Spotlight Series

Each year, the UNI School of Music proudly showcases a variety of ensembles and individual performances in our Spotlight Series. These performances consistently offer the highest quality musical performances featuring student, faculty and guest performers. From orchestral to jazz, opera to bands, join us for the series and experience something for everyone! All Spotlight Series concerts are ticketed. For tickets, call (319) 273-4TIX or visit www.uni.edu/tickets and select "Buy Tickets" under the School of Music heading.

Ticket prices for the 2017-18 Spotlight series are: $11 for adults, $10 for seniors and $9 for non-UNI students. UNI students are admitted for FREE with their UNI ID card. 

For more information, call (319) 273-2028.

Spotlight Series Concert: Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band

Friday, September 29, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. 
Great Hall, GBPAC

Two of the School of Music’s finest ensembles will join together to offer an evening of exciting and engaging music. Conductors Danny Galyen and Justin Mertz will lead the Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band in a shared concert, the first Spotlight Series concert of the season.

Spotlight Series Concert: Jazz Band One & Jazz Panthers

Friday, October 6, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. 
Bengtson Auditorium, Russell Hall

UNI Jazz Band One, under the direction of Christopher Merz will offer a shared fall concert with the Jazz Panthers, led by Robert Washut. Repertoire for the concert is sure to include a vibrant collection of both modern jazz and fresh interpretations on well-loved standards. 

Spotlight Series Concert: Fall Opera Scenes Performances

Thursday and Friday, October 12 and 13 at 7:30 p.m. 
Bengtson Auditorium, Russell Hall

UNI Opera students, under the direction of Mitra Sadeghpour and vocal coach Korey Barrett, will present an opera performance as part of the Spotlight Series. Concerts will be held both Thursday and Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. 

Spotlight Series Concert: Northern Iowa Symphony Orchestra

Thursday, October 19, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. 
Great Hall, GBPAC

Rebecca Burkhardt will appear on the conductor’s podium at this fall concert featuring the music of the Northern Iowa Symphony Orchestra. This student ensemble is involved in a wide variety of orchestra experiences each year including full-scale music theatre and opera productions, symphonic concerts which include major works from the repertoire, chamber orchestral work, and concerts featuring some of the most interesting choral/orchestral works of the past three centuries.

Spotlight Series Concert: Concert Chorale & UNI Singers

Thursday, November 2, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. 
Great Hall, GBPAC

One of the largest and most popular choral ensembles on campus, and a group with a rich tradition of excellence, the UNI Varsity Men’s Glee Club will offer a shared fall concert with the mixed-voice and robust choir UNI Singers. Conductor John Len Wiles will lead the Glee Club while Amy Kotsonis will lead the UNI Singers. Come join us!

Spotlight Series Concert: UNI Holiday Concert 

Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. 
Great Hall, GBPAC

A perfect way to celebrate the holidays! Come join UNI School of Music choral ensembles and Jazz Band One in celebrating the joys of the season. From holiday favorites to winter-inspired works, the UNI Singers, Concert Chorale, UNI Cantorei and Women’s Chorus will fill the evening with song, while Jazz Band One will make its debut appearance on this holiday concert. Bring your family and friends and celebrate with us!

Spotlight Series Concert: Northern Iowa Symphony Orchestra

Thursday, March 1, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. 
Great Hall, GBPAC

The Northern Iowa Symphony Orchestra will present its second appearance on the Spotlight Series. Conductor Rebecca Burkhardt returns to the podium for the first Spotlight Series concert of the spring 2018 term. 

Spotlight Series Concert: UNI Choirs Concert

Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. 
Great Hall, GBPAC

Student musicians from all UNI choirs will appear in this spring Spotlight Series performance. Conductors John Len Wiles and Amy Kotsonis will lead the choirs. Choral music enthusiasts are in for an exciting evening! 

Spotlight Series Concert: Jazz Band One

Friday, April 6, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. 
Great Hall, GBPAC

Jazz up your spring! Christopher Merz will lead UNI's premiere jazz ensemble Jazz Band One in their spring concert, with repertoire and soloists to be announced. 

Spotlight Series Concert: Symphonic Band & Concert Band

Wednesay, April 18, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. 
Great Hall, GBPAC

Conductor Justin Mertz will lead the UNI Symphonic Band and Concert Band in a shared spring performance on the Spotlight Series. The performance literature for Symphonic Band and Concert Band includes the standard repertoire for wind band as well as new and contemporary compositions. Come and enjoy! 

Spotlight Series Concert: Northern Iowa Symphony Orchestra, UNI Opera & Wind Ensemble, with guest Michael Daugherty

Thursday, April 19, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. 
Great Hall, GBPAC

Conductors Danny Galyen and Rebecca Burkhardt and opera director Mitra Sadeghpour will collaborate to prepare the Wind Ensemble, Northern Iowa Symphony Orchestra and UNI Opera for a thrilling performance with and for visiting artist Michael Daugherty. The performance will include by Daugherty and will be the grand finale of the 2017-18 Spotlight Series.