BSMA Season Brochure 2025-26 by Florida Gulf Coast University

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AUGUST:

Mon 18 + Claire Van Vliet and Selections from the Permanent Collection

All dates are subject to change or capacity limitations.

For up-to-date information, visit fgcu.edu/bsma

KEY

Gallery Exhibitions

Art Special Events

Nisita Concert Series & Music Special Events

Student Ensemble Series

Theatre

BSM&A Special Events

$ - Ticketed event

+ - Multiple occurrences

Thu 28 Making a Clear Mark, 1997 to 2025: Morgan T. Paine opening and talk

Fri 29 + Making a Clear Mark, 1997 to 2025: Morgan T. Paine

SEPTEMBER:

Wed 17 Wind Orchestra

Thu 18 Symphonic Band

Sat 27 Vocal Area Concert

Sun 28 Jazz Ensembles

Mon 29 $ Vocal Area Concert

OCTOBER:

Sat 4 $ Oboe, Clarinet & Piano

Sun 5 Chamber & University Choirs, Bel Canto & Cantabile

Thu 16 Girl Feast: Izzy Baquerizo and Chloe Lewis & Diamonds in the Light: Farrah Alkhadra Public Art Project openings and talk

Fri 17 + Girl Feast: Izzy Baquerizo and Chloe Lewis & Diamonds in the Light: Farrah Alkhadra Public Art Project

Sun 19 Symphony Orchestra

Mon 20 $ Wind Orchestra

Thu 23 Wind Chamber Choirs

Sun 26 $ J. Michael Weiss-Holmes, saxophone

NOVEMBER :

Sat 1 Music Therapy Program 10 Year Anniversary Celebration

NOVEMBER, continued

Wed 5 Percussion Chamber Ensemble

Thu 6 Wind Chamber Ensembles

Fri 7 $+ The Skin of Our Teeth

Sun 9 $ Jeanie Darnell, soprano & Michael Baron, piano

Mon 10 Jazz Ensemble

Wed 12 Fjelstul Art Lecture with Ramiro Davaro-Comas

Thu 13 Symphonic Band

Fri 14 Public unveiling of student public art project with reception

Sun 16 $ Rawlins Piano Trio

Tue 18 Symphonic Band

Thu 20 The Trees Know, a Creative Connections collaboration opening and talk

Fri 21 + The Trees Know, a Creative Connections collaboration

Fri 21 Wind Orchestra

DECEMBER:

Tue 2 $+ FGCU Choirs & Symphony Orchestra: Joyful & Triumphant

Thu 4 Senior Projects, Fall 2025 exhibition opening

Thu 4 Piano Ensembles

Fri 5 + Senior Projects, Fall 2025

Fri 5 24th Annual Pottery Sale

Fri 5 $ 19th Annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser

Fri 5 FGCU Chamber Strings at Sanibel Luminary Festival: All is Bright

Fri 5 + Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!

Sat 6 $ Steven Spooner, piano

JANUARY:

Wed 7 + Brian Yates and Selections from the Permanent Collection

Sat 10 $ Schmaltz & Pepper

Mon 12 U.S. Air Force Concert Band

Tue 20 $ FGCU Day at Shell Point

Thu 22 Becoming Tomorrow’s Dream: Onajide Shabaka exhibition opening and talk

Fri 23 + Becoming Tomorrow’s Dream: Onajide Shabaka exhibition

Fri 23 $ Saxophone and Piano

Sat 31 $ Emily Siar, soprano & Michael Baron, piano

FEBRUARY:

Tue 3

Sat 7

Jazz Combo inspired by Onajide Shabaka

FGCU Choirs & Choral Artistry at Sing Out Choral Festival

Sun 8 $ The Barron-Navarro Piano Duo

Wed 11 Wind Orchestra

Thu 12 Symphonic Band

Fri 13 $+ The Good Doctor

Sat 14 $ Trumpet, Violin and Piano

Sun 15 Chamber Choir

Wed 18 $ Jazz at Naples Botanical Garden

Thu 19 Jazz Ensemble

Wed 25 Student Compositions

MARCH:

Wed 11 $ Jazz at Naples Botanical Garden

Thu 12 Wind Chamber Choirs

Sat 14 $ Pavarotti Competition Semi-Final Round

Thu 19 28th Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition opening and awards ceremony

Fri 20 + 28th Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition

Fri 20 Wind Orchestra

Fri 27 Chamber Strings

Sat 28 + Opera Workshop performance

APRIL:

Thu 2

Wind Chamber Ensembles

Wed 8 Percussion Chamber Ensemble

Fri 10 $+ She Kills Monsters

Fri 10 Bel Canto & Cantabile

Sun 12 $ Mansutti-Repini Duo

Mon 13 Symphonic Band

Thu 16 Senior Projects, Spring 2026 exhibition opening

Thu 16 $ Symphonic Band

Fri 17 + Senior Projects, Spring 2026

Sun 19 $ FGCU Choirs and Symphony Orchestra with Choral Artistry

Tue 21 $ Jazz Ensemble

Thu 23 Chamber Choir

Fri 24 $ Jazz at Naples Botanical Garden

Sun 26 Piano Ensembles

Mon 27 Wind Orchestra

INSPIRE | CREATE | PERFORM

CHANGING LIVES THROUGH THE POWER OF THE ARTS

Dear Friends,

Welcome to the 2025–2026 artistic season at the Bower School of Music & the Arts! We are delighted to have you join us for another exciting year of creativity, expression, and inspiration.

