Welcome...
Hello Music Lovers!
It is my pleasure to announce the concerts in the 24-25 season of the Presidential Concert Series. It includes both returning performers as well as artists who are new to this area. Leading off the series will be the return of a group who were last here in 2017. They are probably the most seasoned of this year's performers, brilliant chamber musicians David Shifrin, clarinet, Gloria Chien, piano and the Miró String Quartet. They will perform in Pangle Hall on October 1st. Next on our calendar in October is returning crowd favorite pianist Ilya Yakushev and in November classical guitarist Raphaël Feuillâtre will be making his Presidential Concert Series debut. These concerts are both scheduled for Squires Hall, possibly the most intimate concert space on campus and perfect for these solo performances. The first concert in 2025 will be held in February in Dixon Center, where we began the series in 1992. Cleveland and Lee University's very own Alan Wyatt will be making music with his friends from the world of jazz. We can expect to be entertained with soulful renditions of old favorites, as well as vocal favorites, and perhaps even "Alleluia". In March we will be back in Pangle with a new group, Goitse, performing traditional Irish music, both instrumental and vocal. It will be a perfect introduction to the students heading to Ireland for Spring Break. Ending our season in April is the return of last years pianist, Zlata Chochieva in Squires Hall. I don't remember a more enthusiastic response to a first performance in this Series, her music was mesmerizing and we look forward to presenting her again this season.
Dr. Conn and I are eager for the music to begin!
Sincerely,
Darlia Conn
David Shifrin, The Miro Quartet, and Gloria Chien Tuesday, October 1st, 2024 @ Pangle Hall
Opening this season of the Presidential Concert Series, Lee University will be welcoming back the renowned clarinetist David Shifrin, performing with the excellent Miro Quartet and our favorite pianist, Gloria Chien. Together this wonderful group of performers will present a program of Mozart, Bernstein, George Walker, Alan Schulman, and more!
Ilya Yakushev – Thursday, October 24, 2024 @ Squires Recital Hall
Returning for the 4th time to the Presidential Concert Series, we are thrilled to welcome back Russian pianist Ilya Yakushev. With many awards and honors to his credit, Ilya continues to astound and mesmerize audiences with his engaging and passionate performances.
Raphaël Feuillâtre – Tuesday, November 12, 2024 @ Squires Recital Hall
Hailed as the new face of classical guitar worldwide, Raphaël Feuillâtre fascinates audiences and critics alike with the depth of his interpretations, his virtuosity, and the richness of his repertoire. For this concert he will be performing classical guitar works by J. S. Bach, Scarlatti, Albéniz, Tarrega, and many more.
Alan Wyatt Jazz Performance – Monday, February 3, 2025 @ Dixon Center
Lee University presents our very own Alan Wyatt in concert for a very special faculty highlight. Alan is known for his musicianship and intimate performances. Together with some of his dearest friends, this concert will be a showcase of the amazing jazz talent in our hometown
Goitse – Tuesday, March 4, 2025 - @ Pangle Hall
The popular and multi-award[1]winning quintet Goitse have become a leader of the new
generation of traditional Irish ensembles. Named Live Ireland’s “Traditional Group of the Year” Goitse makes what Irish Music Magazine calls “Music that’s brimming with energy and creative zeal.”
Additional funding for this concert was generously provided by the Tennessee Arts Commission.
Zlata Chochieva – Thursday, April 10, 2025 @ Squires Recital Hall
Closing out this season, the Presidential Concert Series welcomes the electric pianist Zlata Chochieva back for her second consecutive performance with this series. For this concert she will be performing works by J. S. Bach, Schumann, Chopin, and Rachmaninoff.