The Florida State University College of Music is pleased to announce the 2025–2026 Concert Season, a series of performances celebrating musical excellence through both beloved classics and exciting new works.
What began in 1900 with a initial teacher of vocal and instrumental music has grown into one of the nation’s premier music institutions. This milestone year honors our rich legacy while spotlighting the bold, diverse voices shaping our future.
Our celebratory 125th season features a historic performance by the University Symphony Orchestra, hearkening back to its origins as a women-only ensemble; dynamic performances by our outstanding students, renowned faculty; and guest artists from around the globe, including several exciting collaborative events with Opening Nights at Florida State University.
Members of the University Musical Associates (UMA), the patron support group for the College of Music, play a vital role in supporting the College of Music through concert attendance, advocacy and philanthropy. UMA members enjoy special access, reserved seating, and other exclusive benefits throughout the concert season, all while helping to sustain world-class music education and performance at Florida State. To become a member of the UMA or to purchase tickets, visit tickets.music.fsu.edu.
Join us as we honor the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to the next 125 years of music at FSU!
2025-2026 CONCERT SERIES
The Concert Series features 17 select performances of our professional level ensembles over the course of the season. Subscription packages and individual tickets for these performances are available through the Fine Arts Ticket Office: tickets.music.fsu.edu
SEPTEMBER
19 University Symphony Orchestra | 7:30pm | RDCH
The University Symphony Orchestra opens the 25-26 season with Respighi’s majestic Pines of Rome, and welcomes Molly Reid, winner of the Doctoral Concerto Competition, in a performance of Ravel’s stunning Piano Concerto for the Left Hand.
26 University Wind Orchestra | 7:30pm | RDCH
The University Wind Orchestra honors Dr. James Croft (Director of Bands, 1981-2003) with Ticheli’s Symphony No. 2 and his own arrangement of Who Puts His Trust in God Most Just—a tribute to his enduring legacy.
OCTOBER
11 University Symphony Orchestra | 7:30pm | RDCH
The University Symphony Orchestra welcomes George Speed, bass, as they open the program with Koussevitsky’s powerful Double Bass Concerto and continue with Mahler’s radiant Symphony No. 4.
13 Honors Jazz Combo | 7:30pm | OMH
Don’t miss this unforgettable collaboration! The FSU Honors Jazz Combo joins acclaimed pianist and 2021 Guggenheim Fellow Helen Sung for a dynamic set of original works and jazz standards.
Fall Opera: Massenet’s Cendrillon
October 30-November 1 at 7:30pm; November 2 at 3:00pm | RDCH
FSU Opera presents Massenet’s Cendrillon—a magical tale of love, mystery, and fancy footwear. Will love triumph before the clock strikes midnight? (French with English supertitles.)
NOVEMBER
1-2 Fall Opera: Massenet’s Cendrillon | 7:30pm | 3:00pm | RDCH
The show must go on, in November! Join us for two more performances of Cendrilon, culminating in a final Sunday matinée performance November 2 at 3:00 pm.
9 University Singers | 3:00pm | RDCH
Experience the FSU University Singers in a powerful performance showcasing rich harmonies and dynamic artistry from one of the College of Music’s premier vocal ensembles.
18 University Wind Ensemble | 7:30pm | RDCH
The Wind Ensemble presents “Something Old, Something New”—a dynamic mix of classic wind band favorites and exciting new works by emerging composers.
JANUARY
31 Festival of New Music: Large Ensemble Concert | 7:30pm | RDCH
Don’t miss this thrilling program featuring music from our guest composer, Pulitzer Prize recipient Julia Wolfe. The USO and Wind Orchestra will also present new works selected from the hundreds of submissions as part of the 2026 Festival of New Music.
FEBRUARY
21 University Symphony Orchestra | 7:30pm | RDCH
Back by popular demand, the University Symphony Orchestra performs Stravinsky’s riot-starting Rite of Spring and Dani Howard’s Trombone Concerto, featuring faculty trombonist Hana Beloglavec.
