From the classics to jazz to blues and from touring artists to presentations by our own faculty, students, and alumni, the offerings are extensive.
Through both our Ovations! touring professional artists and series such as Sound Choices and Music Theater, we bring you a number of musical performances throughout the year.
View the Events Calendar for Lively Arts
Don Giovanni (Don Juan)
February 27-29, 7:30 p.m., and March 1, 2:00 p.m., Waller Hall Mainstage, IUP Performing Arts Center
In this co-production, faculty from the departments of Music and Theatre, Dance, and Performance will join forces with outstanding students to present one of the most powerful operas of all time. Directed by See-yin (Oliver) Lo. Conducted by Alexandra Dee. This will be a fully staged performance with professional chamber orchestra.
Blue Note Records Artist Kandace Springs
7:30 p.m., Saturday, January 30, 2021
Every so often a new singer emerges who is able to assimilate multiple musical touchstones and still come off sounding remarkably fresh and unburdened by the past. Kandace Springs is one of those artists. This Nashville-based singer, songwriter, and pianist counts such stylists as Billy Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Roberta Flack, and Norah Jones as her heroes, but, as evidenced by her sparkling Blue Note Records debut Soul Eyes, mimics none of them. Springs had attracted the attention of Prince, who had heard her makeover of Sam Smith's “Stay with Me.” The music icon then invited her to perform with him at Paisley Park for the 30th anniversary of Purple Rain. She has since appeared on Ghostface Killah's 36 Seasons, Aqualung's 10 Futures, and Black Violin's Stereotypes. Her second full length Blue Note album Indigo was released September 2018.
IUP Jazz Festival
Saturday, April 18, 7:00 p.m., Fisher Auditorium, IUP Performing Arts Center
In its 21st year, the IUP Jazz Band brings yet another tremendous festival to the IUP Performing Arts Center. Led by James Flowers and the IUP Jazz Ensemble and directed by Kevin Eisensmith, this annual concert will continue to highlight incredible jazz pieces. A featured guest artist is lined up to perform with our IUP bands.
Birth of the Cool: A Tribute to Miles Davis
Saturday, September 21, Blue Room, Sutton Hall
Enjoy a night of live jazz as members of the IUP Department of Music perform the music from the critically acclaimed compilation album of American jazz great Miles Davis.
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
Saturday, October 12, 8:00 p.m., Fisher Auditorium, IUP Performing Arts Center
Holding to its mission to “engage, enrich, and inspire through unparalleled live musical experiences,” the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Music Director Manfred Honeck, is scheduled to begin the evening with Sibelius' The Swan of Tuonela, No. 2 from Legends, Opus 22, followed by the return of their recently Grammy nominated performance of Beethoven Symphony No 3, Eroica.
Niyaz, Featuring Azam Ali
Tuesday, October 22, 8:00 p.m., Gorell Recital Hall, Second Floor Sutton Hall
With all the mysticism and allure of their native lands, Niyaz seamlessly blends ancient Sufi poetry and folk songs from the Middle East to India, with rich, acoustic instrumentation and state-of-the-art modern electronics.
Rent
Thursday, November 21, 7:00 p.m., Fisher Auditorium, IUP Performing Arts Center
Based on Puccini's beloved opera La Boheme, Rent follows the ups and down of a year in the life of a group of impoverished, artistic friends living in Manhattan's East Village.
Broadway Extravaganza
Thursday, December 5, 8:00 p.m., Fisher Auditorium, IUP Performing Arts Center
Featuring IUP faculty and students performing all-time favorite show tunes from Broadway's best shows, including songs by Frank Loesser, Jason Robert Brown, Stephen Sondheim, and many more.
The Swingles, Winter Tales
Tuesday, December 10, 8:00 p.m., Gorell Recital Hall, 2nd Floor Sutton Hall
What better way to get into the holiday spirit than with songs of good cheer brought to you by the Swingles?
Imani Winds
Thursday, January 30, 8:00 p.m., Gorell Recital Hall, Second Floor Sutton Hall
Imani Winds seamlessly navigates between classical, jazz, and world music idioms, demonstrating their mission to expand the wind quintet repertoire.
River City Brass, Brasstacular
Friday, February 7, 8:00 p.m., Fisher Auditorium, IUP Performing Arts Center
Under the skillful baton of James Gourlay, the RCB continues its tradition of excellence as they bring to the Fisher stage a great selection of their most popular repertoires. Enjoy an evening with a bit of Broadway, the hits of Hollywood, and some American brass band favorites.
