Florida State University’s College of Music announces its 2025–2026 concert season, a series of performances celebrating musical excellence through both beloved classics and exciting new works.

This season will feature more than 35 concerts, operas, festivals and faculty showcases so audiences can explore music that spans centuries, styles and cultures.

“This season reflects who we are as the FSU College of Music — deeply rooted in more than 125 years of musical and academic excellence while looking into the future of the musical experience,” said Greg Jones, associate dean of the College of Music. “As we celebrate our rich legacy, we also embrace the exciting possibilities that lie ahead, ensuring that our students and audiences are continually inspired by both tradition and innovation.”

The season opens Friday, Sept. 19 with the University Symphony Orchestra, led by Alexander Jiménez, professor of conducting and director of orchestral activities, featuring Ravel’s “Piano Concerto for the Left Hand,” performed by Doctoral Concerto Competition winner Molly Reid, and Respighi’s breathtaking tone poem “Pines of Rome.”

Other fall highlights include the Wind Orchestra’s tribute to legendary FSU Band Director James Croft (Sept. 26), the faculty showcase “May I Have This Dance?” (Oct. 9) and an appearance by jazz icon Helen Sung with the Honors Jazz Combo (Oct. 13).

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This Halloween, step into a whimsical world of enchantment as Florida State University Opera brings Engelbert Humperdinck’s beloved fairy tale “Hänsel und Gretel” to life at Ruby Diamond Concert Hall.

The production, led by Bernard McDonald, director and associate professor of opera, will run from Oct. 31 through Nov. 3, with staging directed by James Marvel, stage director and assistant professor of opera.

“In creating this production, it was my intention to help the audience recapture that sense of childhood wonder and delight,” Marvel said. “In order to do so, we have created an enthralling and immersive video landscape influenced and inspired by centuries of illustrations intended for children.”

Alissa D’Alton, who plays Hänsel, shared her excitement for the upcoming production.

“‘Hänsel und Gretel’ has been such a fun and magical experience,” she said. “Our musical direction and stage production teams have really worked hard to bring this fairy tale to life. Everyone’s sheer creativity and joy has made this a production I will remember forever as a professional singer.”

Opening night on Halloween invites attendees to join the festivities in costume, adding a fun and spooky element to this timeless tale. Whether you channel the opera’s characters or embrace the Halloween spirit, this performance promises an unforgettable experience for all ages.

Don’t miss this chance to witness thrilling performances, captivating music and an immersive experience that will bring one of opera’s most beloved stories to life. Tickets are available now — be sure to reserve your seats for a night of unforgettable magic and adventure.

Performances will be held:

• 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31, 2024 (Costume encouraged for Halloween night)
• 7:30 p.m. Nov. 1, 2024 (Livestreamed performance, viewable at org/fsumusic/)
• 7:30 p.m. Nov. 2, 2024
• 3 p.m. Nov. 3, 2024

Tickets for this event can be purchased at the Fine Arts Ticket Office or by visiting tickets.music.fsu.edu.

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Florida State University’s College of Music presents a unique and innovative rendition of the classic production of “The Barber of Seville,” or “Il Barbiere di Siviglia,” as the FSU Opera’s fall production.

Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 26-28 and 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 29, in the Ruby Diamond Concert Hall. 

Originally composed by Gioachino Rossini, the timeless opera has captivated audiences for centuries with its humor and memorable vocal performances. FSU Opera will bring the classic production to the stage with a fresh, inventive approach.  

Professor and Stage Director of the Florida State Opera Matthew Lata will direct the program’s rendition of “Il Barbiere di Siviglia.”   

“Our production honors the commedia roots of the piece by putting primary emphasis on the improvisatory aspects of the performance style,” Lata said. “We establish a unique set of rules that govern our version of Seville. In this chaotic world, architectural pieces can be moved when convenient and the scenery is animate and adversarial. Landscapes are jumbled, and storms can be created when needed. The next moment of chaos or the next explosion is right around the corner.” 

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Based on the award-winning Tennessee Williams play and 1951 film, the Florida State University College of Music will present André Previn’s “A Streetcar Named Desire” as the FSU Opera’s spring production.

Previn’s opera “A Streetcar Named Desire” is a faithful adaptation of the classic Tennessee Williams play. Set in the heat of New Orleans immediately following World War II, the opera brings to life the tragic story of Blanche DuBois and Stanley Kowalski and their conflict as they battle for control of a small apartment and the lives of those within it.

Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 30, through Saturday, April 1, and at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 2, at Opperman Music Hall.

The music of the opera is notable for its combination of modern and traditional elements. Composer André Previn draws on jazz, blues and a variety of other musical styles to create a unique musical palette, while Philip Littell’s libretto creates a colorful canvas that captures the emotional complexity of the story.

With such evocative music, the singers are required to bring a unique and intense vocality to their roles. The opera features strong performances from College of Music Department of Vocal Performance students and alumni. Soprano Blythe Reed-Banks, who will portray Blanche DuBois on Thursday and Saturday, has had the experience of a lifetime.

“Singing Blanche is challenging but also super rewarding,” the doctoral student said. “This role requires a lot of stamina to sing all six arias as well as an enhanced facility for the higher pitches at the softest dynamics possible. It has forced me to develop my voice more than any role I have sung thus far, and I am so grateful for the opportunity.”

The story of “A Streetcar Named Desire” is ultimately one of tragedy, and the opera captures this with its powerful music and intense performances. This is an opera that is sure to leave a lasting impression on its audience.

Audiences should be advised that this production contains mature language and portrayals of violence, alcoholism and sexual assault.

For tickets, visit tickets.music.fsu.edu. This event will not be livestreamed.

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