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Event Series Event Series: Paola Prestini: Houses of Zodiac

Paola Prestini: Houses of Zodiac

Part of the Angel’s Share series, presented with Death of Classical

October 2nd , 6:00pm – 8:30pm

cellist in dim catacombs lighting

We conclude our 2025 season of the Angel’s Share with Houses of Zodiac, a sprawling, multidisciplinary masterwork by composer Paola Prestini, praised by The Wall Street Journal as an artist “known for pushing the boundaries of classical music.” Prestini’s expansive composition is brought to life by Jeffrey Zeigler (formerly of the Kronos Quartet) on solo cello, and dancers Georgina Pazcoguin (former New York City Ballet soloist) and Dai Matsuoka (Butoh dance master of Sankai Juku), as they move through the length of the Catacombs, unfolding an emotionally-charged story of creation, guilt, and emancipation.

Price: $80, $64 for members

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In-Person Event
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Poetic interludes by Octavio Paz, Anaïs Nin, Brenda Shaughnessy, and Natasha Trethewey will be read by Maria Popova, the visionary behind The Marginalian (formerly Brain Pickings).

Strings Magazine lauded Prestini and Zeigler’s recording of Houses of Zodiac as “one of the greatest and most ambitious solo cello albums of all time.” For these performances, they’ve transformed that music into an immersive, uncategorizable site-specific experience.

Please note that if only 1 ticket shows as available during the purchase process that is the last ticket available.

Before Purchasing Tickets, Please Note:

  • Ticket sales are final. No exchanges or refunds unless the event is canceled.
  • Attendees must follow all instructions and guidance from Cemetery staff and ambassadors.
  • Where To Go: Check-in begins 15 minutes before your ticketed start time and ONLY takes place at the Gothic Arch near the Main Entrance on Fifth Avenue and 25th Street (500 25th Street). There are no paper or e-tickets! Attendees will be checked in by name. 
  • Food and Drinks: We will start with a 45-minute reception at the Modern Chapel to enjoy a tasting of cocktails by Via Carota and snacks (all free!), and the beauty of the Cemetery, before the program begins. Tasting is for those 21 years of age or older with proof of ID.
  • Early Evening Performance (6pm): Arrive for check-in at the Gothic Arch no later than 6:45pm.
  • Twilight Performance (7:30pm): Arrive for check-in at the Gothic Arch no later than 8:15pm.
  • Accessibility & Safety: Please note that the Catacombs are a historic structure and not ADA compliant. Access requires ascending and descending stairs. We strongly encourage attendees to dress for the conditions of the Catacombs, which can be cooler than the outdoor temperature. 
  • A Little More About Accessibility & Safety: Attendees may travel to the Catacombs on foot or by trolley. The walk takes about 20-30 minutes, and includes hilly and uneven terrain. Proper footwear and flashlights are strongly recommended. The Green-Wood trolley is ADA-compliant, but the Catacombs are not. If you have any questions or concerns regarding disability-related accommodations for this program, please call 718-210-3080, ext. 1 or email events@green-wood.com.