The UNCSA 2025\u201326 performance season, \u201cUNCSA Presents<\/a>,\u201d continues this March with a dynamic lineup of concerts and special events from Tickets to most events are $25 for adults and $20 for non-UNCSA students with a valid Vesna Duo \/ Photo: UNCSA<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Vesna Duo<\/a> celebrates the launch of its second album, \u201cPoptimism<\/a>\u201d on UNCSA Media<\/a> with a high-energy performance for piano and percussion. Featuring UNCSA faculty Grounded in classical training, Vesna Duo reimagines favorite songs through reinterpretations UNCSA Media is made possible with funding and programmatic support by the\u00a0Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts<\/a>.<\/p>\n Performances will take place Sunday, March 1, at 7:30 p.m. in Watson Hall on the UNCSA The fifth season of the annual UNCSA Chamber Music Festival continues with its spring Featured guest artist is renowned German violist Matthias Buchholz<\/a>, celebrated for his expansive international career as a soloist and chamber musician The March 17 program will feature B\u00e9la Bart\u00f3k\u2019s “Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion,” This event is supported by the generous contributions of Bill and Judy Watson.<\/p>\n Performances will take place Tuesday, March 17, and Saturday, March 21, at 7:30 p.m. Black Sacred Music Symposium & Haven Concert<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n The Black Sacred Music Symposium<\/a> returns to Winston-Salem in a culminating concert presented by the Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts<\/a> and UNCSA. The concert is part of the multiday Black Sacred Music Symposium XIX, Under the direction of Dr. Ollie Watts Davis<\/a>, the public performance features symposium participants alongside local and national The concert will take place Sunday, March 22, at 3 p.m. in Freedman Theatre in Performance Presented by the School of Music and Mercedes-Benz of Winston-Salem, the UNCSA Improvised Free daytime events begin at 1 p.m. each day, with tickets required only for the 7:30 This year\u2019s featured guest artists include saxophonist and alumnus Eddie Barbash<\/a>, guitarist Mike Baggetta<\/a>and Grammy-nominated violinist and fiddle innovator Casey Driessen<\/a>. Representing a vibrant cross section of contemporary improvised music, the artists Undergraduate opera students will present a recital of one-act operas and staged scenes Directed by Steven LaCosse<\/a>, the production emphasizes storytelling, character development and ensemble collaboration, The concert will take place Sunday, March 29, at 2 p.m. in Agnes de Mille Theatre Tickets and information about additional \u201cUNCSA Presents\u201d performances can be found
\n the School of Music<\/a>. Highlights include Vesna Duo: Poptimism, a thrilling performance of piano and percussion
\n celebrating the\u00a0release<\/a>\u00a0of the duo’s album on UNCSA Media; the UNCSA Spring Chamber Music Festival, bringing
\n students, faculty and guest artists together for two magical evenings; the return
\n of the Black Sacred Music Symposium and Concert, a multiday celebration that brings
\n together communities from across the region to study and perform Black sacred music;
\n the UNCSA Improvised Music and Jazz Festival,<\/a> which returns to downtown Winston-Salem for a second year; and Undergraduate Opera Scenes<\/a>, showcasing emerging vocal talent in staged excerpts from the operatic repertoire.<\/p>\n
\n ID, but some events are free. Tickets can be purchased\u00a0online<\/a>\u00a0or by calling the box office at 336-721-1945.<\/p>\n
\n member Ksenija Komljenovi\u0107<\/a> alongside Liana Pailodze Harron<\/a>, the duo takes audiences on a genre-warping tour of inventive arrangements drawn
\n from chart-topping pop, R&B, rock and grunge.<\/p>\n
\n shaped for piano and percussion. Created as a mixtape of songs that have lived in
\n their headphones for decades, “Poptimism” features reinterpretations of music by Rihanna,
\n Beyonc\u00e9, Sting, Hozier, Soundgarden and Dean Lewis. Arranged by Milo\u0161 Branisavljevi\u0107,
\n the selections are structured for piano and percussion and use a range of techniques
\n and timbres, including blanketed vibraphone, prepared piano and extended textures.
\n The program shifts between smaller, intimate moments and larger, ensemble-driven passages,
\n offering audiences a new perspective on familiar songs.<\/p>\n
\n campus, 1533 S. Main St., Winston-Salem.<\/p>\n
\n edition, bringing students, faculty and guest artists together for two evenings of
\n collaborative performance. The festival highlights the depth and versatility of chamber
\n music while fostering artistic exchange across generations of musicians.<\/p>\n
\n and praised by Seen and Heard International for his “richly expressive solo.” A native
\n of Hamburg, Buchholz has performed worldwide with leading ensembles and has held faculty
\n appointments at major European conservatories. Guest artists for the festival also
\n include Larry Weng, piano, and cellists Richard Aaron and Megan Yip, who join UNCSA
\n students and faculty for the March 17 and March 21 concerts. Aaron will also lead
\n multiple classes for UNCSA cello students.<\/p>\n
\n followed by Franz Schubert\u2019s “Trout” Quintet. The March 21 concert will include Ludwig
\n van Beethoven\u2019s Trio in E-flat major, Op. 1, No. 1; Gabriel Faur\u00e9\u2019s Piano Quartet
\n in C minor; and Johannes Brahms\u2019 String Sextet in B-flat major.<\/p>\n
\n in Watson Hall on the UNCSA campus, 1533 S. Main St., Winston-Salem.<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.uncsa.edu\/news\/img\/2026\/02\/march-highlight-inlineBSMSHAVENConcert_015.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\n a regional celebration centered on this year\u2019s theme, fellowship, that brings together
\n communities from across the region to study and perform Black sacred music through
\n workshops, discussions and rehearsals.<\/p>\n
\n guest artists. The program includes “Amazing Grace,” “Come Sunday” from “Black, Brown,
\n and Beige” by Duke Ellington, “Stand Up” by Joshuah Campbell and Cynthia Erivo, and
\n “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” along with congregational singing and a legacy tribute.
\n A reception will follow.<\/p>\n
\n Place on the UNCSA campus, 1533 S. Main St., Winston-Salem. Tickets are $20.<\/p>\n
\n Music and Jazz Festival returns to downtown Winston-Salem for its second year, promising
\n an expanded weekend of music and community celebration. The two-day festival features
\n regional high school and middle school bands, UNCSA student musicians, master classes
\n with acclaimed artists, jam sessions and immersive jazz experiences throughout the
\n day. Events will take place at Camel City Barbecue, with additional programming hosted
\n at Ovation Sound Studios.<\/p>\n
\n p.m. headlining concerts. Each evening culminates in a paid performance featuring
\n internationally recognized guest artists in a dynamic showcase of innovation and artistry.
\n Festival performances will take place across multiple stages throughout the Camel
\n City Barbecue building and a dedicated master class room. Food will be available for
\n purchase on site throughout the day.<\/p>\n
\n blend jazz, Americana, <\/strong>experimental and global influences. <\/strong>The festival is organized by Steve Alford<\/a>, chair of the Jazz and Contemporary Music Department at the UNCSASchool of Music<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\n in an intimate performance setting, showcasing emerging vocal artists. The program
\n offers audiences a short-form opera experience as students demonstrate vocal technique,
\n interpretation and stagecraft.<\/p>\n
\n hallmarks of the UNCSA opera program. The performance is accompanied by pianist Lauren Winkelman<\/a>, whose artistry supports the singers in bringing these scenes to life.<\/p>\n
\n on the UNCSA campus, 1533 S. Main St., Winston-Salem.<\/p>\n
\n at <\/strong>uncsa.edu\/performances<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n