This season promises a rich and diverse offering of performances, exhibitions, lectures, and special eventsfeaturing our distinguished faculty, talented students, and esteemed guest artists. Whether you are attending a concert, enjoying a theatrical production, or exploring one of our art gallery exhibitions, we invite you to celebrate with us the power of the arts to enlighten and connect.

This year marks the beginning of a very special initiative. In January 2026, we will launch a year-long celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. Our commemorative programming will begin with a performance by the United States Air Force Concert Band and will continue throughout 2026, highlighting the voices and visions of American composers, playwrights, and visual artists. We are proud to contribute to this historic milestone by honoring the cultural richness of American artistic expression.

As always, we are deeply grateful to our supporters, patrons, donors, community partners, and audiences. Your commitment allows us to continue offering transformative experiences to our students and our Southwest Florida community. With your presence and encouragement, the arts continue to thrive at FGCU.

We are proud to serve as the artistic front porch of the university and to play a leading role in FGCU’s Journey to Excellence. Thank you for being an essential part of our mission. We look forward to welcoming you on campus, online, and throughout our community this season.

With warmest regards,

KB Signature Monday, May 27, 2019 14:21

Krzysztof K. Biernacki, D.M.A

Alan R. Korest Endowed Director Bower School of Music & the Arts

Art Gallery Exhibitions

2025-26 FGCU ART GALLERIES EXHIBITIONS

The Wasmer Art Gallery is located in the Arts Complex and is open 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Monday-Friday. The gallery is closed during university holidays and breaks and during summer. Please refer to the website for the most up-to-date information regarding dates, times and locations.

For the 2025-26 season, the FGCU Art Galleries will also present exhibitions on the third floor of the Wilson G. Bradshaw Library, behind University Archives & Special Collections. Visiting hours for these exhibitions are the same as the library’s public hours.

For more information: fgcu.edu/artgalleries

CLAIRE VAN VLIET AND SELECTIONS FROM THE PERMANENT COLLECTION

WILSON G. BRADSHAW LIBRARY, 3RD FLOOR, BEHIND UNIVERSITY ARCHIVES & SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

Works from the permanent collection will be displayed on the third floor of the Wilson G. Bradshaw Library, behind University Archives & Special Collections. This selection features a variety of works with a focus on Claire Van Vliet, born in Ottawa, Canada, in 1933. Claire Van Vliet is a MacArthur Fellow, master printmaker, graphic artist, bookmaker, papermaker, and the founder of Janus Press (1955). Known for experimenting with innovative formats and unique binding structures, Van Vliet is widely recognized for her innovations in hand papermaking and her imaginative artist’s books. This exhibition space rotates each semester to feature different aspects of FGCU Art Galleries’ Permanent Collection, which houses over 2,100 works of art in a variety of mediums and styles.

Sponsored by Gene and Lee Seidler and the Wasmer Endowment.

} AUGUST 18-DECEMBER 12, 2025

Claire Van Vliet, Castle Rock NZ - Winter, 1996, Vitreograph print, ed. 2/20, 24 x 30 in., Gift of Carol L. Shay, Collection of FGCU Art Galleries, 2022.0004.0168

CRUMBS: IZZY BAQUERIZO AND CHLOE LEWIS

PUBLIC ART PROJECT

ARTS COMPLEX LOBBY WINDOWS

AUGUST 2025-JULY 2026

Crumbs is a window installation that offers a glimpse into Girl Feast (Wasmer Art Gallery, October 17-November 20, 2025), serving as both a preview of the exhibition and as part of the Window Strike Prevention Project. Inspired by the idea of leaving small crumbs of something larger, Chloe Lewis (‘18, Art) and Isabella Baquerizo (’19, Art) honor native bird species while taking a vital step in protecting them from window collisions. Through vinyl prints applied to the glass, this installation not only prevents birds from flying into the windows but also transforms the windows into a visual extension of the exhibition’s themes — abundance, connection, and care. A testament to the power of collaboration, Crumbs reflects the beauty of shared efforts in creating a safer, more mindful environment for both the campus community and the birds that inhabit it.

Crumbs is part of an ongoing exploration of creative solutions for bird-safe windows on FGCU’s campus.

Sponsored by the FGCU Alumni Association, Gene and Lee Seidler, the Wasmer Endowment, WGCU Public Media, and the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Izzy Baquerizo and Chloe Lewis, Crumbs, 2025, Digital design and print installation for exterior of Arts Complex, 24 panels varying dimensions ranging from 33 x 33 in. to 21 x 33 in., Courtesy of the artists.

MAKING A CLEAR MARK, 1997 TO 2025: MORGAN T. PAINE

WASMER ART GALLERY

Artist Talk and Reception, Thursday, August 28, 2025, 5:00-7:00 p.m.

AUGUST 29-SEPTEMBER 25, 2025

Making A Clear Mark: 1997 to 2025 is a selected survey of paintings by Morgan T. Paine, founding Art Program faculty member and Associate Professor of Art at Florida Gulf Coast University. Featuring his Life Painting with Drawing (1977 to date), the exhibition also includes examples of both his layered and spanned works of acrylic gel medium on a variety of supports, found and constructed. Paine’s work is grounded in the belief that painting is both a physical and conceptual activity. His lifelong effort is to get to the essence of painting, using the foundational element of all acrylic paint, a nearly colorless binder called gel acrylic medium.

