ETSU concert series celebrates American, Appalachian and classical traditions

Contributed/ETSU Martin Center

The Martin Center for the Arts welcomed the Johnson City community for an evening of music Friday, Sept. 11.

At 7:30 p.m., East Tennessee State University’s Department of Music launched a new season of performances designed to showcase regional heritage, classical masterworks and modern compositions. Presented alongside the Mary B. Martin School of the Arts, the four-concert Faculty and Friends Chamber Series highlights the talents of ETSU faculty, guest artists and students.

According to ETSU News, the series aims to highlight diverse artistic expressions, with each concert telling a different story. The series brings together American masterworks and Appalachian traditions while creating opportunities for community connection.

The series’ artistic director, ETSU assistant professor Ignacy Gaydamovich, organized four programs running throughout the academic year at the Martin Center for the Arts.

The first concert, “A Nation Remembered — The Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave,” was held Sept. 11 in the ETSU Foundation Grand Hall. The performance featured works by Florence Price, Samuel Barber and Aaron Copland, alongside the world premiere of “Blessed Be the Beautiful” by ETSU assistant professor Alex Zhang.

The remaining three concerts will take place throughout the 2026-27 academic year.

“Appalachian Roots” will take place Friday, Oct. 30, at 7:30 p.m. in Powell Recital Hall. The concert pairs pieces by George Walker, Jennifer Higdon and George Crumb with live music from ETSU’s bluegrass faculty.

“Beethoven 200” is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 12, at 7:30 p.m. in Powell Recital Hall. The program marks the 200th anniversary of Ludwig van Beethoven’s death by combining his chamber works with Peter Schickele’s humorous P.D.Q. Bach composition, “Schleptet.”

“Inspirations” will conclude the series Saturday, April 10, at 5 p.m. in Powell Recital Hall. The performance explores historic creative partnerships through compositions by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Johannes Brahms, Michael Tilson Thomas and Kazimierz Serocki.

Except for the free opening performance Sept. 11, admission is $12 for the general public and $6 for non-ETSU students. Admission is free for ETSU students, faculty and staff.

For more information about upcoming concerts and other events, contact the ETSU Department of Music at music@etsu.edu.