Faculty Recital: Jonathan Noffsinger, Saxophone, with Jun Okada, Piano

Jon Noffsinger maintains an active performing schedule as a concert saxophonist and in diverse jazz and commercial idioms. Exploring and promoting these rich and diverse musical opportunities is central to his creative, teaching, and service activities. Numerous works have been written for Mr. Noffsinger and his students—often receiving their premieres at national and international conferences. Some of his recorded performances may be found in his collaborations with The Birmingham Seven—Just Passing Through: The Birmingham Seven (2022 Summit 799), Yeah, About That (2016), Second Set (2014), and The Birmingham Seven (2012)—and, as one of the Tuscaloosa Horns, on the Temptations 2001 Motown release of “A Love I Can See” on the Awesome CD (440016 330-2). Jon Noffsinger is proud to be a contributing member of the Alabama Jazz Collective—comprised of Jazz Educators from throughout the state of Alabama, at leading Universities, Colleges, and High Schools. Additionally, he has appeared as featured soloist with the Tuscaloosa and Huntsville Symphony Orchestras in Alabama and the Anderson Symphony Orchestra in South Carolina as well multiple collaborations with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra and the orchestras of Mobile, Meridian, and the Alabama Gulf Coast. His achievements have been honored by the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, the Arts & Humanities Council of Tuscaloosa County, Concert Artists Guild, the Fischoff Chamber Music Competition, and the Conservatoire National de Region—Bordeaux. Mr. Noffsinger’s principal teachers have included James Forger, Griffin Campbell, Jean-Marie Londeix, and Gerald Welker. Jon Noffsinger has served on the University of Alabama music faculty since 1993. Internationally sought after as a professional pianist, JUN OKADA enjoys an active career as a soloist, in duo ensembles, and as a chamber music specialist. She has received critical acclaim for her expertise in the performance of woodwind, low-brass, and string literature. A native of Hiroshima, Japan, she began her music studies at YAMAHA Music School and received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Michigan State University under the tutelage of Deborah Moriarty. Ms. Okada is particularly noted for her command of the contemporary saxophone repertoire and has performed with numerous internationally recognized artists throughout the United States, Canada, Japan, Thailand, Belgium, and Slovenia. As a member of Rhythmicity, a saxophone and piano duo with saxophonist Joseph Lulloff, she has performed at Carnegie-Weill Recital Hall, Thailand’s International Saxophone Conference, as well as many other international and national venues. Also an avid promoter of low-brass repertoire, Ms. Okada has performed at the Falcone Festival held at Blue Lake Fine Arts camp in Michigan and performs at both international and national venues. Ms. Okada has previously served as a faculty member of Hope College in Holland, Michigan.

UA Opera Theatre: Puccini's "Suor Angelica," with the Huxford Symphony Orchestra

SUOR ANGELICA Music by Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924) Libretto by Giovacchino Forzan0 (1884-1970)   Suor Angelica (Sister Angelica) is an opera in one act by Giacomo Puccini to an original Italian libretto by Giovacchino Forzano. It is the second opera of the trio of operas known as Il trittico (The Triptych). It received its world premiere at the Metropolitan Opera on December 14, 1918.  The story is the sad tale of a young woman abandoned by her family for being with child who learns later that her child had died years ago.  This is some of the most sumptuous music in all of the repertoire.

Latin Tide

A student chamber ensemble featuring repertoire and instruments from “Salsa” and other Latin-style genres.