Sponsored by Gene and Lee Seidler, the Wasmer Endowment, and WGCU Public Media, and the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Morgan T. Paine, Message Center Diptych from the April 16th Series, 2008, Gloss acrylic medium on galvanized metal and chalkboard, with wooden frame, hardware and paint brushes, 20 x 50 in., Photo courtesy of Ed Comet.

GIRL FEAST: IZZY BAQUERIZO AND CHLOE

LEWIS

WASMER ART GALLERY

Artists Talk and Reception, Thursday, October 16, 2025, 5:00-7:00 p.m.

OCTOBER 17-NOVEMBER 20, 2025

Chloe Lewis (‘18, Art) and Isabella Baquerizo (’19, Art) present Girl Feast as a celebration of friendship, joy, and the experience of girlhood. Through an abundance mindset, sharing, and play this exhibition creates a space where connection and belonging are central to everyday life. The works explore inner worlds and shared experiences, reflecting on how communal moments — especially around food and play — bring people together. The artists encourage us to romanticize the ordinary and to see the world with an open heart.

Through immersive installations and vibrant artworks, Girl Feast offers a lens into a worldview where joy and togetherness create a sense of wholeness. Girl Feast invites visitors to take a seat at the table, reflect on connection, and engage with the idea that community is built through the smallest, most meaningful exchanges.

This exhibition is part of the FGCU Art Galleries’ Alumni Series.

Izzy Baquerizo and Chloe Lewis, Girl Feast, 2025, Digital illustration, variable sizes, Courtesy of the artists. }

DIAMONDS IN THE LIGHT: FARRAH ALKHADRA PUBLIC ART PROJECT

OUTSIDE THE NORTH END OF THE ARTS COMPLEX

Opening Reception with the Artist, Thursday, October 16, 2025, 5:00-7:00 p.m.

OCTOBER 16, 2025-SEPTEMBER 30, 2026

Farrah Alkhadra (’21, Art) creates two mixed-media murals for display at the end of the Arts Complex Courtyard. This is the third year that alumni from the program have been commissioned to create public pieces as part of this project.

The murals include bright, saturated colors and geometric components projecting from the surface. The pieces are a continuation of her Senior Project investigations that were inspired by forms, materials, and color theory. Working primarily as a 3D sculptor, Alkhadra combines her signature steel forms with mixed media installation for this project.

Sponsored by Gene and Lee Seidler, the Wasmer Endowment, WGCU Public Media, and the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Farrah Alkhadra, Colorway (detail), 2021, Steel and resin installation, 144 x 120 x 10 in., Photo courtesy of the artist. }

THE TREES KNOW

COHEN STUDENT UNION AND SUGDEN HALL THOROUGHFARE

Opening talk and reception, Thursday, November 20, 2025, 3:30-4:30 p.m.,

Location TBD

NOVEMBER 20, 2025-OCTOBER 31, 2026

Faculty: Hannah Harley, Assistant Professor of Art and Community Engagement and Stephen Cavitt, Instructor II, Language and Literature

The FGCU Art Galleries is partnering with the Art Program and Language & Literature to create a hybrid visual art and creative writing site-specific outdoor public exhibition. Under the guidance of their professors, this exhibition features the coursework of FGCU students from Introduction to Nature Writing and Art and Community Engagement.

As the arts become increasingly integrated throughout campus, these cross-curricular efforts promote collaboration between students. The end result of one such project is a large-scale multi-panel mural on display between the Cohen Student Union & Sugden Hall on the pathway to Parking Garage 1.

The College of Arts & Sciences is dedicated to strengthening connections between creative disciplines — art, music, theatre, and writing — and various fields such as social and natural sciences, health, law, business, and athletics.

To learn more visit fgcu.edu/cas/creativeconnections

}

Tyler Yodzio, The first frost hasn’t arrived yet, but the trees know winter is coming, c. 2024, Digital photograph, Courtesy of the artist.

SENIOR PROJECTS, FALL 2025

WASMER ART GALLERY

Opening Reception and Artists’ Presentation, Thursday, December 4, 2025, 5:00-7:00 p.m.

DECEMBER 5-12, 2025

Faculty Mentor: Patricia Fay

At the end of their studies, art majors are required to develop and present a coherent body of self-generated work. This exhibition combines their knowledge of techniques and concepts while drawing on research of historical and contemporary artists. Each senior art major in the exhibition designs and creates a unique installation that combines their technical skills and conceptual vision.

Sponsored by the Layden Family Foundation, the Smith Family Foundation of Estero, WGCU Public Media and the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Senior project student, Olivia Vasseur introducing her series, The Search for Belonging, during the opening of Senior Projects, Fall 2024, Photo courtesy of Caitlin Rosolen.

BRIAN YATES AND SELECTIONS FROM THE PERMANENT COLLECTION

WILSON G. BRADSHAW LIBRARY,

3RD FLOOR, BEHIND UNIVERSITY ARCHIVES & SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

JANUARY 7-MAY 3, 2026

Works from the permanent collection will be displayed on the third floor of the Wilson G. Bradshaw Library, behind University Archives & Special Collections. This selection features a variety of works with a focus on Australian-born artist Brian Yates (1946-2014). A mixedmedia artist who worked in collage, sculpture, and painting; Yates’ work surveyed American nostalgia containing elements of the unexpected and apprehension to reflect a wider context of contemporary American society. This exhibition space rotates each semester to feature different aspects of FGCU Art Galleries’ Permanent Collection, which houses over 2,100 works of art in a variety of mediums and styles.

