College of Musical Arts

“first-rate in every way” – The New York Times

Enjoy the rising stars of the Sphinx Chamber Orchestra, an ensemble comprised of top alumni of the national Sphinx Competition for young Black and Latino string players, in the first concert of its inaugural national tour! Featuring violinist Elena Urioste, who was recently selected by Symphony magazine as an emerging artist to watch, and the Harlem Quartet, comprised of the principal chairs of the SCO, the ensemble will perform a diverse program of well-known repertoire by Mozart and Vivaldi, in addition to works by African-American and Latino composers, such as Piazzolla, Michael Abels and Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson. Don’t miss this chance to hear some of the best young and upcoming artists!

“Nexus remains one of the great percussion groups in the world” – American Record Guide

The first, entirely improvised NEXUS concert in 1971 marked the formation of a group that would touch and entertain people of all levels of musical learning, in all genres of percussion music. The ensemble stands out in the contemporary music scene for its innovation and diversity programs and its influential improvisatory ideas. The widespread appeal of NEXUS’ music has taken the group on tours around the globe. Compelled to share their insatiable curiosity, knowledge and passion, it has also contributed greatly to musical education with symphonic and solo programs for family audiences. Festival Series audiences will be sure to enjoy the ensemble’s clever, entertaining and enriching presentation!

Celebrate the holiday season with the Toledo Symphony Orchestra, University Choral Society and soloists in Handel’s beloved oratorio, Messiah. Start a family tradition and bring your entire family to experience this legendary music of the season!

“Full-blooded, edgy Rachmaninoff…remarkable performances” – Gramophone Magazine

Barry Douglas enjoys a major international solo career, which has developed since winning the Gold Medal at the 1986 Tchaikovsky International Piano Competition in Moscow. Orchestral highlights of recent seasons include concerts with the London Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony, Hong Kong Philharmonic, Houston Symphony, Helsinki Philharmonic, Dresden Philharmonic and Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. In recital, he regularly tours France, Ireland, the United Kingdom, U.S. and Russia with recent visits to Dublin, St. Petersburg and Moscow. In 1999, he formed the Camerata Ireland, an all-Irish chamber orchestra with players from both Northern and Southern Ireland, to celebrate “the wealth of Irish musical talent,” of which he remains artistic director.

“They are, to put it directly, one of the world’s best.” – San Francisco Chronicle

Hailed as “the world”s reigning male chorus” by The New Yorker magazine and named the 2008 Ensemble of the Year by Musical America, Chanticleer returns by popular demand for a third performance on the Festival Series. With its seamless blend of 12 male voices, ranging from countertenor to bass, and its vivid interpretations of vocal literature, from Renaissance to jazz and gospel to venturesome new music, the ensemble has earned international renown as “an orchestra of voices.”