Fabio Bidini
The Vienna Boys Choir
Jonathan Jung
Joo-Hae Kim
ChoEun Lee
Muen Vanessa Wei
Lysander Piano Trio
Modigliani Quartet
Brook Speltz with the Clarinet Quintet
Brenden Speltz with the Clarinet Quintet
Grace Park with the Clarinet Quintet
Luke Fleming with the Clarinet Quintet
Mark Dover with the Clarinet Quintet
The Lee University Presidential Concert Series will return this fall, celebrating its 30th season with a robust slate of performers, including guests both new and returning to the series, as well as artists from within Lee’s acclaimed School of Music.
“Over the past 30 years, we have been honored to host a multitude of talented artists, from jazz bands, vocal groups, and string quartets to pops concerts, chamber music, and pianofests,” said Darlia Conn, director of the Presidential Concert Series. “We are pleased to welcome another remarkable group for this season, as well!”
The concert series will begin on Sept. 22 with Italian pianist Fabio Bidini. Applauded by the New York Times for his “admirable simplicity… [that is] truly touching,” Mr. Bidini is one of the most popular pianists ever to appear on Lee’s campus, “bringing Italian bravissimo to every performance.” He is considered among the world’s leading concert pianists and pedagogues.
The Vienna Boys Choir, one of the best-known children’s choirs in the world, will perform on Oct. 27. Founded in Austria almost 100 years ago, these young sopranos and altos tour the world, singing popular standards, as well as classical repertoire. The choir gained fame as the subject of a Walt Disney film “Almost Angels” in 1961. The current choir, all ages 9 to 14, tour internationally 10 weeks each year.
Featured pianist Jonathan Jung will take the stage on Jan. 26, 2023, joined on the program by fellow Lee piano faculty Joo-Hae Kim, ChoEun Lee, and Muen Vanessa Wei in Pangle Hall. Each of these artists combine superb academic credentials with performance experience on some of the world’s greatest stages.
Praised by The Strad for its “incredible ensemble, passionate playing, articulate and imaginative ideas, and wide palette of colors,” the Lysander Piano Trio showcases the talents of Julliard School alumni Itamar Zorman, violin, Liza Stepanova, piano, and Michael Katz, cello. The Trio will perform on Feb. 28, 2023. Since the trio’s formation in 2009, they have toured all over the world, winning numerous competitions and performing for audiences of all ages.
The Series will continue on March 16, 2023, with The Clarinet Quintet, five members of the New York-based Manhattan Chamber Players, known for performing some of the greatest works in the chamber repertoire. Reviewers at the Minnesota Beethoven Festival said the group’s “musicianship was stunning, their energy was palpable, and the sheer joy they brought to the stage was truly special.” In addition to its numerous concerts in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the group frequently tours in Asia and the Middle East.
Referred to as “one of the best quartets in the world” (Süddeutsche Zeitung), the Modigliani Quartet will perform on April 13, 2023. The Paris-based ensemble is recognized as one of today’s most sought-after quartets and is known for its “bright, youthful sound which is invigorating” to audiences (The Guardian). The Quartet has won multiple awards throughout its career, including three First Prizes successively at the Eindhoven International Competition and the prestigious Young Concert Artists Auditions in New York.
All concerts will take place at 7:30 p.m. The September, October, January, and March performances will take place in Pangle Hall, and concerts in February and April will be held in Squires Recital Hall. Tickets for all performances are $15 for adults and $5 for students and seniors and are available for purchase at the Lee University Box Office in the Dixon Center or by contacting 614-8343, one week prior to each concert, between 3-6 p.m.
For more information about the Presidential Concert Series, visit leeuniversity.edu/pcs/ or call the School of Music at 614-8240.