The University of New Orleans’ School of the Arts is bringing musical performances from acclaimed classical artists from around the world as part of its Musical Excursions series, which is celebrating 25 years.
The fall season debuted Sept. 21 with Mahmoud Chouki, a Moroccan master guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, composer and educator currently living and working in New Orleans. The next performance is Sept. 29.
Each performance begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center’s Recital Hall. Admission is free for all students, faculty and staff with proper ID. General admission is $15, with $10 tickets available for seniors and alumni.
The series calendar includes:
- Sept. 29: Violinist Jennifer Koh. Koh, a 2022 Grammy winner, is recognized for her intense, commanding performances, delivered with dazzling virtuosity and technical assurance. A forward-thinking artist, she is dedicated to exploring a broad and eclectic repertoire, while promoting equity and inclusivity in classical music. She has expanded the contemporary violin repertoire through a wide range of commissioning projects and has premiered more than 100 works written especially for her.
- Oct. 24: Pianist Jorge Federico Osorio. Osorio is a recipient of the prestigious Medalla Bellas Artes, the highest honor granted by Mexico’s National Institute of Fine Arts. He has been lauded throughout the world for his superb musicianship, powerful technique, vibrant imagination and deep passion. Osorio has performed with many of the world’s leading ensembles, including the symphony orchestras of Atlanta, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas, Detroit, Milwaukee, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Seattle and the National Symphony Orchestra of Mexico.
- Oct. 27: Flutist Ji Weon Ryu and pianist Sohyun Park. Ji Weon Ryu, admired for her “pure poetry” and “beautiful technique and sound” (NFA Chronicle), has held The Mary Freeman Wisdom Chair as the Principal Flute of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra since 2019 and has served in the same capacity with the Grammy-winning Albany Symphony Orchestra since 2017. She has been a guest flutist with distinguished ensembles such as the New York Philharmonic and the Verbier Festival Orchestra and has been a soloist with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, Seoul Chamber Orchestra and the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. Sohyun Park, hailed as “most impressive,” by the Evening News, her performances are applauded for their emotional breadth and exquisite narrative scope. She has toured professionally both throughout the United Kingdom at venues such as The Royal Albert Hall, St. Lawrence Jewry and on international stages in Turkey, Bulgaria, Estonia, Italy, Germany, Russia and the U.S.
- Dec. 7: Lott String Quartet. The Lott Quartet was founded around a mutual love of chamber music and a deep desire to reach audiences with engaging and insightful programming. Based in New Orleans, the Lott Quartet is committed to contributing towards and building on the storied musical history of their hometown. The Lott Quartet takes their name from 19th century violin maker John Lott. Recently appointed as Quartet-in-Residence at the University of New Orleans, the Lott Quartet begins a role as musical ambassadors to the greater Southeast U.S., bringing their passion as performers and educators to audiences and students throughout the Gulf region.
For more Musical Excursions information or to purchase tickets, visit the School of the Arts website.
