Welcome to the 2026-2027 Presidential Concert Series at Lee University.

 This season celebrates the remarkable breadth of today’s musical world. From the wit and creativity of The Queen’s Cartoonists to the artistry of pianist Zitong Wang, the expressive beauty of mezzo-soprano Andrea Dismukes and Friends, the internationally acclaimed Verona Quartet, and the vibrant traditions of Goitse, each performance offers a unique opportunity to experience music that inspires, connects, and enriches our community.

We are grateful for the generous support of our presenting partner Bradley Medical Center and for the continued enthusiasm of our audiences. Whether you are a longtime supporter of the series or attending for the first time, we look forward to welcoming you throughout the season.

~ Dr. Vanessa Wei

Presidential Concert Series Director

                                                                                                                                      Presented by

Tuesday, September 29, 2026
7:30pm at Pangle Hall

Opening the 34th season, The Queen’s Cartoonists bring cartoons to life through virtuosic musicianship, comedy, and perfectly synchronized performances. Drawing from more than 100 years of animation from around the world, the six-member ensemble recreates beloved soundtracks note-for-note while bringing jazz, classical music, and animated films together in a wildly entertaining experience. With animated films projected on stage, audiences can watch favorite cartoon characters interact with the musicians as the group moves seamlessly between the Golden Age of Animation, cult classics, and modern films. Based in Queens, New York, the ensemble has performed at venues ranging from the Blue Note Jazz Club to Konzerthaus Berlin and has opened for the New York Philharmonic.

Thursday, October 29, 2026
7:30pm at Squires Recital Hall

Bronze Medalist at the 19th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition, pianist Zitong Wang has captivated audiences with her authenticity, sensitivity, and bravura. At the competition, she also received the Krystian Zimerman Award for the Best Performance of a Sonata. Wang has performed at renowned venues including the Berlin Philharmonie, Warsaw Philharmonic, Shanghai Symphony Hall, and National Centre for the Performing Arts, and has appeared with major orchestras including The Philadelphia Orchestra and The Cleveland Orchestra. A graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, Wang is currently pursuing graduate studies at the New England Conservatory with pianist Dang Thai Son. She brings her remarkable artistry to Lee for a program celebrating the depth, passion, and expressive power of the piano.

Thursday, January 14, 2027
7:30pm at Dixon Center

Mezzo-soprano Dr. Andrea Dismukes returns to Lee University, where she served for more than 30 years as a professor of voice and held numerous leadership roles, including chair of the Department of Vocal Music and Performance Studies and director of Ladies of Lee. An acclaimed international performer and educator, Dismukes has appeared as a soloist with renowned ensembles and at distinguished venues around the world, including Canterbury Cathedral with the Royal Philharmonic and the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. Equally at home across musical genres, she has performed art song, musical theater, spirituals, gospel, blues, and jazz. She currently serves as assistant professor of voice at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Tuesday, February 9, 2027
7:30pm at Squires Recital Hall

The Verona Quartet, hailed by The New York Times as an “outstanding ensemble,” is recognized as one of the premier string quartets of its generation. Recipients of the 2020 Chamber Music America Cleveland Quartet Award and the Fischoff National Chamber Music Association’s 2025 Educator Award, the ensemble has earned international acclaim for its bold interpretations, expressive playing, and imaginative programming. The Quartet serves as quartet-in-residence at Oberlin College and Conservatory and as artistic directors of the Lunenburg Academy of Music Performance. Known for bridging the traditional chamber music canon with new and interdisciplinary works, the Verona Quartet has collaborated with composers, dancers, visual artists, and acclaimed musicians, bringing fresh perspectives and extraordinary versatility to the concert stage.

Tuesday, March 23, 2027
7:30pm at Pangle Hall

Returning after a popular 2024 performance, Goitse, one of Ireland’s most dynamic and celebrated traditional ensembles, will close the season with its electrifying blend of original compositions and timeless traditional tunes. Forged at Limerick’s Irish World Academy, the multi-award-winning quintet is celebrating 15 years of touring worldwide and has built a reputation for energy, warmth, and an uncanny ability to connect with audiences. Featuring driving rhythms, expressive piano accordion, banjo, bouzouki, and the captivating vocals of Áine McGeeney, Goitse continually pushes the boundaries of Irish traditional music while honoring its roots.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students, seniors, and children and can be purchased at the Lee University Box Office in the Dixon Center, or by calling (423) 614-8343 one week before the event between 3:00pm and 6:00pm. Tickets are also available at eventbrite.com.

                            PCS Tickets

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