This season, the University of Iowa School of Music presents an extraordinary array of events, ranging from the captivating song cycles of Gabriel Kahane to the breathtaking performances by the a cappella sensation VOCES8. With masterclasses, recitals, and the return of beloved ensembles like The Joffrey Ballet, this musical journey celebrates artistic diversity and brilliance. The series promises to transport audiences through various genres and emotions, offering unforgettable experiences to attendees. Here's a closer look at these enriching events and the exceptional artists who bring them to life.

A Symphony of Artistry: Unveiling the University of Iowa's Dazzling Musical Journey

Get ready for a symphony of sounds and stories as Iowa City hosts a series of diverse musical events this March. From the celestial harmonies of VOCES8 to the powerful narratives of Jason Isbell, music lovers will be treated to an array of performances. Highlights include the enchanting return of The Joffrey Ballet, an intimate recital by pianist Ksenia Nosikova, and the orchestral brilliance of Joshua Bell with The Academy of St Martin in the Fields. Join us as we explore these artistic celebrations and the talents that bring them to life.

A Melodious March: Exploring Iowa's Diverse Musical Events

This season, the University of Iowa School of Music brings forth a symphony of artistic gatherings that are sure to captivate and inspire. From choral ensembles echoing the mysteries of the night to the raw storytelling prowess of Jason Isbell, and the timeless elegance of The Joffrey Ballet, Iowa City becomes a hub of cultural brilliance. With contributions from world-renowned artists like Joshua Bell and innovative workshops fostering new talent, these events promise an unforgettable experience for all who attend.

A Harmonious Celebration: Showcasing the Artistic Brilliance at the University of Iowa

EPSG:4326

Guest Chamber Recital: Escher Quartet

The University of Iowa School of Music - Voxman Building

A multi-generation Afro-Cuban band endlessly reinvigorating its sound.

Hailing from Senegal, Orchestra Baobab got its start as the house band of the Baobab Club in Dakar. That was 55 years ago, and the band’s Afro-Cuban sound is as fresh and captivating as ever. For one night only, Club Hancher becomes the Baobab Club, and the house band takes its rightful place on the stage. Don’t worry—we’ll leave plenty of space for dancing!

Orchestra Baobab

University of Iowa

Faculty Recital: Ksenia Nosikova, piano

Guest Artist Recital: Scott Sutherland, tuba

Iowa Steel Bands: with the Britain Moore Duo

There’s trouble in River City when a fast-talking salesman gets his heart stolen by the town librarian. Meredith Willson’s six-time, Tony Award-winning musical comedy The Music Man follows fast-talking traveling salesman, Harold Hill, as he cons the people of River City, Iowa, into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys’ band that he vows to organize — this, despite the fact that he doesn’t know a trombone from a treble clef. His plans to skip town with the cash are foiled when he falls for Marian, the librarian, who transforms him into a respectable citizen by curtain’s fall. Featuring songs such as “Seventy-Six Trombones,” “Trouble,” “’Til There Was You,” “Pickalittle” and “Gary, Indiana,” The Music Man is a family-friendly story to be shared with every generation.

The Music Man

The National Trumpet Competition is an annual music competition for students in the US. The competition includes classical and jazz categories for students ranging from secondary education until postgraduate college. Students can perform solo or with an ensemble representing their school.

National Trumpet Competition

An incomparable singer expands what you think you know about Mexican music.

Camila Fernández has deep roots and contemporary sensibilities. Building on the mariachi legacies of her famed father and grandfather, she brings the music of yesterday, today, and tomorrow together as she explores the endless possibilities of mariachi and ranchero music. Often referred to as “La Fernández,” this rising star is raising the profile of the music she loves and winning over countless new fans in the process.

Camila Fernández

Lomazov / Rackers Piano Duo

Experience the beauty brought forth by some of the finest musicians to be found anywhere.

Undeniably among the most celebrated violinists of his era, Joshua Bell is also music director of the chamber ensemble The Academy of St Martin in the Fields. A musical powerhouse, the orchestra has gained worldwide acclaim for its joyful and inspiring performances as well as for a commitment to the musical freedom and expressiveness of its players. Bell and the orchestra will perform music by Camille Saint-Saëns, Antonin Dvořák, and Charles Ives.

Joshua Bell and The Academy of St Martin in the Fields

Corridor Jazz Concert

University Choir / Camerata Singers Concert

Witness the daring and enduring spirit that defines The Joffrey's maverick legacy.

Hancher’s favorite dance company returns to Iowa City for the first time in 10 years! American Icons celebrates dynamic works by four trailblazing artists of the 20th century: The Joffrey Ballet co-founders Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino, Joffrey alum Glen Tetley, and prolific dance pioneer Martha Graham. The Joffrey dancers will also work with University of Iowa dance students while in Iowa City. Help us welcome a beloved company back to the Hancher stage.

The Joffrey Ballet

One of our most movingly powerful storytellers returns to Hancher to share his truths.

Jason Isbell and his stellar band sold out in a blink ahead of their 2023 Hancher performance. It is no wonder, because this is a storyteller at the peak of his craft, observing his fellow wanderers, looking inside and trying to understand, and then miraculously reducing a universe to four minutes of deeply resonant music.

An Evening with Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit

Faculty Chamber Recital: Piano Sextets

Piano Sundays at Old Capitol: Ksenia Nosikova and Studio

Old Capitol Museum

Composers Workshop III

A spectacular vocal ensemble shares their talents—with UI students and with the audience

The a cappella octet VOCES8 brings their inimitable sound to the Concert Hall of Voxman Music Building for a concert centered on the sounds of night. Inhabited by the moon and stars, solitude, dreams, fears, and prayers, the night has inspired centuries of exquisite poetry and music. This program features wide-ranging repertoire, including music by Venetian Renaissance composer Giovanni Croce and by contemporary cross-genre American Pulitzer Prize winner Caroline Shaw—and much more. The choir will also engage in a substantial residency in the UI’s School of Music.

Voces8

The confines of “singer-songwriter” are too limiting to hold this artist and his searching work.

Hancher’s composer-in-residence revisits two of his exceptional song cycles in a single day—an opportunity to immerse yourself in Kahane’s lyrically beautiful work and affecting vocals. After the first cycle, Magnificent Bird, the audience will convene in Hancher’s Stanley Café for a community meal inspired by the classic Amtrak diner car meals of the mid-20th century. After dinner, the audience will return to the stage to hear Kahane’s second collection, Book of Travelers.

University of Iowa School of Music

Apr 16, 2026

Guest Chamber Recital: Escher Quartet

Apr 10, 2026

Orchestra Baobab

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