February 2026

Step into a world of rhythm and soul as the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, led by the iconic trumpeter and cultural ambassador Wynton Marsalis, is back to close out our 25-26 School Day Performance series with a Big Band concert tailored for young people.

Wynton Marsalis and his Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra will be joined by orchestral musicians from the U-M School of Music, Theatre & Dance, in a preview performance of Marsalis’s new Symphony No. 5.

Step into a world of rhythm and soul as the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, led by the iconic trumpeter and cultural ambassador Wynton Marsalis, brings their unparalleled mastery to Hill Auditorium. The venerable ensemble takes the stage for a journey through some of Duke Ellington’s most iconic compositions.

Scottish violinist Nicola Benedetti makes her UMS debut with an ensemble featuring guitar, accordion, and cello performing arrangements of popular classical works.

Program

Ernest Bloch “Prayer” from From Jewish Life
Manuel Ponce Estrellita
Pablo de Sarasate Carmen Fantasy, Op. 25
Pablo de Sarasate, Caprice Basque, Op. 24
Traditional, Ashokan Farewell
Peter Maxwell Davies Farewell to Stromness
Plus, works by Clara Schumann, Vaughan Williams, and Paganini, along with new commissions and arrangements of traditional Scottish music.

Violinist James Ehnes is joined by pianist Inon Barnatan, violist Jonathan Vinocour, and cellist Raphael Bell for a program of Gabriel Fauré’s piano quartets. Among his best-known chamber works, Fauré’s piano quartets are exquisitely crafted and ideal vehicles for these four superb artists and musical soulmates.

The esteemed Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir celebrates the transcendent contemporary classical music of composer Arvo Pärt, and the indelible mark he has left on music and choral singing over his 90 years.

The year 1926 saw the birth of two towering figures who reshaped the landscape of modern music: Miles Davis and John Coltrane. In this limited tour, two of today’s most visionary musicians come together to honor their legacies in a concert that is more than just a centennial tribute, but a living, breathing continuation of their spirit.

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra returns to Hill Auditorium for the first time in more than a decade, under the leadership of their new music director, Klaus Mäkelä.

Program

Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92
Hector Berlioz Symphonie fantastique

Step into a world of rhythm and soul as the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, led by the iconic trumpeter and cultural ambassador Wynton Marsalis, is back to close out our 25-26 School Day Performance series with a Big Band concert tailored for young people.

Wynton Marsalis and his Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra will be joined by orchestral musicians from the U-M School of Music, Theatre & Dance, in a preview performance of Marsalis’s new Symphony No. 5.

Step into a world of rhythm and soul as the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, led by the iconic trumpeter and cultural ambassador Wynton Marsalis, brings their unparalleled mastery to Hill Auditorium. The venerable ensemble takes the stage for a journey through some of Duke Ellington’s most iconic compositions.

Scottish violinist Nicola Benedetti makes her UMS debut with an ensemble featuring guitar, accordion, and cello performing arrangements of popular classical works.

Program

Ernest Bloch “Prayer” from From Jewish Life
Manuel Ponce Estrellita
Pablo de Sarasate Carmen Fantasy, Op. 25
Pablo de Sarasate, Caprice Basque, Op. 24
Traditional, Ashokan Farewell
Peter Maxwell Davies Farewell to Stromness
Plus, works by Clara Schumann, Vaughan Williams, and Paganini, along with new commissions and arrangements of traditional Scottish music.

Violinist James Ehnes is joined by pianist Inon Barnatan, violist Jonathan Vinocour, and cellist Raphael Bell for a program of Gabriel Fauré’s piano quartets. Among his best-known chamber works, Fauré’s piano quartets are exquisitely crafted and ideal vehicles for these four superb artists and musical soulmates.

The esteemed Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir celebrates the transcendent contemporary classical music of composer Arvo Pärt, and the indelible mark he has left on music and choral singing over his 90 years.

The year 1926 saw the birth of two towering figures who reshaped the landscape of modern music: Miles Davis and John Coltrane. In this limited tour, two of today’s most visionary musicians come together to honor their legacies in a concert that is more than just a centennial tribute, but a living, breathing continuation of their spirit.

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra returns to Hill Auditorium for the first time in more than a decade, under the leadership of their new music director, Klaus Mäkelä.

Program

Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92
Hector Berlioz Symphonie fantastique