Faculty Recital: Moisés Molina, Cello with Minjung Seo, Piano

Cellist Moisés Molina, originally from Honduras, has built a distinguished career as a soloist, chamber and orchestral musician, teacher, and clinician. His artistry has taken him across the United States, Latin America, Europe, and Asia, with performances and recordings on the Centaur, Parma, Profil, and New World labels. Molina has appeared at renowned international festivals including the Toradze International Music Festival (Tbilisi, Georgia), the Biennial Violoncello Festival (Lima, Peru), the Orfeo Music Festival (Italy), and the Northern Lights Music Festival (USA). A passionate educator, he has also taught at the Singing River Cello Workshop, the Tennessee Valley Music Festival, and Scor! String Experiences. He regularly performs with the ensemble of the Chicago Conducting Masterclass and Workshop. As a guest artist, Molina has been featured at the St. Augustine Music Festival (Florida), the International Chamber Music Festival (Lima, Peru), the Cuzco Music Festival, and the First International Cello Festival (Huánuco, Peru). He has presented master classes at the Conservatorio Nacional de Música (Dominican Republic), the Instituto Superior de Artes (Cuba), the Tennessee Cello Workshop, and the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras. An active orchestral musician, Molina serves as Principal Cellist of the Mobile Symphony Orchestra, the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra, and the Columbus Symphony Orchestra (GA), while also performing frequently with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. He has previously held leadership positions with the Abilene Philharmonic, Abilene Opera, and the Quincy Symphony Orchestra (IL), among others. Currently Associate Professor of Cello and Director of the Cuba Center at the University of Alabama, Dr. Molina has also taught at Western Illinois University, Hardin-Simmons University, and Abilene Christian University. He has presented at state music education conferences, conducted youth and festival orchestras, and, early in his career, was awarded an orchestral fellowship to the Aspen Music Festival Korean-born American Pianist Minjung Seo has earned critical acclaim as “a fine touch and great sensitivity” by Chatham Star Tribune and “brilliant” by New & Record. As a recipient of the Samuel Sanders Collaborative Pianists Award, Seo has participated as a pianist in multiple concert series at Alice Tully Hall, Carnegie Hall, as well as internationally at the Seoul Arts Center, KBS Hall, and Yongsan Arts Hall in Korea. She has been invited as an artist-in-residence in prestigious summer festivals, such as the Bowdoin International Music Festival, the Banff Centre, Music Academy of the West, and Aspen Music Festival. Her performances have been recorded for Navona Records and aired on WDAV 89.1, and Tri-State Public Radio, WIUW 89.5. Seo received her Doctor of Musical Arts degree in chamber music and piano accompanying from University of North Carolina, master’s degrees in collaborative piano and piano performance from the Juilliard School and Indiana University after finishing her Bachelor of Music from Yonsei University in South Korea. Seo is currently a senior lecturer in accompanying at Auburn University and previously served as a piano faculty at Western Illinois University, Bennett College, and NC School of the Arts.

UA Opera Theatre: Puccini's "Suor Angelica," with the Huxford Symphony Orchestra

SUOR ANGELICA Music by Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924) Libretto by Giovacchino Forzan0 (1884-1970)   Suor Angelica (Sister Angelica) is an opera in one act by Giacomo Puccini to an original Italian libretto by Giovacchino Forzano. It is the second opera of the trio of operas known as Il trittico (The Triptych). It received its world premiere at the Metropolitan Opera on December 14, 1918.  The story is the sad tale of a young woman abandoned by her family for being with child who learns later that her child had died years ago.  This is some of the most sumptuous music in all of the repertoire.

UA Opera Theatre: Puccini's "Suor Angelica," with the Huxford Symphony Orchestra

SUOR ANGELICA Music by Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924) Libretto by Giovacchino Forzan0 (1884-1970)   Suor Angelica (Sister Angelica) is an opera in one act by Giacomo Puccini to an original Italian libretto by Giovacchino Forzano. It is the second opera of the trio of operas known as Il trittico (The Triptych). It received its world premiere at the Metropolitan Opera on December 14, 1918.  The story is the sad tale of a young woman abandoned by her family for being with child who learns later that her child had died years ago.  This is some of the most sumptuous music in all of the repertoire.

UA Opera Theatre: Françaix's "Le Diable boiteux" and Puccini's "Suor Angelica," with the Huxford Symphony Orchestra

LE DIABLE BOITEUX  (THE LAME DEVIL) Music by Jean Françaix (1912-1997) Libretto by the composer   This chamber opera is based on Alain-René Lesage’s novel of the same name. The book was published in 1707 and became an immediate success with its saucy depiction of society and its frivolity and eroticism. The limping devil stands at the heart of the plot who offers the easy-going hero Zambullo a whole series of covert views into the private apartments of Parisian society. In the opera, a narrator leads us through the nocturnal alleys of Madrid. The opera concludes with a boisterous witches’ Sabbath during which the devil disappears. The next morning, the sun rises peacefully. Was it all just a dream?  (Schott & Co. Ltd. publishers)     and  (another double bill)   SUOR ANGELICA Music by Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924) Libretto by Giovacchino Forzan0 (1884-1970)   Suor Angelica (Sister Angelica) is an opera in one act by Giacomo Puccini to an original Italian libretto by Giovacchino Forzano. It is the second opera of the trio of operas known as Il trittico (The Triptych). It received its world premiere at the Metropolitan Opera on December 14, 1918.  The story is the sad tale of a young woman abandoned by her family for being with child who learns later that her child had died years ago.  This is some of the most sumptuous music in all of the repertoire.

Senior Recital: Ian Zalamea, trombone

Junior Recital: Andrew Braun, trombone

MM Recital: Matthew Scarcelli, oboe

Alabama Wind Ensemble Concert

The Alabama Wind Ensemble is a select group of the finest wind players and percussionists from within the University Band Program and the School of Music. The ensemble has been invited to perform at prestigious events such as the College Band Directors National Association Convention, the Southern Division of the Music Educators’ National Conference, the American Bandmasters Association, and the Alabama Music Educators Association State Conference. The Alabama Wind Ensemble has commissioned and premiered works by noted composers such as Donald Grantham, Nigel Clarke, Richard Saucedo, and David Maslanka. All concerts are open to the public, free of charge and begin at 7:30 pm (unless otherwise announced). Wind Ensemble performances are available to view online via the UA SOM YouTube channel.