Sponsored by Gene and Lee Seidler and the Wasmer Endowment.

Brian Yates, Falling Out and Down, 1999, Color intaglio and digital transfer vitreograph print, ed. 6/10, 24 x 18 in., Gift of Carol L. Shay, Collection of FGCU Art Galleries, 2022.0004.0292

BECOMING TOMORROW’S DREAM: ONAJIDE SHABAKA

WASMER ART GALLERY

Artist Talk, Thursday, January 22, 2026, 5:30-7:30 p.m. in U. Tobe Recital Hall followed by a reception in the Arts Complex

Jazz Combo Concert: New compositions inspired by the work of Onajide Shabaka in Wasmer Art Gallery, Tuesday, February 3, 2026, 6:30-7:30 p.m. (A Creative Connections collaboration between the Art and Music programs)

JANUARY 23-FEBRUARY 19, 2026

Can we bring a place out of obscurity and expose it to renewed scrutiny? A promising starting point is to delve into its intricate history. Uncovering the hidden history of a place is akin to finding a way back into the place-world, allowing us to savor the rebirth of place even on the most resistant terrain.

In this exhibition, we embark on a temporal journey, speculating about the people, places, and times of the 1850s to the present. Born before the end of U.S. enslavement, Shabaka’s paternal grandfather and other family members migrated to St. Lucie County around 1920. They carried with them tales of lives filled with hope, redemption, and reconciliation.

Onajide Shabaka’s artistic endeavors are deeply influenced by a fusion of historical and biographical content, particularly drawing inspiration from the southern United States population comprising African and Native American descent. Additionally, his practice incorporates elements reminiscent of Florida’s unique ecology, which holds profound significance in relation to the history of medicinal plants and folk healing practices.

Onajide Shabaka, He bathed in the river’s floral scent, 2020, Archival ink photographic print (edition of 5), 13.25 x 20 in., Courtesy of the artist.

28TH ANNUAL JURIED STUDENT ART EXHIBITION

WASMER ART GALLERY

Opening Reception and Awards Presentation, Thursday, March 19, 2026, 5:00-7:00 p.m.

MARCH 20-APRIL 2, 2026

Students working in sculpture, drawing, printmaking, painting and ceramics submit their finest works for this annual juried exhibition. Up to 70 works of art demonstrating students’ accomplishments and experiments will be featured. The jurors for the exhibition are area arts professionals.

Sponsored by the Layden Family Foundation, the Smith Family Foundation of Estero, the Southwest Florida Fine Craft Guild, WGCU Public Media and the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Brawley, Autoportrait, 2024, Acrylic on canvas, 40 x 32 in., Courtesy of the artist. }

Kaitlyn

SENIOR PROJECTS, SPRING 2026

WASMER ART GALLERY

Opening Reception and Artists’ Presentation, Thursday, April 16, 2026, 5:00-7:00 p.m.

APRIL 17-MAY 1, 2026

Faculty Mentor: Hannah Harley

}

Senior project student, Maya Dudley introducing her series, Silent Cries, during the opening of Senior Projects, Fall 2024, Photo courtesy of Caitlin Rosolen.

FGCU STORYTELLING

(fgcustorytelling.com)

Florida Gulf Coast University presents “Spoken Stories Creating Community”

FREE TICKETS and INFO at fgcustorytelling.com

LOCATION: FGCU Wasmer Art Gallery, Arts Complex (*unless otherwise noted)

FALL 2025

Tue, Sep 23 5-7 p.m Open Mic

Wed, Sep 24 6–7:30 p.m.

Tue, Oct 21 6–7:30 p.m.

Wed, Oct 22 6–7:30 p.m.

Tue, Oct 28 6–7:30 p.m.

Wed, Oct 29 6–7:30 p.m.

Tamiami Tale Tellers – Storytelling Showcase “Once Upon a Time”

Kuniko Yamamoto – Origami Tales: Merging Art and Story

Kuniko Yamamoto – Family Stories from Japan

Kim Weitkamp – Roots of Compassion and Kindness

Kim Weitkamp – Spooky Stories

Tue, Nov 4 5–7 p.m. Open Mic

Wed, Nov 5 6–7:30 p.m.

Wed, Nov 19 5–7 p.m.

SPRING 2026

Wed, Feb 4 6–7:30 p.m.

Tue, Feb 10 6–7:30 p.m.

Wed, Feb 11 6–7:30 p.m.

Tue, Feb 17 6–7:30 p.m.

Wed, Feb 18 6–7:30 p.m.

Joel Ying – Folk Tales & Braided Stories

Student Showcase: Storytelling as Healing (*Library Lawn)

Tamiami Tale Tellers - Storytelling Showcase “Love Stories”

Sheila Arnold – Roots of Compassion & Kindness: The Single Act

Sheila Arnold – Stories of the Underground Railroad: Law & Order

Josh Goforth – Appalachia Music and Song

Josh Goforth – Music and Story from Hills and Hollers

Tue, Mar 24 5–7 p.m. Open Mic

Wed, Mar 25 6–7:30 p.m.

Wed, Apr 15 5–7 p.m.

