Lauren Henderson ’09 returns to Wheaton with jazz interpretations and original music. Henderson blends her Latin, Caribbean and African heritage to create a unique vocal approach, backed by NYC-based musicians Damian Sim, Michael Thurber and Allan Mednard. A former member of Wheaton’s Jazz Band and Voices United to Jam, she returns to campus from touring the US, Germany, Russia, Italy, Spain and Mexico. We welcome her back to celebrate her musical successes at home and abroad.

Associate Professor of Music Leslie Amper presents a solo piano recital of classical works, including Beethoven, Sonata opus 31, No. 2 (Tempest), Schumann, Fantasy Pieces and Debussy, Estampes. 

Composer, multi-instrumentalist, and scholar Tyshawn Sorey leads his highly lauded and category-defying trio of piano, bass, and drums. Sorey is a 2017 MacArthur fellow and has performed with musicians including Vijay Iyer, Steve Coleman, John Zorn and Anthony Braxton, as well as the International Contemporary Ensemble. “Here is an extraordinary talent who can see across the entire musical landscape.” —Alex Ross, The New Yorker. Sorey and Assistant Professor of Music, Will Mason will present a pre-concert talk at 6:00 p.m. in the same location.

Professor Lazaro will give an evening performance on his major instruments, the marimba, and the vibraphone. He will also perform on the hand drums, giving an introduction to important rhythmical genres of the Caribbean and Latin American region, showing historical similarities and regional variations.

Contemporary music ensemble, Phat Police present a program of music chosen and arranged by the students under the leadership of Assistant Professor of Music, Jeff Cashen.

Gifted student performers demonstrate mastery in voice, violin, cello, piano and other instruments.

Gifted student performers demonstrate mastery in voice, violin, cello, piano and other instruments.

The ensemble, under the direction of Jeff Cashen assistant professor of music, presents a mix of post-bop jazz, and features two student vocalists.

The Wheaton Chorale and Chamber Singers are joined by Donnell L. Patterson, one of Boston’s leading gospel choir directors, known for his great musicality and infectious enthusiasm. In addition to singing gospel music and spirituals with our visiting artist, the choirs will sing selections from African American composers including William Grant Still and Rosephanye Powell. Suggested donation $10.

Earl Raney, associate professor of music, leads the Southeastern Massachusetts Wind Symphony in its spring performance featuring works by Holst, Grainger, Bizet, Anderson, Sousa, and Williams. Suggested donation $5.