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Performing selections from the Great American Songbook, the big bands perform charts by legends from the likes of Duke Ellington, Chick Corea, Dave Brubeck, Robert Curnow, and Benny Carter. The evening concert is sure to be filled with lush harmonies, soaring solos, and irresistible rhythms in the comfortable and warm Ann E. Pitzer Center.

Ensemble-in-residence at UC Davis, the Empyrean Ensemble presents engaging and eclectic programs, inviting audiences to experience new musical sensations delivered with high artistry by its extraordinary players—among the finest new music performers in California.

In the wake of their families’ flight from Afghanistan following the Soviet-Afghan War of the 1980s, these master musicians perfected their art in the traditional ustâd-shâgird apprenticeship as disciples of the Ustad Zakir Hussain and Ustad Mohammed Omar. Nader has toured extensively with the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master Stanley Clarke and appeared on Broadway in The Kite Runner. The duo performed on a Smithsonian Folkways recording series featuring the music of Afghanistan and Central Asia, sponsored by Aga Khan Music.

McNeil was a transformative force in the music department during his 21 years as a faculty member (1969–90). He greatly increased participation in the University Chorus from an occasional course to a full public performance group, and created the University Chamber Singers. He founded a music education program and was an original faculty member of the African American and African studies program. As founder and longtime director of the Albert McNeil Jubilee Singers in Los Angeles, he had a profound effect on the performance, preservation and presentation of African American spirituals.

Performing selections from the Great American Songbook the big bands perform charts by legends by the likes of Gershwin, Porter and Ellington. The evening concert is sure to be filled with lush harmonies, soaring solos, and irresistible rhythms in the comfortable and warm Ann E. Pitzer Center.

Student chamber ensembles, the Samba School directed by faculty member Brian Rice, and also the Bluegrass and Old Time String Band directed by faculty member Scott Linford will perform works in progress.

Director Steven Spielberg’s heartwarming masterpiece is one of the brightest stars in motion picture history. Filled with unparalleled magic and imagination, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial follows the moving story of a lost little alien who befriends a 10-year-old boy named Elliott. Experience all the mystery and fun of their unforgettable adventure in the beloved movie that captivated audiences around the world, complete with John Williams’ Academy Award®-winning score performed live by the UC Davis Symphony Orchestra in sync to the film projected on a huge high definition screen!

Ensemble-in-residence at UC Davis, the Empyrean Ensemble presents engaging and eclectic programs, inviting audiences to experience new musical sensations delivered with high artistry by its extraordinary players—among the finest new music performers in California.