The Lee University School of Music will welcome the Fortunato ensemble, including D’Anna Fortunato, Peter H. Bloom, and Mary Jane Rupert, for the first installment of the 2015-2016 Performing Arts Series. The performance will take place on Thursday, Sep. 24 at 7:30 p.m. in Squires Recital Hall.

Widely considered to be one of America’s premier concert singers, Grammy nominated D’Anna Fortunato was born in Pittsburgh and studied at the New England Conservatory of Music. She has appeared in the Nashville Symphony, the Boston Civic Symphony, and the Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra. She has also been a repeat soloist with a number of North America’s choral organizations and Bach Festivals.

“Mezzo-soprano Fortunato consistently meets the challenge with unrestrained emotion that finds freedom that both text and music require…the singer demonstrates a clear and sensitive understanding of both the poetry and the music,” said International Alliance for Women in Music.

Fortunato recently released CDs including Schoenberg’s “Gurrelieder” on GM Recordings, “Gimple the Fool” on Naxos, Handel’s “Deidamia” for Albany, and a boxed set of New York Philharmonic CDs including Honegger’s “Jeanne d’Arc.”

A distinguished flutist, Peter H. Bloom tours internationally and covers a wide range of music including collaborative work with composers, diverse chamber music, and exploratory jazz. He currently serves as an historical instrument consultant to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, is contributing editor for Noteworthy Sheet Music, and serves on the faculty of Snow Pond Composers Workshop.

The Boston Globe called Bloom’s playing “a revelation for unforced sweetness and strength.”

Acclaimed concert pianist and harpist Mary Jane Rupert has performed throughout the world in places such as Carnegie Recital Hall to the Beijing Concert Hall. She has made appearances with the Boston Philharmonic, Louisville Symphony, and many more. She once performed for the National Meeting of the American Harp Society.

Rupert serves on the music faculties of Tufts University, Wellesley College, Boston College, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

“The Performing Arts Series provides a great opportunity for our faculty to invite soloists and small chamber ensembles to give our students and community members exposure to music in an intimate setting,” said Dr. William Green, dean of Lee’s School of Music.

Everyone is welcome to attend. The concert is free of charge, but it is a ticketed event as seating is limited. Tickets are available in the Dixon Center Box Office from 3-6 p.m., Monday through Friday or by calling (423) 614-8343.

For more information about the Performing Arts Series or other music events, contact the School of Music at 423-614-8240.