Samford Arts continues the tradition of bringing inspiring talent to the Samford University campus through the generosity of Davis Architects. Since 2008, Samford has partnered with Birmingham-based Davis Architects to provide exposure to world-renowned artists.
According to School of the Arts Dean Joseph Hopkins, “The Davis Architects Guest Artist Series began as a wonderful way to celebrate the incredible Jane Hollock Brock Recital Hall with great music, but it has become even more. Today, it is a brilliant collaboration of community and campus that brings some of the world’s most acclaimed artists to Birmingham and creates master classes for students to learn from these musicians. We are grateful for the partnership of the Birmingham Chamber Music Society and sponsors such as Chandler and Jane Paris Smith in presenting Van Cliburn, Grammy and international competition winners.”
The 2017–18 Davis Architects Guest Artist Series opens Oct. 5 at 7:30 p.m. in Brock Recital Hall with world-renowned pianist Vadym Kholodenko. Kholodenko was gold medalist at the 14th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. As part of his Samford visit, Kholodenko will host a master class for students and will serve as a judge for this year’s Fletcher and Nell Morris Piano Festival and Competition.
On Feb. 2, Grammy nominee American mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton will grace the Samford stage with an anticipated unforgettable performance, Hopkins said. She has claimed virtually all of the highest awards in the world of opera. Her performance is made possible by the support of Samford Arts patrons Chandler and Jane Paris Smith, the Birmingham Chamber Music Society and Opera Birmingham.
The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center is one of 11 constituents of the largest performing arts complex in the world, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. On Feb. 22, Vienna to Hollywood will feature five exceptional musicians performing pieces for the violin, piano and cello.
The season will conclude on March 20 with Sō Percussion, a percussion-based music organization that creates and presents new collaborative works to adventurous and curious audiences and educational initiatives to engaged students. Sō Percussion has redefined the scope and role of the modern percussion ensemble.
All performances will take place in Jane Hollock Brock Recital Hall at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for students and $30 reserved. Tickets are available at tickets.samford.edu or 205-726-2853 as of Aug. 10.
Ashley Smith is marketing and communication coordinator for Samford Arts.
