East Tennessee State University's Faculty and Friends Chamber Series begins Sept. 11 with a season of performances celebrating American music, Appalachian heritage and the enduring traditions of chamber music.
Presented by the ETSU Department of Music, with support from the Mary B. Martin School of the Arts, the four-concert series showcases the artistry of ETSU faculty alongside distinguished guest performers while creating opportunities for students and the community to engage with chamber music through thoughtfully curated programs.
"Each concert in this series tells a different story," said Dr. Alan Stevens, chair of ETSU’s Department of Music in the College of Arts and Sciences' Mary B. Martin School of the Arts. "From American masterworks and Appalachian traditions to Beethoven and contemporary composers, these performances invite audiences to experience the breadth of chamber music while showcasing the extraordinary artistry of our faculty and students.”
The series reflects ETSU's commitment to serving as a cultural and artistic hub for Appalachia, connecting regional musical traditions with classical masterworks and contemporary compositions. ETSU assistant professor Dr. Ignacy Gaydamovich serves as artistic director for the series.
Through performances, faculty collaboration and experiential learning opportunities, the series enriches the cultural life of Northeast Tennessee while supporting student learning and faculty scholarship.
Concert I: ‘A Nation Remembered – The Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave’
The series opens Friday, Sept. 11, at 7:30 p.m. in the Martin Center for the Arts' ETSU Foundation Grand Hall with a program reflecting on the American experience through music.
Featuring works by Florence Price, Samuel Barber and Aaron Copland, the concert explores themes of remembrance, resilience and national identity. The evening also includes the world premiere of “Blessed Be the Beautiful,” composed by ETSU assistant professor Dr. Alex Zhang.
This event is free to attend.
Concert II: ‘Appalachian Roots’
On Friday, Oct. 30, at 7:30 p.m. in the Powell Recital Hall at the Martin Center for the Arts, the series turns its focus to the rich musical heritage of Appalachia.
The program blends works by George Walker, Jennifer Higdon and George Crumb with performances by ETSU's bluegrass faculty, highlighting the connections among classical music, Appalachian traditions and the landscapes that have inspired generations of composers and musicians.
Concert III: ‘Beethoven 200’
The third concert, scheduled for Friday, Feb. 12, at 7:30 p.m. in the Powell Recital Hall, commemorates the 200th anniversary of Ludwig van Beethoven's passing.
Audiences will hear two of Beethoven's celebrated chamber works alongside “Schleptet,” a humorous composition by Peter Schickele's fictional composer P.D.Q. Bach, offering a playful perspective on one of classical music's most enduring legacies.
Concert IV: ‘Inspirations’
The season concludes Saturday, April 10, at 5 p.m. in the Powell Recital Hall with a program celebrating the remarkable musicians whose artistry inspired generations of composers.
Featuring works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Johannes Brahms, Michael Tilson Thomas and Kazimierz Serocki, the performance explores the creative partnerships that have shaped some of chamber music's most enduring works.
As the flagship institution of Appalachia, ETSU is committed to enriching the region through education, research and the arts. The Faculty & Friends Chamber Series reflects that commitment by bringing exceptional musical performances to campus while providing students with opportunities to learn from accomplished faculty artists and guest musicians.
"The arts have long been central to the life of our region – celebrating our heritage, opening us to new ideas, and reminding us that progress should be measured not only by what we invent and achieve, but also by what continues to inspire us," said Dr. Joe Bidwell, dean of ETSU's College of Arts and Sciences. "At a time of rapid change, music and the arts remain essential to our shared humanity, creating opportunities to experience beauty, reflection, and connection with one another. This season’s four concerts – "A Nation Remembered," "Appalachian Roots," "Beethoven 200" and "Inspirations" – reflect the remarkable range of music and musicians at ETSU."
For more information about the Faculty & Friends Chamber Series, visit https://bit.ly/4wS1df7. For all concerts, except for the Sept. 11 performance, admission is $12 for the general public and $6 for non-ETSU students. Admission is free for ETSU students, faculty and staff.