Alabama Wind Ensemble Concert

The Alabama Wind Ensemble is a select group of the finest wind players and percussionists from within the University Band Program and the School of Music. The ensemble has been invited to perform at prestigious events such as the College Band Directors National Association Convention, the Southern Division of the Music Educators’ National Conference, the American Bandmasters Association, and the Alabama Music Educators Association State Conference. The Alabama Wind Ensemble has commissioned and premiered works by noted composers such as Donald Grantham, Nigel Clarke, Richard Saucedo, and David Maslanka. All concerts are open to the public, free of charge and begin at 7:30 pm (unless otherwise announced). Wind Ensemble performances are available to view online via the UA SOM YouTube channel.

D.M.A Lecture Recital: Sam Sager, Wind Conducting

“Demystifying the Grading Systems of Wind Band Literature”

Junior Recital: Lauren Tillman, Flute

University Singers Concert

University Singers is the University of Alabama’s premier vocal ensemble. Made up of undergraduate and graduate singers representing over thirty academic disciplines, this ensemble serves as an ambassador for the university both on- and off-campus. University Singers explores a wide variety of repertoire with a focus on storytelling through the choral art and frequently commissions and premiers works by living composers. Throughout their history, the University Singers have toured nationally and internationally, most recently completing a performance tour of Germany. This ensemble was honored to be selected as a featured choir for the 2025 Alabama Music Educators Association Conference and the 2024 Alabama Vocal Association All-State Choral Festival, and was named a finalist for the 2025 American Prize in Choral Performance. University Singers is known for thoughtful and innovative staged performances, flexibility in vocal styles, and passionate choral singing. This ensemble is open to sophomore through graduate students only. Auditions for each academic year occur in April of the previous semester. Learn more about the audition process. All concerts are open to the public, free of charge and begin at 7:30 PM (unless otherwise announced). Concerts are available to view online on the UA School of Music YouTube channel

Junior Recital: Inman Hebert & Milton Johnson, Horn

DMA Recital: Shiyu Han, violin

Guest Artist Masterclass: Dr. Arie Vandewaa, Trombone

Arie VandeWaa has been recently appointed to the rank of Assistant Professor of Trombone at Louisiana State University. Dr. VandeWaa is the bass trombonist for the Mobile Symphony Orchestra and principal trombone for the Mobile Opera Orchestra and for the Mobile Ballet. Dr. VandeWaa comes from his previous positions at the University of South Alabama where he taught courses in trombone, brass pedagogy, and music industry studies. An Edwards Instruments Performing Artist, Dr. VandeWaa has worked as a freelance trombonist in the Southeast since 2010 and, in addition to his orchestral appointments in Mobile, has performed on both tenor and bass trombone with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra, the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra, The Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, the Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra, The Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra, The Mobile Big Band Society, The Druid City Big Band, The Pensacola Jazz Society, as well as various other Jazz, Commercial, Second Line, and Chamber ensembles throughout the Gulf Coast region. Dr. VandeWaa has also maintained a healthy trombone studio, and has taught private lessons and working as a low brass clinician for multiple colleges and schools throughout the Southeast. Dr. VandeWaa completed his Bachelor’s degree in music with elective studies in Business at the University of South Alabama, where he studied trombone under Dr. Greg Gruner, and completed his Master’s and Doctoral Degrees at the University of Alabama, where he studied Trombone Performance with Dr. Jon Whitaker.

