DURHAM, N.C. - Singer/songwriter Tift Merritt and classical pianist Simone Dinnerstein will present the world premiere of their collaborative work "Night" Friday, Jan. 21, and Saturday, Jan. 22, in Reynolds Industries Theater in Duke University's Bryan Center.

Tickets for the 8 p.m. concerts, presented by Duke Performances, are $38 and $32, and $5 for Duke students, and are available through the Duke Box Office at 684-4444 or www.dukeperformances.org.

"Night" features a set of new songs written especially for the duo by artists including Brad Mehldau, Patty Griffin and Philip Lasser. Jenny Scheinman also has contributed arrangements of some of Merritt and Dinnerstein's favorite songs. Both artists will perform solo as well -- Tift with her own songs, and Simone with some of her favorite selections from the classical piano repertoire.

The collaboration was co-commissioned by Duke Performances as a result of long-standing relationships between the organization and the artists.

Prior to the concerts, Merritt and Dinnerstein will be in residence at Duke, participating in public conversations, a listening session, and offering master classes in their respective specialties. Full and up-to-date information on residency activities is available at www.dukeperformances.org.