Singers Showcase: A Sky Full of Stars—The Songs of Coldplay
Singers Showcase: A Sky Full of Stars—The Songs of Coldplay
Image courtesy of Berklee College of Music
Step into a technicolor soundscape and experience a vibrant reimagining of Coldplay’s iconic catalog, presented by an exceptional global cast of Berklee students in celebration of one of the most enduring, bestselling, and critically acclaimed bands of the 21st century. Showcasing the craft and artistry of over 100 talented individuals from 30 countries, the concert will feature vocalists, instrumentalists, arrangers, conductors, dancers, choreographers, VJs, visual designers, and track producers—each of whom earned their coveted spot following hundreds of auditions.
Through original arrangements and inventive medleys, the interdisciplinary cast weaves a rich tapestry of musical traditions and creative voices, breathing new life into Coldplay’s biggest hits alongside deep-cut fan favorites. The setlist includes “Viva La Vida,” “Higher Power,” “Paradise,” “Fix You,” “Adventure of a Lifetime,” “The Scientist,” “Something Just Like This,” “My Universe,” “Yellow,” “Shiver,” “Speed of Sound,” “Clocks,” “A Sky Full of Stars,” “ALL MY LOVE,” “Sparks,” “Hymn for the Weekend,” "Humankind," “Everglow,” “In My Place,” “Good Feelings,” “feelslikeimfallinginlove,” “Let Somebody Go,” “Violet Hill,” and “Up&Up.”
The concert will feature a dynamic collaboration with the Dance Division at Boston Conservatory at Berklee, premiering original choreography by multi-award-winning faculty member Anthony Burrell. A world-class artist, Burrell was part of the creative team behind Beyoncé’s powerful guest appearance—alongside Bruno Mars—during Coldplay’s headlining performance at the Super Bowl 50 Halftime Show in 2016.
Transforming the theater into a living canvas that pulses and glows in harmony with the music, the concert will also feature the creations of special guest percussionist, digital media artist, and faculty member Maria Finkelmeier, immersed in stunning visual design inspired by Coldplay’s groundbreaking live shows. Additionally, kaleidoscopic VJ content will be featured on LED screens, curated and designed by Assistant Professor Zebbler Peter Berdovsky. Combined with synchronized lighting and interactive LED wearables for concertgoers, the show becomes a multisensory experience that seamlessly fuses color, movement, and sound. From euphoric bursts of light that inspire joyous sing-alongs to intimate, atmospheric moments that invite reflection, the visual storytelling will deepen the emotional impact of every beat and lyric.
With a legacy spanning almost three decades, nine studio albums, and over 100 million records sold worldwide, Coldplay’s ever-evolving creative palette ranges from post-Britpop and alternative rock to pop, electronica, minimalist ballads, and EDM anthems—drawing inspiration from the trailblazing art pop of Kate Bush and Peter Gabriel, the ambient and electronic innovations of Brian Eno and Kraftwerk, and the expansive, stirring resonance of Radiohead and U2.
Formed in 1996 by four students at University College London—Chris Martin, Jonny Buckland, Guy Berryman, and Will Champion—Coldplay’s journey has taken them from late-night campus jams to global stadium superstardom, with songs that have become cultural touchstones resonating across borders and generations. They have received countless prestigious accolades, including seven Grammy awards, 39 Grammy nominations, nine Brit Awards (including three consecutive Album of the Year wins—the first act in history to achieve this), nine Billboard Music Awards, two American Music Awards, seven MTV Video Music Awards, three Ivor Novello Awards, 10 Guinness World Records, and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Original Song.
Since concluding their September run of dates at the iconic Wembley Stadium, Coldplay's Music of the Spheres World Tour has become the most well-attended tour in history, selling over 13 million tickets and grossing over $1.5 billion. Beyond its commercial success, the tour has paved the way for sustainable live music, powered by renewable energy sources and supported by large-scale reforestation efforts to offset residual emissions. More than entertainers, Coldplay has long used both their stage and public presence to advocate for social change, equity, and love in all its forms, fostering a spirit of inclusivity, empathy, and human connection with audiences worldwide.
Now in its 42nd year, Singers Showcase stands as Berklee's longest-running concert series, reflecting the college's enduring commitment to performing arts excellence and the unifying power of music. The production celebrates the breadth, depth, and diversity of our extraordinary student community, shining a spotlight on the rich array of instrumentation, majors, and creative disciplines across the Berklee curriculum. The concert is produced by Maureen McMullan, PD ’09.
Projectors generously provided by Epson.