The Florida State University College of Music is proud to kick off the 2025-2026 Concert Season with a rich lineup of performances this month, spotlighting both student excellence and faculty artistry across a series of performances in Tallahassee and beyond.
On Friday, September 19 at 7:30 PM, the University Symphony Orchestra will take the stage at Ruby Diamond Concert Hall under the batons of Music Director Dr. Alexander Jiménez and Graduate Associate Conductor Thomas Roggio. The evening features an eclectic and powerful program, including Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s The Bamboula: Rhapsodic Dance; Nocturne for String Orchestra by Alexander Borodin; and the majestic Pini di Roma (Pines of Rome) by Ottorino Respighi. Molly Reid, winner of the 2025 Doctoral Concerto Competition, will join the USO for Maurice Ravel’s Concerto for the Left Hand.
How to watch: In person: tickets.music.fsu.edu | Live stream: wfsu.org/fsumusic
The following week, the College of Music presents a Housewright Virtuoso Series performance by the Dohnányi Chamber Players, a faculty ensemble dedicated to chamber music excellence and the legacy of Hungarian composer Ernst von Dohnányi, who taught at FSU from 1949 to 1960.
The ensemble, formed by FSU College of Music faculty members Jonathan Holden (clarinet), Shannon Thomas (violin), Gregory Sauer (cello), and Read Gainsford (piano), will be joined by guest violist Kathryn Votapek for each of their 3 performances. The program for each performance will feature Mozart’s “Kegelstatt” Trio, K. 498, Dohnányi’s Serenade, Op. 10, and Brahms’ Trio in A Minor, Op. 114.
The Dohnányi Chamber Players will be taking their music on the road in a small tour of Florida, starting on their home stage in Tallahassee before moving on to Sarasota and Winter Park.
How to watch:
- Wednesday, September 24 at 7:30 PM – Opperman Music Hall, Tallahassee
In person: Admission to this concert is free - Thursday, September 25 at 7:30 PM – Historic Asolo Theater, John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota
In person; tickets available at ringling.org - Friday, September 26 at 8:00 PM – Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts, Winter Park
In person; tickets available at: bluebambooartcenter.com | Live stream: http://www.youtube.com/@BlueBambooMusic/streams
Finally, on Friday, September 26 at 7:30 PM, the University Wind Orchestra, conducted by Dr. Rodney Dorsey, will present a powerful tribute to the late Dr. James Croft, (Director of Bands at FSU from 1981–2003). The program includes Frank Ticheli’s Symphony No. 2 and Croft’s own arrangement of Who Puts His Trust in God Most Just, honoring his enduring impact on generations of musicians.
How to watch: In-person: tickets.music.fsu.edu | Live stream: wfsu.org/fsumusic
Want to see and hear a performance, but can’t make it to the concert?
Check out our fall live stream performances at wfsu.org/fsumusic:
Sept. 19 University Symphony Orchestra
Sept. 26 University Wind Orchestra
Oct. 13 Honors Jazz Combo
Nov. 2 FSU Opera presents: Massenet’s Cendrillon
Nov. 9 University Singers
All events will be streamed live at time of performance.
See music.fsu.edu/events/calendar for more information.
