Published on July 24, 2018 by Ashley Smith  
Takacs Quartet, photo by Amanda Tipton
Takacs Quartet, photo by Amanda Tipton

For more than a decade, Samford University’s School of the Arts has hosted the Davis Architects Guest Artist Series, bringing some of the nation’s most notable performers to campus for students and the community to enjoy. The tradition continues with a variety of musicians in the 2018-19 season.

The first concert will take place on Oct. 23 and will feature the Takács Quartet, a talented group from the University of Colorado. The New York Times writes that they “make the most traditional of works feel radical once more.” This concert will be followed by a piano recital showcasing the work of Jovanni-Rey de Pedro, who will join the School of the Arts faculty full-time this fall. De Pedro is a Filipino-American pianist who has developed an international reputation as a soloist, collaborator, pedagogue, speaker, entrepreneur and philanthropist. His concert will be in conjunction with the Fletcher and Nell Morris Piano Competition, which allows students to compete for Samford scholarships. 

Two additional events will round out the series in the spring. SYBARITE5 will return to the Samford stages on March 5 and violinist Rachel Barton Pine will appear on March 21. The SYBARITE5 is noted with rock star status in the chamber ensemble world with their fresh take on classical techniques. Heralded by The Washington Post as “an exciting, boundary-defying performer,” Pine brings amazing talent to Samford.

The Davis Series is also presented with the Birmingham Chamber Music Society that supports the arts in Birmingham and continues to make these events a reality for our students and community. 

Joe Hopkins, dean of the School of the Arts, is enthusiastic about the upcoming season and grateful for patrons and sponsors.

“The School of the Arts has a special role at Samford, serving a community with so many friends that directly impact our students and their learning experience,” said Hopkins. “Hosting guest artists on campus provides incredible inspiration and industry knowledge. Davis Architects demonstrates the generosity of our community, and the Birmingham Chamber Music Society is a key partner in serving Birmingham through the arts.”

All concerts will take place in Brock Recital Hall at 7:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale August 1 at tickets.samford.edu.

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.