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A Melodious Journey Through UC Davis Concerts: Celebrating Musical Excellence

UC Davis Concerts invites music enthusiasts on an extraordinary journey through a series of remarkable events featuring talented performers and unique compositions. From the Empyrean Ensemble's eclectic programs to the compelling storytelling of 'Considering Matthew Shepard,' these events promise a diverse range of musical experiences. Held at the Ann E. Pitzer Center and Mondavi Center, these concerts showcase the artistry of acclaimed musicians like Dagenais Smiley and Rachel Lee Priday. Join us as we explore the highlights of this vibrant celebration of music and culture.

May 4, 2025

1. Empyrean Ensemble

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.

May 4, 2025

UC Davis Concerts

Davis, CA · Ann E. Pitzer Center

2. UC Davis Sinfonietta

May 9, 2025

UC Davis Concerts

Davis, CA · Ann E. Pitzer Center

3. Dagenais Smiley, violin

A native of Northern California, Dagenais Smiley earned her bachelor of music degree at the Oberlin Conservatory as a student of Milan Vitek and her master’s degree from USC under the instruction of Kathleen Winkler. She is proud to have worked under such notable conductors as Leon Fleisher, David Zinman, Robert Spano, Michael Tilson Thomas, and John Williams. She has participated in master classes given by Yuval Yaron, Kathleen Winkler, Alexander Barantschik, Fritz Gearhart, the Calder Quartet, and Glenn Dicterow.

May 15, 2025

UC Davis Concerts

Davis, CA · Ann E. Pitzer Center

4. Big Bands

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.

May 27, 2025

UC Davis Concerts

Davis, CA · Ann E. Pitzer Center

5. UC Davis Symphony Orchestra

Gershwin famously folded jazz—exploding in popularity at the time—into the orchestra with the piano at center. Brewbaker took inspiration from 12th-century poet Sufi, asking: Is the violinist playing the violin or the violin playing the violinist? Eliza Brown vividly connected, in one ten-minute soaring work, her mother’s favorite music with Virginia Woolf’s Orlando, with the essence of both her own (and her mother’s) musical spirit.

Jun 1, 2025

UC Davis Concerts

Davis, CA · Mondavi Center

6. Student Chamber Ensembles

Jun 3, 2025

UC Davis Concerts

Davis, CA · Ann E. Pitzer Center

7. Fitz Gibbon-McCullough Duo

As both musical and life partners, soprano Lucy Fitz Gibbon and pianist Ryan McCullough bring an intimacy to their performances that speaks to their many years of collaboration. Praised as “breathtaking” by The Wall Street Journal, the husband-and-wife duo has performed throughout North America and Europe in such venues as New York’s Merkin Hall, Park Avenue Armory, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Di Menna Center; London’s Wigmore Hall; and Toronto’s Koerner Hall, in addition to a recent appearance on PBS’ Great Performances.

Jun 5, 2025

UC Davis Concerts

Davis, CA · Ann E. Pitzer Center

8. Choruses of UC Davis: “Sing With Pride”

“Considering Matthew Shepard,” first performed in 2016, is a full-concert length modern-day oratorio, which honors and celebrates the life of Matthew Shepard. The choral work is fused together with different styles. The texts are from poets, including Rumi and Hildegard von Bingen, along with words from Shepard’s own journal. The Chicago Tribune wrote: “Moving among styles ranging from Lutheran hymnody to blues to Broadway, this modern-day Passion will move many listeners to tears even as it reaches beyond tragedy to peace, understanding and forgiveness.”

Jun 5, 2025

UC Davis Concerts

Davis, CA · Mondavi Center

Conclusion

From contemporary ensembles to classical orchestras and personal musical journeys, the UC Davis Concerts series offers a diverse array of performances that cater to all musical tastes. These events celebrate both established musicians and emerging talents, creating a vibrant tapestry of sound and style. The concerts not only entertain but also inspire, encouraging a deeper appreciation of the artistic expressions that connect us all. Whether you are a seasoned concertgoer or new to classical music, this series promises an enriching experience that is both enlightening and enjoyable.

2025 Artelize••