Lee University’s Presidential Concert Series will celebrate its 32nd season with an exciting lineup of both new faces and familiar favorites, alongside the exceptional talent from Lee’s own School of Music.

“We look forward to the wonderful music that will be presented in this new season of the Presidential Concert Series,” said Darlia Conn, director of Lee’s Presidential Concert Series. “We will have many brilliant musicians join us with a variety of music styles, so there will be something for all to enjoy.”

Opening this year’s concert series on October 1, Lee University will welcome back renowned clarinetist David Shifrin, performing with the award-winning Miró Quartet and celebrated pianist Gloria Chien. This group of performers will present a program featuring the works of Mozart, Bernstein, George Walker, and Alan Schulman.

On October 24, Russian pianist Ilya Yakushev will return for his fourth performance with the Presidential Concert Series. He has been considered “one of the very best young pianists before the public today” by the American Record Guide. With many awards and honors to his credit, Yakushev continues to astound and mesmerize audiences with his engaging and passionate performances. 

Raphaël Feuillâtre will continue the series on November 12. Hailed as “the new face of classical guitar worldwide,” Feuillâtre captivates audiences and critics alike with the depth of his interpretations, his virtuosity, and the richness of his repertoire. For this concert, he will perform classical guitar works by artists such as J.S. Bach, Scarlatti, Albéniz, and Tarrega.

The series will resume on Feb. 3, 2025, with a special faculty highlight featuring the university’s very own Alan Wyatt. Known for his musicianship, Wyatt has performed and toured with Frank Sinatra Jr., The Temptations, and the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra. This performance will spotlight Wyatt’s jazz expertise, offering a showcase of jazz talent.

The popular and multi-award-winning quintet Goitse, a leader of the new generation of traditional Irish ensembles, will perform on March 4, 2025. Named Live Ireland’s “Traditional Group of the Year,” the quintet’s distinctive sound lies in the quality of its own compositions interspersed with age-old traditional tunes which make each performance unique. Additional funding for this concert was generously provided by the Tennessee Arts Commission.

Closing out the season, Russian pianist Zlata Chochieva is returning for her second consecutive performance with this series on April 10, 2025. Hailed by Gramophone as “the possessor of a comprehensive technique who brings an inner glow to every bar,” Chochieva first came to international attention with her highly praised recordings of works by Chopin and Rachmaninov. For this concert, she will perform works by J. S. Bach, Schumann, Chopin, and Rachmaninoff. 

All concerts will take place at 7:30 p.m. The September and March performances will be held in Pangle Hall; the October, November, and April performances will take place in Squires Recital Hall; and the February performance will be held in the Dixon Center.

Tickets for all performances are $15 for adults and $5 for students, seniors, and children. Tickets are available for purchase at the Lee University Box Office in the Dixon Center or by contacting (423) 614-8343, one week before each event, between 3-6 p.m. Tickets are also available at Eventbrite.com.

Designated parking will be available all season, with assistance available if needed. Details will be announced in the days leading up to each concert in the series.

For more information on the Presidential Concert Series, visit lee pcs/ or call the School of Music at (423) 614-8240.