2023 Season
Join us for an incredible festival lineup this October 26 – November 5 that brings together our distinguished performing faculty, student musicians, and renowned guests for eight thrilling concert experiences at The Wertheim! Don’t miss out on this chance to elevate your spirit and celebrate the universal language of music!
OCT 26, 7:30PM
Strings United: From Baroque to the 20th Century
The 2023 FIU Music Festival’s opening night brings an unparalleled fusion of talent to the stage, featuring the world-renowned Amernet String Quartet and exceptional guest artists, Ani Kavafian, violin; Thomas Mesa, cello; and Mari LiisPäkk, violin. For two works, FIU students will join them for this compelling chamber music program.
Prepare to be swept away by an evening of virtuosity and heartrending melodies as these brilliant musicians breathe life into some of the most cherished compositions in classical music history, with Mendelssohn’s Octet in E-flat major taking center stage!
OCT 27, 7:30PM
Jazz Harmony: Alex Norris & FIU Jazz
Legendary jazz trumpet player, Alex Norris, joins forces with the FIU Jazz Faculty and FIU Big Band at The Wertheim! Prepare to be enthralled by the captivating melodies, infectious rhythms, and soulful improvisations that will transport you to the heart of the jazz world.
From classic standards to contemporary gems, this musical performance promises to ignite your senses and ignite your passion for jazz. Whether you’re a die-hard jazz aficionado or a newcomer eager to explore this captivating genre, this unforgettable evening will leave you spellbound and yearning for more.
OCT 28, 7:30PM
Unveiling a Symphony: Organ Concerto World Premiere
Embark on a musical odyssey like never before, as we proudly present the world premiere of a breathtaking organ concerto by the esteemed composer and FIU Wertheim School of Music founder, Fredrick Kaufman.
Led by the Luis Aguilar, this extraordinary event brings together a symphonic masterpiece that will stir your very soul. Immerse yourself in the captivating sounds of the Wertheim’s crown jewel, the Sydell Ida Wertheim concert organ, performed by the renowned Italian virtuoso, Luca Scandali.
OCT 29, 2:00PM
Family Concert: Peter and the Wolf
Step into a world of imagination as the charming tale of Prokofiev’s “Peter and the Wolf” comes to life in this matinee family concert.
You’ll be transported to a world where music and imagination intertwine! From the thrilling chase through the woods to the triumphant finale, every moment will captivate your senses and ignite your imagination.
NOV 2, 7:30PM
Unleashing Musical Boundaries: Ensemble Dal Niente
Prepare to be entranced by the avant-garde brilliance of Dal Niente as they take the stage at this year’s FIU Music Festival.
Renowned for pushing the boundaries of contemporary music, this cutting-edge ensemble delivers an electrifying performance that defies conventions and connects art, culture, and people. From hauntingly ethereal melodies to heart-pounding rhythmic intricacies, Dal Niente’s fearless exploration of musical expression will transport you to a world where imagination knows no bounds.
NOV 3, 7:30PM
Piano Extravaganza! An Evening with Kemal Gekic
Get ready to witness the magic of music come alive as Kemal Gekic, a virtuoso of the ivory keys, takes center stage! Hailing from Serbia, he has graced the grandest stages abroad.
Whether you’re a seasoned pianophile or a newcomer to the world of classical music, “Piano Extravaganza” promises to be an enticing and captivating night for all. Let the magic of the piano sweep you away on a journey of sound and emotion.
NOV 4, 7:30PM
La Ruta de Don Quixote: A Zarzuela World Premiere!
Step into the captivating world of Miguel de Cervantes’ iconic literary character, Don Quixote, as you experience the symphonic interpretation brought to life by Rafael Rodriguez Albert’s evocative composition.
Whether you are a fan of classical music, a lover of Spanish culture, or simply seeking an enchanting evening of artistic expression, this concert conducted by famed Spanish conductor, Gustavo Sanchez, and performed by Spain’s leading soloists and FIU opera students, is not to be missed!
NOV 5, 2:00PM
A Broadway Legend: Sondheim in Concert
Immerse yourself in the enchanted world of Sondheim, featuring concert selections from Sweeney Todd, Into the Woods, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Sunday in the Park with George and more!
Eric Jordan Young, a seasoned Broadway star, and Jodie Langel, a renowned musical theater sensation, bring their soaring vocals, impeccable acting prowess, and magnetic stage presence to deliver a night of pure musical theatric magic. Join us for an afternoon filled with the timeless melodies and poignant storytelling that have made Sondheim a true icon of Broadway.