10 Favorite Moments of 2019

By UMS

As we head into the New Year, we wanted to take a look back at some of our favorite moments of 2019. Thank you for making these memories possible through your generous support!

Camille A. Brown and Dancers presented ink and a suite of education and community engagement activities for audiences of all ages. Learn more

Yo-Yo Ma inspired a packed auditorium in Hill Auditorium with his talk, Culture, Understanding, and Survival, before hosting a Day of Action community showcase in Flint, MI. See a recap

Making his UMS debut, conductor and composer Esa-Pekka Salonen led his cello concerto with the Philharmonia Orchestra of London.

UMS led the world premiere and co-commission of Triptych (Eyes of One on Another), exploring Robert Mapplethorpe’s photography in theatrical context with vocal masters Roomful of Teeth and original music composed by Bryce Dessner. Learn more

Opera superstars Eric Owens and Lawrence Brownlee performed an unforgettable duo recital and webcast featuring arias, Spirituals, American popular songs, and Gospel favorites. Watch the full webcast

Hip-hop and Arabic instrumentation came together in Little Syria — the culminating project by Syrian American rapper, poet, activist Omar Offendum as part of his UMS Research Residency. Learn more

Amadeus Live with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and UMS Choral Union packed every seat of Hill Auditorium at the start of the 2019/20 season.

John Cameron Mitchell‘s Origin of Love Tour dazzled fans with beloved songs and stories of Hedwig and the Angry Inch — and he even “crowdsurfed” the main floor audience of Hill Auditorium!

Tap dance masters Caleb Teicher & Co. joined forces with beatboxer Chris Celiz in a free “Secret Show” held in Ypsilanti’s historic Freighthouse.

Maestro extraordinaire Yannick Nézet-Séguin returned to Hill Auditorium, leading his Orchestre Métropolitain de Montréal with incomparable mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato.

We want to extend our sincere and heartfelt appreciation for the many gifts you bring to UMS. As we approach the end of 2019, we hope you will consider a donation to UMS as part of your year-end giving. Your time, your engagement as subscribers and ticket buyers, and your financial support all play an essential role in helping UMS bring extraordinary performing artists from around the world to Ann Arbor — and there is still time to make an impact. If you’ve already supported UMS this season, thank you!

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