MARCH
10 Jazz Ensemble I | 7:30pm | RDCH
FSU Jazz Ensemble I welcomes Jazz at Lincoln Center trombonist Vincent Gardner for an evening of swinging originals and timeless jazz. Don’t miss this exceptional collaboration!
25 University Symphony Orchestra: “Celebrating 100 Years” | 7:30pm | OMH
Celebrate 100 years of Orchestra at FSU! Join us as the women of the USO honor this historic milestone in our history by replicating that first 1926 orchestra concert of the then Florida State College for Women. Led by FSU alumna Dr. Alexandra Dee.
APRIL
Spring Opera: Mozart’s Così fan tutte
April 9-11 at 7:30pm | April 12 at 3:00pm | OMH
FSU Opera presents Mozart’s Così fan tutte, a witty comedy of love built on assumed identities, gamesmanship, and passion. (Italian with English supertitles.)
9 University Philharmonia | 7:30pm | RDCH
The College of Music’s premiere undergraduate orchestra presents a night of lavishly beautiful music in Ruby Diamond Concert Hall.
14 University Wind Ensemble: “America 250: A Celebration” | 7:30pm | RDCH
Join the University Wind Ensemble and University Singers as they celebrate America’s semiquincentennial with Howard Hanson’s Song of Democracy and other rousing works.
18 University Chamber Choir and University Singers | 7:30pm | RDCH
The University Chamber Choir presents Whitacre’s The Sacred Veil, featuring faculty cellist Greg Sauer, followed by a selection of spring tour favorites from the University Singers.
22 University Wind Orchestra | 7:30pm | RDCH
Join the University Wind Orchestra for their final concert of the 25-26 season, featuring Schwantner’s groundbreaking composition …and the mountains rising nowhere.
MAY
29-30 Summer Opera: Muhly’s Dark Sisters | 7:30pm | OMH
FSU Opera presents Muhly’s Dark Sisters, a gripping contemporary opera about one woman’s fight to escape a polygamist sect. Inspired by true events, Muhly’s opera is a stark portrayal of coercion, faith, and the painful pursuit of autonomy. (English with supertitles.)
HOUSEWRIGHT VIRTUOSO SERIES
Named in honor of long-time faculty member and dean Wiley L. Housewright, the Housewright Virtuoso Series features renowned artists from around the world and from our esteemed faculty in the College of Music. Admission to all Housewright Virtuoso Series events is free – no tickets required.
SEPTEMBER
24 Dohnányi Chamber Players | 7:30pm | OMH
Mozart, Brahms, and Dohnányi will fill the air in an evening of captivating chamber music by this esteemed faculty ensemble including Jonathan Holden, clarinet, Shannon Thomas, violin, Greg Sauer, cello, and Read Gainsford, piano with special guest violist Adela Shagidullina.
OCTOBER
9 May I Have This Dance? Faculty Showcase I | 7:30pm | OMH
“May I Have This Dance?” celebrates global dance-inspired music with faculty performers and live dancers. Featuring works by Chopin, Piazzolla, Schoenfeld, and more in a vibrant, immersive showcase.
21 Akropolis Reed Quintet | 7:30pm | OMH
Celebrating their 16th season as “a sonically daring ensemble who specializes in performing new works with charisma and integrity” (BBC Music Magazine), the GRAMMY® Award-winning Akropolis Reed Quintet have taken the chamber music scene by storm!
23 Ricky Ian Gordon | 7:30pm | LON
Ricky Ian Gordon, a prominent American composer known for his art songs, operas, and musical theatre works, returns to FSU! Join voice students and faculty as they present works by this featured guest.
NOVEMBER
5 Choral Festival with Andrea Ramsey | 6:00pm | RDCH
Join Levana, guest conductor Dr. Andrea Ramsey, and treble singers from Leon County Schools for an evening of music celebrating the treble voice!
JANUARY
22 Strange Bedfellows Faculty Showcase II | 7:30pm | OMH
Enter a world of fantastical musical tales full of rarely performed works including Crumb’s Vox Balaenae. This unique program celebrates unexpected musical friendships.
