Nazareth's School of Music has a new artist-in-residence and full concert series for fall

Nazareth University School of Music’s fall concert series is full of amazing music by a variety of student and faculty ensembles, including the Nazareth Symphony Orchestra, Wind Symphony, Chamber Singers, Treble Choir, and more. The season kicks off with a concert by the School of Music’s new artist-in-residence, fivebyfive, on October 2, at 7:30 p.m., in Nazareth Arts Center’s Wilmot Recital Hall. Presale admission tickets are $20, or pay $25 at the door. (A pay-what-you-can option is available at the door). 

fivebyfive is Nazareth adjunct professor Marcy Bacon, clarinet; Ken Luk, guitar; Eric J. Polenik, bass; and Marc Webster, audio/visual artist. Guest performers for the concert include: Rebecca Gilbert, flute (Nazareth adjunct professor of applied flute, and principal flute of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra); Huiping Cai, piano (Nazareth collaborative pianist); Kristin Shiner McGuire, percussion (Nazareth professor in professional practice and percussion coordinator, Marimba Ensemble).

“fivebyfive is proud and elated to be connected with Nazareth University,” said Eric Polenik, fivebyfive bassist. “We believe the partnership will produce wonderful collaborative opportunities that will benefit students and fulfill fivebyfive’s mission of engaging and inspiring audiences in the collaborative spirit and creativity of today’s chamber music.”

Polenik says the group wanted to “pull out all the stops for fivebyfive’s first concert as Nazareth University’s ensemble in residence.”

There are two world premieres of pieces in the concert  — one by Nazareth faculty member Octavio Vazquez, Out of Many, celebrates the 250th year of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and is an exploration of the vast and evolving tapestry of cultures, peoples, and traditions that make up the US. It is a work that celebrates our plurality. It was made possible by a New York State Council on the Arts grant. 

The second world premiere is Home by Joe Jaxson, who is the 2026-2027 Richmond Symphony Composer-in-Residence. Jaxson’s work is a remembrance of home and how memories of youth influence us throughout life. Home is inspired by the works of Regina Carter and influenced by the smooth jazz aesthetics of Barry White and Norman Brown, as well as The Bee Gees.

Fivebyfive is letting the audience take part in the live concert as active participants. 

• A Magic 8 Ball will help determine what music each fivebyfive musician plays in 20 Answers by Pamela Z. Audience members will help the musicians operate the Magic 8 Balls, getting an up-close perspective of the inner workings of the music.

• Composer Pauline Oliveros developed a principle of “deep listening”. Fivebyfive, along with the audience will perform Tuning Meditation, a vocal work that involves listening intently and closely to those around you.

School of Music Fall Lineup

Here is the full lineup of Nazareth’s School of Music concerts. Most are free and open to the public unless listed. Many are also livestreamed. Click the link for each show for more information.

Faculty Recital Series |The Grand Leipzig Audition: Who Got the Job?
Sunday, Oct. 4 | 3 p.m.
Wilmot Recital Hall

Symphony Orchestra Concert
Thursday, Oct. 15 | 7:30 p.m.
Beston Hall

Faculty Recital Series | Keyboard Epigraphes: Musical Poetry in Motion
Sunday, Nov. 1 | 3 p.m.
Wilmot Recital Hall

Symphony Orchestra Concert
Thursday, Nov. 5 | 7:30 p.m.
Beston Hall

Night Flyers Concert
Wednesday, Nov. 11 | 7:30 p.m.
Beston Hall

Chamber Singers Concert
Thursday, Nov. 12 | 7:30 p.m.
Linehan Chapel (Golisano Academic Center)

Treble Choir Concert
Sunday, Nov. 15 | 3 p.m.
Linehan Chapel (Golisano Academic Center)

Chorale Concert
Monday, Nov. 16 | 7:30 p.m.
Linehan Chapel (Golisano Academic Center)

Wind Symphony, Brass Choir and Saxophone Ensemble Concert
Tuesday, Nov. 17 | 7:30 p.m.
Beston Hall

Percussion Ensemble
Friday, Nov. 20 | 7:30 p.m.
Beston Hall

Composition Studio Recital I
Saturday, Nov. 21 | 3 p.m.
Beston Hall

Composition Studio Recital II
Sunday, Nov. 22 | 3 p.m.
Wilmot Recital Hall

Jazz Ensemble Concert
Monday, Nov. 23 | 7:30 p.m.
Beston Hall

Rose Marie and John Beston Annual Holiday Gala
Sunday, Dec. 6 | 3 p.m.
Beston Hall - Ticketed event

 

Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.

Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.

• published: 2026 September
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