2024-25
Concerts

In her first 25 years alone, singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Sierra Hull hit more milestones than many musicians accomplish in a lifetime. After making her Grand Ole Opry debut at the age of 10, the Tennessee-bred virtuoso mandolinist played Carnegie Hall at age 12, then landed a deal with Rounder Records just a year later.

Over the past three decades, saxophonist, composer, and bandleader, Joshua Redman has consistently demonstrated how to honor music’s verities while expanding its reach in contemporary settings.

This program spotlights the wealth and variety of chamber music for winds in multiple combinations and introduces the former Principal Horn of the Berlin Philharmonic, Radek Baborák, to American audiences.

Can creativity heal the world? Valerie sure thinks so! She believes that each person has a multitude of creative paths to follow that can inspire them to uplift others and shine.

Mezzo soprano Singer Aziza Poggi has performed in major rock festivals in Europe to local classical concerts with West Michigan Opera Project. She has a versatile repertoire and loves to perform both styles but currently, Aziza is spending more of her time on her classical roots. At this recital, Aziza will sing a mix of Classical and Broadway tunes with live accompaniment by Todd Wilkie. The event will also feature local guest singers Stacie House, Keon Atkins, Katie Hadla, and Tobius Potter. Youth Student Singers Lauren Kowal and Lucy Bellefeuil-Wilson also will join. Students of Aziza's. Hosted by audiobook narrator and actor Rick Reed. Meet and greet after the program and select merchandise for sale by Aziza World Fragrances, LLC.

Even among the pantheon of music’s finest artists, Del McCoury stands alone.

Cécile McLorin Salvant, is a composer, singer, and visual artist. The late Jessye Norman described Salvant as “a unique voice supported by an intelligence and full-fledged musicality, which light up every note she sings”.

Judy Collins has inspired audiences with sublime vocals, boldly vulnerable songwriting, personal life triumphs, and a firm commitment to social activism.

Hailed as one of the most prodigious guitarists of his generation and “highest category of improvising musicians" (New Yorker), Julian Lage has spent more than a decade searching through the myriad strains of American musical history via impeccable technique, free association and a spirit of infinite possibility.

One of the most beloved chamber music works for strings and piano, Schubert’s “Trout” Quintet not only demonstrates his genius for melody and lyricism, but also features a distinct combination of instruments: only one violin and the addition of double bass.

Christian McBride is an eight-time GRAMMY-winning bassist, composer, and bandleader. He is the Artistic Director of the historic Newport Jazz Festival, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), the TD James Moody Jazz Festival, and the National Jazz Museum in Harlem. McBride is also a respected educator and advocate for youth, and serves as Artistic Director of Jazz House KiDS and the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Summer Sessions.

CMS Co-Artistic Director David Finckel is joined by colleagues from around the world in a program featuring string sextets, an ensemble comprised of pairs of violins, violas, and cellos.