FMU's Performing Arts Center is set to enthrall audiences with a remarkable lineup featuring diverse art forms, from jazz to classical ballet. Whether it's the innovative compositions of the FMU Jazz Combo or the captivating performances of the State Ballet of Ukraine, there's something for everyone. Highlights include the classic Nutcracker performances by the South Carolina Dance Theatre and South Carolina Ballet, and the joyous Holiday Pops by the Florence Symphony. With a mix of traditional and modern interpretations, this season promises an unforgettable cultural experience that celebrates the richness of the performing arts.

A Cultural Extravaganza at FMU's Performing Arts Center: Music, Dance, and More

The FMU Performing Arts Center is set to host a captivating series of events that promise to enrich the cultural tapestry of the community. From the improvisational prowess of the FMU Jazz Combo to the percussive rhythms of Step Afrika, attendees will be treated to a diverse range of performances. Highlights include the classical mastery of the Florence Symphony, the soulful melodies of Edwin McCain, and the vibrant sounds of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. These events not only showcase a variety of artistic styles but also foster an appreciation for the creative process and cultural heritage.

Artistry and Culture Shine at FMU's Performing Arts Center Events

The FMU Performing Arts Center is set to host a dynamic array of events, showcasing talents from jazz, stepping, classical music, to modern American roots. With performances from distinguished artists and groups such as FMU Jazz Combo, Step Afrika!, and Edwin McCain, attendees are promised an eclectic and enriching experience. Each event brings its unique flair, from the improvisational brilliance of jazz to the rhythmic vitality of stepping, and the emotive storytelling of opera and cabaret. Dive into an exciting lineup where each performance tells its own captivating story.

A Season of Diverse Sounds: FMU Performing Arts Center's 2024/2025 Lineup

The FMU Performing Arts Center is set to host an impressive lineup of events that celebrate a wide range of musical genres and talents. From the improvisational skills showcased by the FMU Jazz Combo to the timeless tunes of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and the illustrious sounds of pianists like Petronel Malan and Eduardo Monteiro, the series will enchant audiences. The lineup also features the cultural richness of Ranky Tanky and the symphonic tribute with Florence Symphony's 'Music of the Knights'. Each event promises a distinct experience, highlighting the artistry and passion driving these performers.

Harmony at FMU: A Celebration of Diverse Music Styles and Talents

Prepare to be captivated by a diverse array of performances at FMU's Performing Arts Center. From jazz improvisations to classical piano recitals, and from animated film scores to iconic Broadway hits, these events promise an extraordinary experience for all music lovers. Featuring talents like the FMU Jazz Combo, The Queen’s Cartoonists, and pianist Eduardo Monteiro, each event offers a unique blend of culture and artistry. Join us as we explore the schedule, highlight the artists, and delve into the vibrant atmosphere of these anticipated performances.

A Symphony of Sights and Sounds: Upcoming Events at FMU's Performing Arts Center

The Music Industry Ensemble is a chamber ensemble devoted to the development of individual performance and improvisation skills through the staging of music for small groups representing a variety of classic and modern jazz, pop, rock and soul styles.

FMU Music Industry Ensemble

FMU's Performing Arts Center

Open to all university students, the University Concert Choir has an average enrollment of between 35 and 45 students. This group has sung in numerous area churches and has also performed with the Florence Symphony Orchestra. They have performed such major choral works as the “Polovetzian Dance and Chorus” of Alexander Borodin, the “Schicksalslied” of Johannes Brahms, and the Ninth Symphony of Ludwig van Beethoven.

FMU Concert Choir and Voice Collective Featuring Keith Hanlon, flute

The Francis Marion University Percussion Ensemble is a contemporary chamber ensemble that explores the world of percussion from an improvisation-based approach. We model our performance methodology and musical ideology on the performance practice of drummer/composer Max Roach’s percussion ensemble M’Boom, especially in their focus on jazz and non-Western musical cultures as a touchstone for aesthetic inspiration. We employ improvisation as a key mode of praxis—both in terms of theory and practice—and special focus is given to compositions invented during collective improvisation exercises.

FMU Percussion Ensemble

Get ready to swoon with the Florence Symphony Orchestra and guest Broadway singers as they perform Music of the Knights. This concert commemorates three of Britain’s finest songwriters – Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, Sir Elton John and Sir Paul McCartney. Hits include The Phantom of the Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, I Don’t Know How to Love Him, Memory, Candle in the Wind, Can you Feel the Love Tonight, Daniel, Let it Be and more.

Florence Symphony – Music of the Knights

Considered one of the great pianists on the Brazilian scene, Eduardo Monteiro gained international recognition after winning first prize, and special jury award for best performance of Beethoven, at the 1989 Cologne International Piano Competition in Germany. He was also a prize winner at the Dublin International Piano Competition in 1991 and at the Santander International Piano Competition in 1992.