Joel Ying – Jamaica One Love

Student Showcase: Storytelling as Healing (*Library Lawn)

Tue, Apr 21 5–7 p.m. Open Mic

Free tickets, details at fgcustorytelling.com

2025-26 ART SPECIAL EVENTS

Please refer to the website for the most up-to-date information regarding occupancy and safety protocols. fgcu.edu/artevents

FJELSTUL ART LECTURE SERIES

RAMIRO DAVARO-COMAS

THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY-BASED PUBLIC ART

U. TOBE RECITAL HALL IN THE MUSIC BUILDING AT FLORIDA GULF COAST UNIVERSITY

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2025

6:00 PM

Public unveiling of student project and reception Friday, November 14, 2025 at 4:00 pm Arts Complex Courtyard at Florida Gulf Coast University

Public murals have exploded in popularity in the last 50 years. In Ramiro Davaro-Comas’ lecture, The Importance of Community-Based Public Art, he will trace that evolution for his personal work and process and share how collaboration can transform both artwork and audience.

Ramiro Davaro-Comas is an Argentine/American artist with a background in public art and artist residency management. He is a graduate of the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, a AmeriCorps VISTA Alumni and a recipient of the Leadership in Arts Management certificate from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Davaro-Comas has participated in artist residency programs around the world and has painted over 300 murals and managed another 150 mural installations for other artists. He was the director of the Art Students League residency program and Dripped on the Road.

Currently, he co-directs Super-Stories with Grace Lang, focuses on arts education and largescale mural projects. Super-Stories centers the students and community members in every aspect of the work. He has painted 40 murals in the past three years with over 10,000 students, community members and teachers. Davaro-Comas consults on public art projects, paints private commissioned murals, and exhibits his work in galleries.

24TH ANNUAL POTTERY SALE

OUTSIDE THE ARTS COMPLEX (FACING THE LIBRARY)

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2025

10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

In December 2025 we welcome you to join us for the 24th edition of the FGCU Pottery Sale, made possible through our ongoing collaboration with United Arts Collier. Beautiful, functional clay works from our talented Ceramics Studio alumni are featured at this annual event, along with contributions from current faculty, students and community participants.

Enjoy free coffee with the artists at 10:00 a.m.!

19TH ANNUAL FGCU EMPTY BOWLS FUNDRAISER

ARTS COMPLEX COURTYARD

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2025

Intended start time 11:30 a.m.

Now in its 19th year, the FGCU Empty Bowls Fundraiser is committed to helping our neighbors in need who are experiencing food insecurity through support for the food pantry at our partner organization, Interfaith Charities of South Lee. As always, there will be handmade bowls and delicious soups, dedicated student volunteers, and the friends, colleagues and community participants that make this support possible. Please join us!

Pottery Sale and Empty Bowls Images courtesy of Eva Poirier (’25, Art)

art special events

FGCU Ceramics Studio student, Ava Schimitsch (junior, Art)

Creative Connections and BSM&A Outreach

CREATIVE CONNECTIONS

FGCU’s College of Arts and Sciences is launching an exciting initiative to highlight the powerful connections between creative disciplines (Art, Music, Theatre, Writing) and fields like the social and natural sciences, health, law, business, and athletics. While these connections already exist, we are making them more visible through special events and branding.

Imagine an art project that drives environmental sustainability, or a theater production that illuminates public health issues. The possibilities are endless. As artist and ocean explorer Rebecca Rutstein puts it, “It’s incredibly important for people to get out of their individual silos and sit at the table together. This is the only way forward if we are to solve the greatest global challenges of our time, like our climate crisis.” Artists, she notes, are uniquely positioned to connect with the public on an emotional level, complementing the data of science.

Visit the website fgcu.edu/cas/creativeconnections, look for the logo below or scan the QR code to find events being featured as part of this new initiative.

FGCU DAY AT SHELL POINT SHOWCASE

TRIBBY ARTS CENTER AT SHELL POINT, 17281 ON PAR BLVD., FORT MYERS

TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2026 7:00 p.m.

Join students from the Bower School of Music & the Arts in an evening of presentations of their varied artistic talents. From choral to strings, Neil Simon to the visual arts, this showcase will highlight the high level of talent coming out of FGCU’s BSM&A.

More information, including how to get tickets, will be available on the BSM&A website beginning in January.

fgcu.edu/cas/creativeconnections

Nisita Concert Series and Music Special Events

Sponsored by Maurizio and Laura Nisita

2025-26 NISITA CONCERT SERIES

All performances take place in the U. Tobe Recital Hall in the Music Building. Tickets can be purchased online at fgcu.edu/concerts and are $15 for the general public or $7 for students.

OBOE, CLARINET, AND PIANO

JUDY CHRISTY, oboe

PAUL VOTAPEK, clarinet

MICHAEL BARON, piano

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2025

3:00 p.m.

Join us for an enchanting evening of chamber music featuring principal Naples Philharmonic musicians Judy Christy (oboe) and Paul Votapek (clarinet) together with pianist Michael Baron. This special recital will showcase the artistry of each musician in a captivating program of solos and trios, blending lyrical expression and virtuosic interplay. From soulful melodies to dynamic ensemble works, the performance promises an unforgettable musical journey. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience these acclaimed artists together in concert!

J. MICHAEL WEISS-HOLMES, SAXOPHONE & ABIGAIL ALLISON, PIANO

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2025

3:00 p.m.

