Berklee’s Signature Series Reimagines the Musical and Visual Artistry of Coldplay
Berklee’s Signature Series presents Singers Showcase: A Sky Full of Stars—The Songs of Coldplay, a reimagining of the band’s acclaimed catalog, on Thursday, December 4, and Friday, December 5, at 8:00 p.m. at the Berklee Performance Center.
Produced by Maureen McMullan PD ’09, the production highlights the talent of more than 100 students, including vocalists, instrumentalists, arrangers, dancers, choreographers, track producers, and visual artists. Through inventive medleys and fresh arrangements, the interdisciplinary cast will blend diverse musical traditions with their own artistic perspectives, breathing new life into Coldplay’s beloved repertoire. Audiences can expect unique moments such as a jazz interpretation of “Sparks” featuring upright bass, a rhythmically complex take on “Shiver” with fusion drumming, and an interactive, conducted audience choir.
“Coldplay has become legendary for shows that fuse multilayered anthemic music with dynamic visual storytelling. Our goal was to channel that spirit of innovation, imagination, and joy while giving students an experience with the kind of production technology that defines contemporary live music,” said McMullan. “This intricate production is invaluable for our students because it mirrors the high level of collaboration needed for projects in the professional industry. We are excited to showcase what we have built together!”
Reflecting Berklee’s global community and distinctive cross-cultural spirit, the cast represents 30 countries and incorporates a wide array of instruments, including strings, horns, erhu, and marimba. Twenty-one lead vocalists, chosen from a competitive pool of applicants, will perform fan favorites like “Viva La Vida,” “Clocks,” “Fix You,” “The Scientist,” and “A Sky Full of Stars.” The concert also features students from the Boston Conservatory at Berklee Dance Division, premiering original choreography by multi-award-winning faculty member Anthony Burrell, who was part of Beyoncé’s creative team for her guest appearance during Coldplay’s Super Bowl Halftime Show performance in 2016.
Featured special guest Maria Finkelmeier, a faculty member, percussionist, and digital media artist, has worked with the cast to incorporate an immersive, multimedia dimension to the show centered on visual effects generated by the motion and sound of her marimba that will be projected across the theater walls. Kaleidoscopic VJ content by faculty member Zebbler Peter Berdovsky, paired with synchronized lighting and interactive LED wearables, will transform the Berklee Performance Center into a living canvas that pulses and glows in harmony with the music, a signature element of Coldplay’s live shows.
"I'm thrilled to support Berklee’s incredible talent by sharing my multisensory practice at this year’s Singers Showcase,” said Finkelmeier. “The tone of the marimba adds a delightful warmth to the student's soaring vocals and the band's thoughtful arrangements. As we perform together, my motion will be captured and visualized as a dynamic and dimensional webs projected on the walls of the venue, celebrating the ephemerality of the night."
Formed in 1996 by four University College London students—Chris Martin, Jonny Buckland, Guy Berryman, and Will Champion—Coldplay has evolved from a college band into a global phenomenon, creating music that transcends generations and borders. Their current Music of the Spheres tour has become the most well-attended tour in history, selling over 13 million tickets and grossing over $1.5 billion. Beyond entertainment, Coldplay has consistently used their platform to advocate for social change, equity, and love in all its forms, cultivating a worldwide following grounded in empathy, inclusivity, and human connection.
Singers Showcase: A Sky Full of Stars—The Songs of Coldplay will be held on Thursday, December 4, and Friday, December 5, at 8:00 p.m. at the Berklee Performance Center, located at 136 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston. Tickets are $15–$20 in advance and $20–$25 on the day of the show. Tickets are available online and at the Berklee Box Office.