Eduardo Monteiro, piano

Fun for the whole family! The Queen’s Cartoonists perform music from cartoons. Pulling from over 100 years of animation from around the world, the group brings animated films to life, perfectly synchronizing their performances with the films projected on stage. The band matches the energy of the cartoons, leading the audience through a world of virtuosic musicianship, multi-instrumental mayhem, and comedy.

The Queen’s Cartoonists

Ranky Tanky" class="css-u850" data-mark-multiple="true">Ranky Tanky (a Gullah phrase for “get funky”) are five lifelong friends from Charleston, South Carolina who have established themselves as passionate global ambassadors for their local culture and community, helping to faithfully preserve the traditions originated by African Americans in the coastal South during slavery that are kept alive through the present day. The GRAMMY award winning band has been featured on NPR’s Fresh Air, The Today Show, PBS Newshour and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert #playathome. Ranky Tanky were honored to be featured artists in President Biden’s inauguration event, We The People. They were the subjects of a 10-page profile in Oxford American’s South Carolina Music Issue and were named 2020 Artist of The Year by the Charleston City Paper.

Ranky Tanky

Open to all university students and faculty interested in learning and performing chamber music, the University String Ensemble members meet for weekly rehearsals during Fall and Spring academic semesters, giving public recitals and accompanying other campus ensembles.

FMU String Ensemble

The Francis Marion University Concert Band will be performing its fall concert at the FMU Performing Arts Center in downtown Florence. The Francis Marion University Concert Band is composed of FMU students as well as community members from the Pee Dee region. Community members include professional area music educators, band directors, choir directors, ministers of music, and FMU music faculty members. Membership is open to all FMU students and area residents who are experienced concert band instrumentalists.

FMU Concert Band

“Formidable…dizzying…magical.” These words from New York reviewer Harris Goldsmith vividly illustrate pianist Petronel Malan’s uniquely captivating style. Indeed, as a multiple Grammy® nominee and gold medalist of several international piano competitions, Petronel continues to enthrall audiences worldwide.

Petronel Malan, piano

With one of the best lineups in the group’s storied history, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, featuring founding members Jeff Hanna (lead vocals, guitar) and Jimmie Fadden (drums, harmonica, vocals); longtime bandmate Bob Carpenter (keys, vocals)—a member since 1980; along with Jim Photoglo (bass, vocals); Jaime Hanna (guitar, vocals); and Ross Holmes (fiddle, mandolin, vocals); remains one of the most accomplished bands in American roots music. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band played their first gig in 1966 in Southern California as a jug band and by 1969 had become a cornerstone of the burgeoning country-rock community. Their career breakthrough came in 1970 with the release of the record Uncle Charlie & His Dog Teddy and the single “Mr. Bojangles,” a folksy Top 10 pop hit that brought roots music to the national forefront. In 1972, they released the first of three groundbreaking Will The Circle Be Unbroken records, collaborating with many of the best bluegrass, country, and folk artists in the world. The band also has enjoyed vast success on the U.S. Country charts with hits like “Fishin’ In The Dark,” “Modern Day Romance,” and “Long Hard Road.” The Dirt Band are GRAMMY, CMA, and IBMA Award winners, and their Nitty Gritty Dirt Band & Friends – Fifty Years, Circlin’ Back! for PBS was an Emmy Award-winning television special. The Dirt Band’s latest album, Dirt Does Dylan—released in 2022—has received widespread critical acclaim.

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

From Greenville, SC, Edwin McCain is going on over 30 years of hits and worldwide touring. He has been called a “street corner prophet” by USA Today, and “aching tenor” by Slate Magazine, and a “great American romantic” by the New York Times, but he is so much more than those things. After a long ride on a wave created by recording two of the biggest love songs in the history of music (“I’ll Be” and “I Could Not Ask for More”) and producing and starring in a tv series (Flippin’ Ships on Animal Planet), Edwin slowed his road schedule to dedicate more time to his primary roles as husband to his wife and father of their three young children, but now the kids are grown-ish and Edwin is back touring everywhere

Edwin McCain

A one-woman show filled with delightful Nunsense humor and audience participation segments, Sister Robert Anne’s Cabaret Class requires only a blackboard, a desk and a piano. Sister Robert Anne and her musical accompanist “teach” her “class” how to put together a cabaret act. Interspersed are some of the best and most memorable Nunsense musical numbers.

Sister Robert Anne’s Cabaret Class

Pianist Thomas Pandolfi will join the Florence Symphony Orchestra to  perform Tchaikovsky’s famous Piano Concerto No. 1. This concert also features the story of love and tragedy in an unforgettable performance of Georges Bizet’s opera – Carmen, Suites 1 & 2.