Experience a dynamic evening of contemporary saxophone music with saxophonist J. Michael Weiss-Holmes and pianist Abigail Allison, featuring an adventurous and expressive program. Highlights include the intensity of Edison Denisov’s Sonata and the vibrant lyricism of Jennifer Higdon’s Sonata. William Bolcom’s beloved Graceful Ghost Rag offers a moment of nostalgic charm, while the world premiere of a new work by Shawn Allison — featuring the extraordinary soprano Jeanie Darnell — adds a powerful blend of saxophone, voice, and piano. The program also features Ed Martin’s Biota for tenor saxophone and electronics, a striking exploration of sound and texture, and Hilary Tann’s In the First, Spinning Place, a luminous and meditative work that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

Judy Christy Paul Votapek Michael Baron

J. Michael Weiss-Holmes

JEANIE DARNELL, SOPRANO & MICHAEL BARON, PIANO

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2025

3:00 p.m.

Experience an unforgettable evening of song with acclaimed soprano Jeanie Darnell and brilliant pianist Michael Baron in a captivating recital showcasing the rich beauty of Romantic and contemporary art song. This evocative program features lyrical masterworks by Grieg, Zemlinsky, Marx, and Liszt, alongside dramatic operatic gems by Verdi and the hauntingly expressive compositions of Lori Laitman. Darnell’s shimmering soprano and Baron’s virtuosic artistry bring depth and nuance to each piece, guiding listeners through a journey of love, longing, and poetic reflection. Whether you are a seasoned music lover or new to classical song, this performance promises emotional resonance and artistic brilliance.

RAWLINS PIANO TRIO

IOANA GALU, violin

SONJA KRAUS, cello

EUN-HEE PARK, piano

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2025

3:00 p.m.

The Rawlins Piano Trio is a dynamic group of performers, teachers and scholars, distinguishing itself in arts outreach, masterclasses and a variety of performances. “These artists are first class. They perform with elan and intensity. Highly recommended!” says bassist and Inner Game of Music author Barry Green. Prestigious performance venues include Sejong Chamber Hall (Seoul, South Korea), Chiang-Kai-Shek Cultural Center (Kaohsiung, Taiwan), Teatro de Anita Villalaz for the Fundación Sinfonía Concertante de Panama and national conferences of the College Music Society and Chamber Music America. Their diverse repertoire ranges from standard works to new and undiscovered pieces deserving to be brought into the public light. Owing to its expertise as a preeminent interpreter of American music, the ensemble has recorded five CDs of American music.

Jeanie Darnell

Sonja Kraus, Ioana Galu and Eun-Hee Park

STEVEN SPOONER, PIANO

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2025

7:30 p.m.

Pianist Steven Spooner, Professor of Piano at the Peabody Conservatory, is celebrated for his electrifying performances and profound musical insight. He will present a captivating solo recital that promises to enchant classical music lovers. Known for his dynamic interpretations and engaging stage presence, Spooner has earned acclaim worldwide for bringing passion and depth to the keyboard. His program will feature a rich blend of beloved masterpieces and hidden gems, showcasing both technical brilliance and emotional nuance. This recital offers a rare opportunity to experience the artistry of one of today’s most compelling pianists in an intimate setting. Don’t miss an unforgettable evening of music.

SCHMALTZ & PEPPER – CLASSY KLEZMER CHAMBER MUSIC AND JAZZ INFUSED WITH SCHMALTZ

SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2026

7:30 p.m.

This groundbreaking ensemble features the extraordinary talents of Eric Abramovitz, the principal clarinetist of the Toronto Symphony and Grammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist and arranger; Drew Jurecka, virtuosic violinist/vocalist/composer; Rebekah Wolkstein, founder/leader of the acclaimed Payadora Ensemble; Juno Award-nominated bassist Michael Herring; and Juno Award-winning pianist Jeremy Ledbetter. Schmaltz & Pepper is redefining the traditional boundaries of Yiddish music, blending classical mastery with innovative compositions and soulful arrangements.

Steven Spooner

Schmaltz & Pepper

SAXOPHONE AND PIANO

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2026

7:30 p.m.

Join us for an unforgettable evening of music with the acclaimed duo of saxophonist Rodrigo Perez Vila and pianist Alfredo Oyagüez Montero. This dynamic duo will present a captivating program featuring works by Hau-Ting Kwan, Manuel de Falla, George Gershwin, Astor Piazzolla, John Williams, Dmitri Shostakovich, and more! From soulful tangos and jazzinfused classics to cinematic masterpieces and contemporary gems, this recital promises a vibrant journey through diverse musical landscapes. Their virtuosic artistry and expressive collaboration bring each piece to life in a performance that will delight and inspire audiences of all ages. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience two exceptional musicians at the height of their craft.

EMILY SIAR, SOPRANO & MICHAEL BARON, PIANO

SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2026

7:30 p.m.

Emily Siar, soprano, in collaboration with pianist Michael Barron, presents a captivating recital showcasing a rich and diverse mix of art song, opera, cabaret, and musical theater repertoire. Experience an evening of dynamic musical storytelling that brings each genre to life. Based in Boston, MA, Emily is an active performer of opera, early music, art song, chamber music, and cabaret. She has recently been featured as an artist with the Grammy Award-winning Boston Early Music Festival, Boston Baroque, the Henry Purcell Society of Boston, Emmanuel Music, Boston Opera Collaborative, and Mass Opera. She serves as Assistant Professor of Voice and Vocal Pedagogy at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee and Artist-Teacher of Voice at the Longy School of Music of Bard College.

