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Greenwich Library Brings World-Renowned Ailey II to Greenwich for 2026 Opening Night Celebration
Greenwich Library Brings World-Renowned Ailey II to Greenwich for 2026 Opening Night Celebration on October 2nd
Opening Night Celebration is Greenwich Library’s annual “friendraiser” that supports free performing arts programming — this event is expected to sell out
Greenwich Library is excited to announce a very special opportunity to experience the power, beauty and energy of famed modern dance company Ailey II, right in Greenwich, Connecticut. Ailey II will be the featured performing arts program for Greenwich Library’s 2026 Opening Night Celebration on Friday, October 2, 2026, in the Library’s Berkley Theater. The evening begins with a 7:00 p.m. performance, followed by a very special cocktail party and a celebratory grazing dinner, catered by Marcia Selden at 8:30 p.m. in the Library’s Reading Room. This event always sells out, so reserving tickets now is recommended at greenwichlibrary.org/support/
“Bringing Ailey II to Greenwich Library is exactly what Opening Night is all about — creating an unforgettable cultural experience right here in our community,” said Joe Williams, director of Greenwich Library. “Greenwich Library is recognized as one of the nation’s premier libraries and is one of the most visited library in the state of Connecticut. This Opening Night Celebration event helps make it possible for the Library to continue to offer exceptional performing arts programs that are free and accessible to the public throughout the year.”
What traditionally has been a biennial event, held every other year, Opening Night Celebration is now going to be an annual event and is the Library main “friendraiser” that specifically supports performing arts programs. The event is co-chaired by Shiobhan Burns, Julie McCormack and Wesley Royce, along with the Friends of Greenwich Library.
Ailey II, under the artistic direction of Francesca Harper, is celebrated for pairing the spirit and legacy of Alvin Ailey with the fresh energy of the next generation of extraordinary dancers. Founded in 1974 as a bridge between The Ailey School and the professional dance world, the company embodies Alvin Ailey’s pioneering mission to nurture the next generation of talented artists and reach audiences around the world by making dance accessible to all. Ailey II’s performance will bring a major New York-level cultural experience to Greenwich, making this year’s Opening Night Celebration one of the Library’s most anticipated events.
“This is such a special night for Greenwich Library,” said Wesley Royce, Opening Night Celebration co-chair. “The audience attending this special performance will enjoy an exciting and lively evening full of dance, energy, amazing food, friends and the feeling that they are part of something meaningful. Every ticket helps keep the performing arts thriving at the Library and available free of charge to the entire community throughout the fall-to-spring season. While there is a ticket price for Opening Night Celebration, attendees know they are supporting the Library and important programming for years to come.”
Funds raised from Opening Night Celebration support Greenwich Library’s upcoming season of performing arts programs in the Berkley Theater, including a public Ailey II performance on October 3, and a yearlong lineup of cultural and educational experiences.
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities range from $250 to $10,000 and are available at greenwichlibrary.org/support/
About Greenwich Library
The Greenwich Library system consists of the Main Library and its Byram Shubert and Cos Cob branches. The mission of Greenwich Library is to provide exceptional resources, programs and services that promote the joy of lifelong learning and discovery, and to offer a welcoming place to gather and share experiences. With 1,800 programs and events per year, the Library seeks to serve as the cultural and intellectual crossroads of the community. Greenwich Library’s circulation is among the highest of public libraries in Connecticut and has been named a five-star library by Library Journal for11 of the past 12 years for the high number of patron visits, circulation, use of public computers and program attendance. Greenwich Library is located at 101 West Putnam Avenue in Greenwich. Cos Cob Library is located at 5 Sinawoy Road in Cos Cob. Byram Shubert Library is located at 21 Mead Avenue in Greenwich. More information is available online at www.greenwichlibrary.org or by calling 203-622-7900.
About Ailey II
Ailey II, the second company of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, is universally renowned for merging the spirit and energy of the country’s best early-career dance talent with the passion and creative vision of today’s most outstanding and emerging choreographers. Founded in 1974 as a bridge between The Ailey School and the professional dance world, Ailey II embodies Alvin Ailey’s pioneering mission to establish an extended cultural community that provides dance performances, training, and community programs for all people. Ailey II flourished into one of the most popular dance companies in the country under the leadership of Sylvia Waters from 1974–2012, combining a rigorous touring schedule with extensive community outreach programs. With Artistic Director Francesca Harper at the helm, Ailey II is forging a new path for modern dance—one that’s inclusive, experimental, and transformative. For more information, visit ailey.org/aileyii.