Florence Symphony – Carmen & Company

Founded in 1994 by C. Brian Williams, Step Afrika" class="css-u850">Step Afrika" class="css-u850" data-mark-multiple="true">Step Afrika" class="css-u850">Step Afrika" class="css-u850" data-mark-multiple="true">Step Afrika! is the world’s leading authority on the artform of stepping. Under Mr. Williams’ leadership, stepping has evolved into one of America’s cultural exports, touring more than 60 countries across the globe and ranking as one of the top 10 African American Dance Companies in the US. Step Afrika! blends percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities; traditional African dances; and an array of contemporary dance and art forms into a cohesive, compelling artistic experience

Step Afrika

With a completely new choreography and production by Andrei Litvinov, the classical score by Tchaikovsky comes to life. The State Ballet Theater of Ukraine premiered this new interpretation of the timeless classic to a full house in Ukraine on September 26-27, 2020. The ballet’s choreography and design took many months to complete. Fortunately, it’s now ready to tour in the USA and Canada from November 2024 to May 2025.

State Ballet of Ukraine, Swan Lake

Perfect for families and couples alike, this beloved truly classical ballet production promises a magical evening filled with romance, adventure, and wonder, making it an ideal choice for families and a date night for loved ones.

South Carolina Ballet – “Nutcracker”

The Florence Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Pops concerts features timeless melodies and cherished classics. This family-friendly concert is sure to bring the joy and wonder of the holiday season.

Florence Symphony – Holiday Pops

Come see the timeless Christmas classic “The Nutcracker” performed by South Carolina Dance Theatre, with Tchaikovsky’s iconic score performed by the Florence Symphony.

South Carolina Dance Theatre – The Nutcracker Ballet

FMU Concert Choir and Voice Collective

The FMU Jazz Combo allows students in a small group setting to learn and hone improvisational skills within the the jazz idiom. Works have been selected from music by Corea, Glasper, Shorter, and more.

FMU Jazz Combo

The Khasma Piano Duo was formed in 2012 by Ashlee Mack and Katherine Palumbo. They have been playing together since meeting at Bucknell University in 2000. Because of their shared enthusiasm for contemporary music, the duo has dedicated themselves to the performance and recording of works from the 20th and 21st centuries. They have given world-premiere performances of music by notable living composers including Chris Catone, Hong-Da Chin, Kyong Mee Choi, Matthew Heap, Jeff Herriott, Amelia Kaplan, Robert Morris, Lawrence Moss, James Romig, and David Vayo. Their concert tours have taken them all over the US, with performances at the Eastman School of Music, the Illinois College Fine Arts Series, the SCI National Conference at Ball State University, and various new-music festivals. Khasma is planning a 2023 tour for their 10th anniversary, which will feature six new works commissioned by the duo and a collaboration with visual artist Chris Craychee. Their albums Switchback and Time Seems To Pass are available at Amazon, iTunes, and Bandcamp. Additional recordings can be heard on Innova and Navona Records.

Khasma Piano Duo

Hailed as “first-rate, versatile musicians” by The New Yorker and “a top-notch fiddle-and-guitar duo” by The New York Times, Dana Lyn and Kyle Sanna connect the dots between their experience as composers and improvisers in New York City’s rich musical community and their deep admiration for traditional Irish music. Rooted in this tradition, the branches of Lyn and Sanna’s collaboration extend to include projected animations, augmented reality, dance, video, and orchestral compositions. The duo has collaborated with some of the greatest interpreters of Irish music, including Martin Hayes and Dennis Cahill, Cillian Vallely, Kevin Burke, and Mick McAuley, and with choreographers Darrah Carr Byrne and Seán Curran. They have received commissions from New York’s Irish Arts Center and from Palaver Strings. Their projects “The Great Arc”, “The Coral Suite”, and “Under the Sea-Wind” are focused on themes of environmental fragility.

Dana & Kyle, Irish Fiddle & Guitar

This Veterans Day concert, the Florence Symphony Orchestra highlights American composers Morton Gould – American Salute and Aaron Copland – Rodeo. Pianist Robert Henry will be the featured guest artist playing Concerto in F by George Gershwin. Henry is acclaimed for his rare combination of musical insight, creative inspiration and dazzling technique.

Florence Symphony – All American

Follow Prince Hamlet as he grapples with grief, betrayal, and the ghost of his murdered father. Will he avenge his death? Can he escape the cycle of violence?

This new production featuring a small cast playing multiple roles utilizes The Warehouse Theatre’s highly theatrical and accessible approach to Shakespeare’s texts to bring the story to life for audiences in exciting and unexpected ways.

Shakespeare’s Hamlet, performed by The Warehouse Theatre

A mulit-media concert celebration of the music of ELO, audiences will be left spellbound by the flawless musicianship and vocals of EVIL WOMAN’s 12 musicians as well as the fusion of Beatlesque-Pop and classical arrangements where cellos co-exist with guitars, and where classically tinged rock intersects with pop. “Mr. Blue Sky,” “Roll Over Beethoven,” and “Evil Woman” are among a list of over 20 instantly recognizable chart-topping hit songs.

FMU's Performing Arts Center

Apr 16, 2025

FMU Music Industry Ensemble

Apr 14, 2025

FMU Concert Choir and Voice Collective Featuring Keith Hanlon, flute

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FMU's Performing Arts Center