Blue Jeans and Beethoven

February 15, 2025 - 7:30pm

PRECONCERT CHAT: 6:45pm

Jon Nakamatzu, piano

• Jon Nakamatsu was the last American to win the prestigious Van Cliburn International Piano Competition.

• Nakamatsu was working as a high school German teacher when he won the competition.

• Beethoven was in Vienna while it was under attack from Napoleon’s troops when he composed his majestic final piano concerto.

  • Beethoven Creatures of Prometheus Overture, Op. 43
  • Beethoven Symphony No. 1 in C Major, Op. 21
  • Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat Major, Op. 73 “Emperor”
            Jon Nakamatsu, piano

Whitehead Auditorium. Reservations Required. 

Awakening

March 29, 2025 - 7:30pm

PRECONCERT CHAT: 6:45pm

Rite of Spring

• The four operas in Wagner’s “Ring” last a total of 15-17 hours, and would be performed over four days if presented as a complete cycle.

• Stravinsky’s intense, unpredictable, Rite of Spring is regarded as a work that changed music forever.

• The Rite’s premiere caused a riot in the audience.

  • L. Boulanger D’un matin de printemps
  • Coleman Seven O’Clock Shout
  • Wagner Die Walküre: Ride of the Valkyries
  • Wagner Götterdämmerung: Siegfried’s Death and Funeral March
  • Stravinsky Rite of Spring

Whitehead Auditorium. Reservations Required. 

Byron Stripling & Carmen Bradford

May 3, 2025 - 7:30pm

PRECONCERT CHAT: 6:45pm

Byron Byron Stripling and Carmen Bradford

• Byron Stripling has toured and recorded with Dizzy Gillespie, Woody Herman, Dave Brubeck, Lionel Hampton, Sonny Rollins, and Paquito D’Rivera

• At the age of 22 years old, Carmen Bradford was discovered and hired by William "Count" Basie and was the featured vocalist in the legendary Count Basie Orchestra for nine years. 

  • Byron Stripling, trumpet
  • Carmen Bradford, vocalist

Whitehead Auditorium. Reservations Required.