Rodrigo Perez Vila and Alfredo Oyagüez Montero

Emily Siar

THE BARON-NAVARRO PIANO DUO IN AN ALL-GERSHWIN CELEBRATION CONCERT

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2026

3:00 p.m.

Join acclaimed pianists Michael Baron and Priscila Navarro for a thrilling tribute to one of America’s greatest composers, George Gershwin, in honor of the U.S. Semiquincentennial. This electrifying all-Gershwin concert features dazzling duo-piano renditions of timeless classics including Rhapsody in Blue and the Great American Songbook. With their dynamic artistry and deep musical chemistry, Baron and Navarro bring Gershwin’s uniquely American blend of classical tradition and jazz flair to life in an unforgettable evening of music that celebrates 250 years of American spirit and creativity.

Michael Baron and Priscila Navarro

TRUMPET, VIOLIN AND PIANO

RICHARD STOELZEL, trumpet

MING GAO, violin

MICHAEL BARON, piano

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2026

7:30 p.m.

Trumpeter Richard Stoelzel, Professor of Trumpet and Brass Area Chair at McGill University and Music Director of the Florida Philharmonic, violinist Ming Gao, Associate Concertmaster of the Naples Philharmonic, and pianist Michael Baron, Distinguished Professor of Piano at FGCU present an exhilarating concert of trios that push the boundaries of chamber music. Renowned for their virtuosity and expressive depth, their unique collaboration blends the brilliance of brass, the lyrical warmth of strings, and the harmonic richness of the piano into a vibrant tapestry of sound. The program illuminates the distinct voices of each instrument while celebrating their seamless interplay. Stoelzel’s commanding tone and artistry on trumpet, Gao’s refined, emotive violin playing, and Baron’s expressive pianism combine to create a dynamic and captivating concert experience. Whether delivering fiery passages or tender lyricism, the trio’s chemistry and musical insight promise a performance both intellectually engaging and emotionally stirring. This concert is a rare opportunity to hear a distinctive ensemble explore a compelling repertoire with technical finesse and heartfelt expression.

Richard Stoelzel

Ming Gao

Michael Baron

MANSUTTI-REPINI DUO

CLAUDIO MANSUTTI, clarinet

FEDERICA REPINI, piano

SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2026

3:00 p.m.

The internationally acclaimed duo of clarinetist Claudio Mansutti and pianist Federica Repini will present an exciting chamber music program. For over a decade, the Mansutti-Repini Duo has captivated audiences across Europe with performances in major concert halls and festivals. Most recently, they appeared at New York’s Carnegie Hall, further solidifying their international reputation. Claudio Mansutti is a prize-winner of five national and international chamber music competitions and has performed as a soloist with top-tier orchestras such as the Berliner Symphoniker, the Budapest Chamber Orchestra, and the Moravian Philharmonic. He regularly collaborates with the Berliner Philharmoniker String Quintet and the Janáček Quartet. Federica Repini, a graduate with honors from the Trieste Conservatory, is a distinguished soloist and chamber musician who has performed widely across Europe. She is also a passionate educator and has recorded for numerous European radio and television networks.

Federica Repini and Claudio Mansutti

MAKE A GIFT

The Bower School of Music & the Arts is the only school between Tampa and Miami that offers the breadth of programs FGCU does for performing arts. We strive to recruit, teach and mentor talented students in all forms. Through the years, our students have become increasingly successful. Our school’s enrollment is bursting at 200 — with more who want to attend.

These students and the programs they choose need scholarships, training, and opportunities. Generous community members like you set the stage for our students’ ongoing success. To continue this, we need your financial support.

For more information about giving to The Bower School of Music & the Arts, please visit fgcu.edu/cas/bsma/giving, email development@fgcu.edu or call (239) 590-1067.

Thank you for your generous and dedicated support.

fgcu.edu/cas/bsma/giving

FGCU MUSIC THERAPY PROGRAM 10

YEAR ANNIVERSARY CEREMONY

U. TOBE RECITAL HALL, MUSIC BUILDING, FGCU CAMPUS

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2025

Time TBD

The FGCU Music Therapy Program is celebrating its 10 year anniversary! On Saturday, November 1, music therapy faculty, students, and alums will gather to remember, reflect, and celebrate this milestone through a series of workshops, panel discussions, and a reception. This event will be free and open to the public.

JOYFUL & TRIUMPHANT: FGCU CHOIRS AND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA IN CONCERT

MOORINGS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 791 HARBOUR DRIVE, NAPLES

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2025

4:00 & 7:00 p.m.

Experience the magic of the season with the Bower School of Music’s perennial favorite, Joyful & Triumphant. This concert features performances by the Chamber and University Choirs, Bel Canto, Cantabile and the Symphony Orchestra, along with the ever-popular audience sing-alongs.

Tickets are $30 and will be available beginning in September at fgcu.edu/joyful

ALL IS BRIGHT: FGCU CHAMBER STRINGS AT THE SANIBEL LUMINARY FESTIVAL

SANIBEL CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 2050 PERIWINKLE WAY, SANIBEL

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2025

4:30 p.m.

Join members of the Bower School of Music’s string program as they perform a concert of chamber pieces as part of the return of the Sanibel Luminary Festival. More information about the Sanibel Luminary Holiday Stroll can be found at sanibel-captiva.org. This concert is free and open to the public.

