Bringing World-renowned Artists to Waco

The School of Music presents the world’s finest classical and cultural performers on its concert stages through its Distinguished Artist Series to help enrich the education of our students and surrounding community through exposure and involvement with fine arts. This year’s concerts and lecture series feature international experts and some of the world’s leading musicians.

The Distinguished Artist Series (DAS) is the School of Music’s premier set of guest artist events, usually numbering three or four concerts per year. This series brings to campus some of the world’s greatest musicians, providing Baylor students and the surrounding community with the convenience of enjoying brilliant performances without having to travel all the way to Dallas, Austin, or Houston, and at a fraction of the ticket cost.

The DAS, established by Dean Daniel Sternberg, has presented internationally recognized musicians over the years and continues to serve as one of the strongest links between Baylor and the Central Texas community.

Initiated in 1976 and funded since 1980 through the generosity of the Meadows Foundation, the Lyceum Series offers Baylor students and the surrounding community an opportunity to observe, listen and participate in an exciting program of “mini-residencies” by some of the world’s foremost musical authorities.

The Lyceum Series has grown from meager beginnings to a model program that is respected throughout the state and nation. Many individuals from outside the Waco area have made an annual practice of attending these events, and the concerts offered through the Lyceum Series attract music lovers from as far away as Austin, College Station, and the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex.

Lyceum Series activities vary according to the specific guest. In applied music, the presentations most often takes the form of masterclasses, in which the master teacher works with individual students or small ensembles in front of a group. In this way, many can gain from the musical insights of the guest instructor. Guest artists may give recitals, speak to classes, hold informal discussions, or, in the case of visiting composers, present lecture-recitals in which their works are performed along with explanations directly from the composer. All Lyceum Series events are open to the public and free of charge, thanks to the generosity of the Meadows Foundation of Dallas, TX.

Mark Your Calendars!

Lyceum Series
Monday, October 23
Alex Klein, oboe
Grammy Award-winning oboist Alex Klein is recognized as one of today’s leading oboists after beginning his musical studies in his native Brazil at age nine. Klein was principal oboe of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for nine years under Barenboim, and in 2017 was awarded the Oboe Emeritus Soloist title by outgoing Music Director Riccardo Muti.
Roxy Grove Hall 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 28
Alexander Kobrin, piano
Called the “Van Cliburn of today” by the BBC, pianist Alexander Kobrin has placed himself at the forefront of today's performing musicians. His prize-winning performances have been praised for their brilliant technique, musicality, and emotional engagement with the audience. 
Roxy Grove Hall, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 23
Daniel Adam Maltz, fortepianist
Specializing in Viennese Classicism, Daniel Adam Maltz is called “master of the Viennese fortepiano” and is praised by critics for his “broad warmth” with “lavish but tasteful” playing.
Roxy Hall Grove, 7:30 p.m.

Distinguished Artist Series 
Friday, February 16
Miguel Zenón, alto saxophone
Performing a recital with Baylor’s Wayne Fisher Jazz Ensemble, Miguel Zenón is a multiple Grammy nominated artist and Guggenheim and MacArther fellow. Widely considered as one of the most groundbreaking and influential saxophonists and composers of his generation, he has also developed a unique voice as a conceptualist, concentrating his efforts on perfecting a fine mix between jazz and his many musical influences.
Jones Concert Hall, 7:30 p.m.