30 Bang on a Can All-Stars | 7:30pm | OMH
The Bang on a Can All-Stars bring their boundary-breaking sound to FSU! This acclaimed ensemble blends classical, jazz, rock, and more in a bold celebration of today’s most innovative music.
FEBRUARY
6 Jörgen van Rijen | 7:30pm | DRH
Join international trombone soloist Jörgen van Rijen, principal of the Concertgebouw Orchestra, for a virtuosic recital in Dohnányi Recital Hall.
13 Kristan Toczko | 7:30pm | OMH
Classical harpist turned social media personality Kristan Toczko electrifies audiences with video game favorites and rock classics—from Zelda to Metallica—in a stunning recital featuring selections from her Billboard-charting album, Rock Echoes.
MARCH
10 Khemia Ensemble | 7:30pm | OMH
Khemia Ensemble blends chamber music with rock, pop, theater, and folk influences, and features and all the lives we lived a newly commissioned work by Anuj Bhutani.
SPECIAL EVENTS
These events are ticketed, stand-alone events (not part of the Concert or Housewright Virtuoso Series). UMA members receive advanced purchase opportunities for tickets to these events as part of their membership benefits. Unless otherwise specified, tickets for these events are available through the Fine Arts Ticket Office (tickets.music.fsu.edu).
OCTOBER
7 Kendell Marvel | 7:30pm | OMH
Presented in partnership with Opening Nights
Acclaimed solo artist. Grammy-winning songwriter. Road warrior. Join us for Kendall Marvel’s first appearance in Tallahassee in the intimate Opperman Music Hall for an evening of honkytonk country and roadhouse rock & roll fusion. For tickets visit: tickets.openingnights.fsu.edu
DECEMBER
2-5 PRISM: Band Extravaganza | 7:30pm | RDCH
A beloved tradition, the PRISM band spectacular showcases student talent across genres—classical, jazz, pop, and more—culminating with a performance by the world-renowned Marching Chiefs. A festive kickoff to the holiday season!
7 Seasonal Celebration | 7:30pm | RDCH
Sing in the season with the University choirs as they perform festive works in an immersive, heartwarming experience perfect for the holiday spirit!
JANUARY
20 Nicole Zuraitis with Jazz Faculty | 7:30pm | OMH
Presented in partnership with Opening Nights
Two-time Grammy winning jazz singer- songwriter, pianist and arranger, New York-based bandleader, and winner of the prestigious America Traditions Vocal Competition Gold Medal, Nicole Zuraitis joins with local artists for an evening of unforgettable jazz. For tickets visit: tickets.openingnights.fsu.edu
FEBRUARY
3 Boston Brass and Imani Winds | 7:30pm | OMH
Presented in partnership with Opening Nights
Boston Brass and 2024 GRAMMY-winning Imani Winds debut a new consortium, premiering a collaborative work by Arturo Sandoval alongside classics, blending classical and jazz with innovative wind quintet performances. For tickets visit: tickets.openingnights.fsu.edu
6-7 Preview@FSU: Fountain of You | 7:30pm | CST
Preview@FSU presents Fountain of You, a dark comedy about an actress who defies age and industry limits by means of through wild spa treatment, sparking a journey toward true power and equality.
26 Sphinx Virtuosi Concert with Violinist Randall Goosby | 7:30pm | RDCH
Presented in partnership with Opening Nights
A self-conducted chamber orchestra of Black and Latino musicians dedicated to elevating classical music, the Sphinx Virtuosi is acclaimed for vibrant performances. Virtuoso violinist Randall Goosby joins this exciting ensemble for their first appearance in Tallahassee. For tickets visit: tickets.openingnights.fsu.edu
27 Rainbow Concert of World Music | 7:30pm | OMH
Join the FSU world music ensembles for a global musical journey, featuring special guests, the Väsen-Duo. The internationally acclaimed duo performs traditional and modern Swedish music featuring the viola and nyckelharpa, a stringed instrument like nothing you’ve seen (or heard) before!