U.S. AIR FORCE BAND IN CONCERT

U. TOBE RECITAL HALL, MUSIC BUILDING, FGCU CAMPUS

MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2026

7:30 p.m.

The U.S. Air Force Band will help the Bower School of Music & the Arts kick off the United States Semiquincentennial with a performance in the U. Tobe Recital Hall. Experience the power and precision of the Air Force Band in an unforgettable evening of music and patriotism. Featuring our nation’s finest musicians, this dynamic concert showcases a diverse repertoire ranging from classical masterworks and jazz standards to popular favorites and inspiring patriotic selections. With stunning arrangements, exceptional soloists, and heartfelt tribute to our nation’s heroes, the performance celebrates the pride, honor, and excellence of the Air Force. Join us for a free, family-friendly event that uplifts the spirit and honors the service of all who have worn the uniform.

LUCIANO PAVAROTTI FOUNDATION

OPERA NAPLES INTERNATIONAL VOICE COMPETITION SEMI-FINAL ROUND

U. TOBE RECITAL HALL, MUSIC BUILDING, FGCU CAMPUS

SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 2026

1:00 p.m.

Join us for the semi-final round of the second Luciano Pavarotti Foundation Opera Naples International Voice Competition, presented by Opera Naples in partnership with the Luciano Pavarotti Foundation and the Bower School of Music & the Arts at Florida Gulf Coast University. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to witness promising young opera singers from around the world competing for artistic contracts.

Tickets are $35 and are available at operanaples.org or by calling 239-844-SING.

2025-26 STUDENT ENSEMBLE CONCERT SERIES

Please refer to the website for the most up-to-date information regarding dates, times, locations, and ticketing information. All Student Ensemble Concerts located in the U. Tobe Recital Hall will be livestreamed at youtube.com/@BowerSchoolofMusicLiveStream/streams

Sun, October 5, 2025

Chamber & University Choirs

CHORAL

The Chamber Choir is a select auditioned ensemble of mixed voices.

The University Choir is a large ensemble of mixed voices and is open to all students.

Bel Canto is a select, auditioned ensemble of treble voices.

Cantabile is a select, auditioned ensemble of bass and tenor voices.

Naples United Church of Christ, 3:00 p.m. Bel Canto & Cantabile 5200 Crayton Road, Naples

Tue, December 2, 2025

FGCU Choirs & Symphony Orchestra: Moorings Presbyterian Church, 4:00 & 7:00 p.m. Joyful & Triumphant 791 Harbour Drive, Naples

Tickets are $30 and are available at fgcu.edu/joyful

Sat, February 7, 2026 FGCU Choirs at Sing Out Choral New Hope Presbyterian, 7:00 p.m. Festival with Choral Artistry 10051 Plantation Rd., Fort Myers

Sun, February 15, 2026

Chamber Choir First Presbyterian Church of Naples, 4:00 p.m. 250 6th St. S, Naples

Fri, April 10, 2026

Bel Canto & Cantabile U. Tobe Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m. Music Building, FGCU Campus

Sun, April 19, 2026 FGCU Choirs and Symphony Orchestra First Presbyterian Church of Bonita 4:00 p.m. with Choral Artistry Springs, 9751 Bonita Beach Rd. SE, perform Ludwig van Beethoven’s Bonita Springs Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125

Tickets are $35 for premium seating, $20 for general admission and $5 for students and are available at choralartistry.org/performances.

Thu, April 23, 2026

Chamber Choir Bower Chapel, 4:00 pm 130 Moorings Park Drive, Naples

Sun, October 19, 2025

Symphony Orchestra

ORCHESTRA

The Symphony Orchestra is a large, auditioned ensemble performing standard symphonic literature. Students of all majors are eligible to participate. Regular collaborations with FGCU choral ensembles include the annual holiday concert, Joyful & Triumphant

U. Tobe Recital Hall, 3:00 p.m.

Music Building, FGCU Campus

Tue, December 2, 2025

Symphony Orchestra & Choirs: Moorings Presbyterian Church, 4:00 & 7:00 p.m. Joyful & Triumphant 791 Harbour Drive, Naples

Tickets are $30 and are available at fgcu.edu/joyful

Sun, April 19, 2026

Symphony Orchestra and FGCU Choirs First Presbyterian Church of 4:00 p.m. with Choral Artistry Bonita Springs, 9751 Bonita perform Ludwig van Beethoven’s Beach Rd SE, Bonita Springs Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125

Tickets are $35 for premium seating, $20 for general admission and $5 for students and are available at choralartistry.org/performances

BANDS

The FGCU Wind Orchestra and Symphonic Band perform the highest quality music composed and adapted for wind band.

Wed, September 17, 2025

Wind Orchestra

U. Tobe Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m.

Thu, September 18, 2025

Symphonic Band

Music Building, FGCU Campus

U. Tobe Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m.

Mon, October 20, 2025

Wind Orchestra

Music Building, FGCU Campus

Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 7:00 p.m. 17281 On Par Blvd., Fort Myers

Tickets are $25 for Shell Point residents and $35 for the general public and will be available at tribbyartscenter.com/boxoffice

Thu, November 13, 2025

Symphonic Band

U. Tobe Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m.

Tue, November 18, 2025

Symphonic Band

Music Building, FGCU Campus

Immokalee High School, 7:00 p.m.

701 Immokalee Dr., Immokalee