Bower School of Music & the Arts Concerts

Bower School of Music & the Arts Concerts

Bower School of Music & the Arts Concerts

Bower School of Music & the Arts Concerts

Concert Information

The Bower School of Music & the Arts offers the Nisita Concert Series, ticketed concerts by regional, national and internationally known musicians in the U. Tobe Recital Hall in the Music Building.
The student ensembles perform in venues both on campus and throughout Southwest Florida. Most concerts in the Student Ensemble Series are free and do not require reservations.
All student recitals are free and open to the public and are held in the U. Tobe Recital Hall.

 

2025/26 Nisita Concert Series

Oboe, Clarinet and Piano
Oboe, Clarinet and Piano

 

Saturday, October 4, 2025

 Time: 3:00 p.m.

Event Description:

Judy Christy, oboe
Paul Votapek, clarinet
Michael Baron, piano

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!

Tickets are $15 for the public and $7 for students and are available here.

J. Michael Weiss-Holmes
J. Michael Weiss-Holmes, saxophone & Abigail Allison, piano

 

Sunday, October 26, 2025

 Time: 3:00 p.m.

Event Description:

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.

Tickets are $15 for the public and $7 for students and are available here.

Jeanie Darnell
Jeanie Darnell, soprano & Michael Baron, piano

 

Sunday, November 9, 2025

 Time: 3:00 p.m.

Event Description:

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. 

Tickets are $15 for the public and $7 for students and are available here.

Rawlins Piano Trio
Rawlins Piano Trio

 

Sunday, November 16, 2025

 Time: 3:00 p.m.

Event Description:

Ioana Galu, violin
Sonja Kraus, cello
Eun-Hee Park, piano

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.

Tickets are $15 for the public and $7 for students and are available here.

Steven Spooner
Steven Spooner, piano

 

Saturday, December 6, 2025

 Time: 7:30 p.m.

Event Description:

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.

Tickets are $15 for the public and $7 for students and are available here.

Schmaltz & Pepper

Schmaltz & Pepper

 

Saturday, January 10, 2026

 Time: 7:30 p.m.

Event Description:

Schmaltz & Pepper – Classy klezmer chamber music and jazz infused with schmaltz

This groundbreaking ensemble features the extraordinary talents of Eric Abramovitz, the principal clarinetist of the Toronto Symphony and the Grammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist and arranger, Drew Jurecka, virtuosic violinist/vocalist/composer, Rebekah Wolkstein founder/leader of the acclaimed Payadora Ensemble, Juno-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.

Tickets are $15 for the public and $7 for students and are available here.

Saxophone and Piano

Saxophone and Piano

 

Friday, January 23, 2026

 Time: 7:30 p.m.

Event Description:

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 jazz-infused 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.

Tickets are $15 for the public and $7 for students and are available here.

Emily Siar

Emily Siar, soprano & Michael Baron, piano

 

Saturday, January 31, 2026

 Time: 7:30 p.m.

Event Description:

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.

Tickets are $15 for the public and $7 for students and are available here.

Baron-Navarro Piano Duo

Baron-Navarro Piano Duo

 

Sunday, February 8, 2026

 Time: 3:00 p.m.

Event Description:

The Baron-Navarro Piano Duo in an All-Gershwin Celebration Concert

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 USA 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.

Tickets are $15 for the public and $7 for students and are available here.

Trumpet, Violin and Piano
Trumpet, Violin and Piano

 

Saturday, February 14, 2026

 Time: 7:30 p.m.

Event Description:

Richard Stoelzel, trumpet
Ming Gao, violin
Michael Baron, piano

Renowned for their virtuosity and expressive depth, 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. This 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.

Tickets are $15 for the public and $7 for students and are available here.

Mansutti-Repini Duo

Mansutti-Repini Duo

 

Sunday, April 12, 2026

 Time: 3:00 p.m.

Event Description:

Claudio Mansutti, clarinet
Federica Repini, piano

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 prizewinner 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.

Tickets are $15 for the public and $7 for students and are available here.

Music Special Events


 

Purchase Tickets

Watch a selection of events from past seasons here

WGCU logoThe Bower School of Music & the Arts would like to thank our streaming partner, WGCU Public Media


Directions: From Ben Hill Griffin Parkway, turn onto FGCU Blvd (FGCU's Main Entrance). Drive to the first stop sign and turn right. Follow the curve around to the next stop sign and turn left. There is a parking lot directly on the right and a parking garage on the left as soon as you turn at the stop sign. The Music Building and the Arts Complex are at the northern end of the parking lot. Please park here for all events in the Music Building and the Arts Complex. TheatreLab and the Wasmer Art Gallery are in the Arts Complex. The U. Tobe Recital Hall is in the Music Building on the right once you enter through the sliding glass doors.
The Music Building is #31 on the map
The Arts Complex is #15
Please park in either Parking Lot 7 or Parking Garage 2

See Map