University Musical Society Announces 2021-22 Live Season Performances

After much time away, the University Musical Society has announced their programming for the 2021-22 live season! Digital programming will continue to be available throughout the season.

By Current Contributer

May 13, 2021

After more than a year since its live, in-person concert, the University Musical Society (UMS) announces its 143rd season. The season will run from November 2021 through April 2022, making it a smaller season than usual.

The UMS will also continue its digital programming, including concerts and education events. These events will be held throughout the year, which will continue to be offered at no extra charge. However, due to a shorter planning period, digital events will be announced throughout the season.

In addition to presenting world-class performances, UMS will offer unique and engaging ways for audience members to connect with the artists on stage. UMS will have a robust offering of education and community engagement activities, which will be announced in the fall.

“Of the many things we’ve learned and come to understand in this past year, one is that in times of crisis, the arts remain vital to our existence as human beings,” says UMS president Matthew VanBesien in a press release. “They are a constant in our lives and create joy and hope, even in times of despair, injustice, and loss. And while none of us ever imagined that we’d be looking forward to our 143rd season in the same way that we might celebrate a milestone anniversary, we are all looking forward to returning, to restarting, to reconnecting, and to rejoicing with our audiences and artists once again.”

Upcoming Events from the University Musical Society

The 2021-22 season will include a suite of programs featuring Artists. This seasons lineup includes:

Five Programs Featuring New Commissions: Including new works by Clarice Assad, Bryce Dessner, Kyle Abraham, Tarek Yamani, Jessie Montgomery, and Joyce DiDonato
Season-Long Focus on Artists from the Arab World and Its Diaspora: Live and virtual programs by Tarek Yamani, National Arab Orchestra, Kabareh Cheikhats, Ali Chahrour, and more
New Creative Partnership with the Philadelphia Orchestra: Includes two concerts in Hill Auditorium and Educational Residency, plus New Musical Theatre Production of Fiddler on the Roof in Concert
Octavia E. Butler’s Parable of the Sower in a New Opera by Toshi Reagon
Plus Free Digital Programming: A MoodSwing Reunion, HOME, Benjamin Grosvenor, Imani Winds & Catalyst Quartet, Ballet Folklórico de México, Caleb Teicher, and more
Return of Many Events Canceled Due to Pandemic: Ongoing virtual performances & other programming offered throughout the year

Season ticks will go on sale on Monday, May 17. Tickets to individual events will go on sale to the general public online, in person, and by phone on Tuesday, September 7. For more information about the upcoming shows, check out the UMS website.

881 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor. 734-764-2538. ums.org.