, and traditional Día de Muertos observances, the series brings audiences closer to the soundmakers shaping global culture.
Program Highlights & Key Performances
The weekly schedule highlights collaborative artistry, accessible public access, and genre-blurring performances:
Wynton Marsalis Keynote Panel: A deep-dive discussion on The Universal Language of Jazz: America's Pioneer Artform Across Discipline alongside Peter Gelb.
Contemporary Dance & Jazz Fusion: Choreographer Aszure Barton and trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire presented A a | a B : B E N D at Rose Theater, part of the Pasculano Collaborative for Contemporary Dance.
Hip-Hop & Funk Live Sets: Rapper, producer, and filmmaker Topaz Jones delivered a genre-defying live set merging soul, funk, and sharp lyricism.
Orchestral Chamber Music: Members of the Festival Orchestra of Lincoln Center performed intimate classical duets at the David Rubenstein Atrium.
Cultural Celebrations: Featuring Gerardo Contino for the ¡VAYA! San Juan Hill festival, a live-scored Halloween screening of Friday the 13th Part VIII with Shaolin Jazz, and a traditional Día de Muertos celebration with Guachinangos.
Fast Track Public Access: Free Fast Track priority entry reservations made available online every Monday at noon for Atrium events.
Performance Schedule & Program Architecture
To assist arts critics and patrons navigating Lincoln Center's weekly offerings, the performance calendar highlights core pillars:
Performance TitleFeatured Artists & PartnersDates & VenueAdmission TypeThe Universal Language of JazzWynton Marsalis & Peter GelbOct 27 | NY Public Library for Performing ArtsFree RegistrationA a | a B : B E N DAszure Barton & Ambrose AkinmusireOct 28–30 | Rose TheaterChoose-What-You-PayTopaz Jones LiveTopaz Jones (Hip-Hop / Funk)Oct 28 | David Rubenstein AtriumFree Fast TrackOrchestra in MiniatureFestival Orchestra of Lincoln Center MembersOct 29 | David Rubenstein AtriumFree Fast Track¡VAYA! San Juan HillGerardo Contino (Cuban Music)Oct 30 | David Rubenstein Atrium Free Fast TrackDía de Muertos Celebration Guachinangos & Community Ofrenda Nov 1 | David Rubenstein Atrium Free Fast Track