Senior Recital: Evan Berry, percussion

MM Recital: Gabe Sanchez, percussion

DMA Recital: Xiaoyu Xing, euphonium

Oboe Studio Recital: Students of Dr. Mary Lindsey Bailey

D.M.A. Recital: Derrick Smith, Wind Conducting

Trombone Ensemble Concert

Junior Recital: Lawrence Sturgeon, oboe

Guest Artist Recital: Dr. Michael Delfín, Piano

Biography Praised for “beautiful performances of great warmth” (Classical Voice of North Carolina), Michael Delfín captures the listener with sensitivity and flair as a versatile performer of historical and modern keyboard instruments. Michael won the top prize ex aequo in the Ninth Jurow International Harpsichord Competition, shortly after being nominated to the Diapason 20 Under 30 Class of 2021. As a pianist, Mr. Delfin has won prizes in the International Crescendo Music Awards, Chautauqua International Piano Competition, and two consecutive concerto competitions at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Recent performances include recitals for the Ear Taxi New Music Festival, The Stone, the Iowa City Early Keyboard Society, and the Western Early Keyboard Association, and solo appearances with Lyra Baroque, Bourbon Baroque, the CCM Concert Orchestra, and the American Chamber Symphony. Mr. Delfin’s advocacy for new music has led to numerous world premieres across the United States to rave reviews. He recently collaborated with mezzo-soprano Leandra Ramm on an album of contemporary art song for Ablaze Records. Mr. Delfín is the artistic director of Bama Baroque and Cincinnati-based ensemble Seven Hills Baroque. Before joining of the faculty at University of Alabama as an instructor of early keyboard, he taught piano at Cedarville University and has taught harpsichord and chamber music at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. He was also recently appointed to the Early Music America’s Emerging Professional Leadership Council and the Historical Keyboard Society of North America’s board of directors. He makes his home with his wife Anne and their son Teddy in Tuscaloosa, where he serves as organist at the Grace Presbyterian Church. A native of Fresno, CA, Dr. Delfín holds degrees from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, San Francisco Conservatory, Peabody Conservatory, and the Johns Hopkins University, and his mentors include Awadagin Pratt, Yoshikazu Nagai, Boris Slutsky, Michael Unger, and Carol Oaks. www.michaeldelfin.com

Contemporary Ensemble Concert

The University of Alabama Contemporary Ensemble aims to create a welcoming, adventurous space for performers of all backgrounds and skill levels to engage with music of our time.  The ensemble aims to enlarge the audience for contemporary art music, and to generate new opportunities for its performance. The ensemble is dedicated to encouraging and nurturing the music and careers of the composers and performers of today. The Contemporary Music Ensemble champions the belief that new music is for everyone. We welcome all – practiced musicians, budding talents, or those who simply appreciate music’s vast tapestry. The ensemble is directed by Dr. Amir Zaheri, Dr. Colin Kemper, and Professor Samantha Wolf.

Contemporary Ensemble Concert

The University of Alabama Contemporary Ensemble aims to create a welcoming, adventurous space for performers of all backgrounds and skill levels to engage with music of our time.  The ensemble aims to enlarge the audience for contemporary art music, and to generate new opportunities for its performance. The ensemble is dedicated to encouraging and nurturing the music and careers of the composers and performers of today. The Contemporary Music Ensemble champions the belief that new music is for everyone. We welcome all – practiced musicians, budding talents, or those who simply appreciate music’s vast tapestry. The ensemble is directed by Dr. Amir Zaheri, Dr. Colin Kemper, and Professor Samantha Wolf.

Jazz Combo/Lab Band Concert

Huxford Symphony Orchestra Concert with Susan Williams, soprano

Program Bruce Adolphe – Diesen Kuss der ganzen Welt  Concerto Competition Winner TBA Gustav Mahler – Symphony No. 4 Sponsored by Ms. Camilla Huxford, the Huxford Symphony Orchestra is the University of Alabama’s top orchestral ensemble.   Under the direction of Camilla Huxford Endowed Chair and Tuscaloosa’s own Ransom Wilson, the orchestra performs a wide range of repertoire, from beloved classics to little-known gems to recently composed works.  The orchestra is composed of students from across Alabama, the United States, and around the globe, bringing talented young musicians together in one ensemble to give world-class performances of orchestral literature to Tuscaloosa and the surrounding community.

Jazz Ensemble Concert

The University of Alabama Jazz Ensemble Directed by Chris Kozak, the UA Jazz Ensemble provides a professional atmosphere for students interested in the many aspects of jazz. This award-winning group has performed at numerous jazz festivals, including Notre Dame Collegiate Jazz Festival, Mobile Jazz Festival, Wichita Jazz Festival to name a few, and performs throughout the region in schools and conferences. Its repertoire covers musical styles from the 1940s to contemporary arrangements, including those written and arranged by students. This group is the nucleus of the Hilaritas ensemble. The Jazz Ensemble is open by audition to any student, regardless of major.

UA Opera Theatre: One Night Only, with the UA Opera Jazz Band

Symphonic Band Concert

The Alabama Symphonic Band is one of four wind bands housed within the University of Alabama School of Music. The Alabama Symphonic Band performs four concerts each year, in addition to performing at the annual Alabama Honor Band Festival each February. The ensemble has been invited to perform at prestigious events such as the College Band Directors National Association Convention, the Southern Division of the Music Educators’ National Conference and the Alabama Music Educators Association State Conference. Membership of the ensemble is selected by audition in the fall of each year. The band performs a varied repertoire of literature ranging from the most cutting edge new literature to the cornerstone classics of the wind band repertoire. The ensemble rehearses two days each week. All concerts are open to the public, free of charge and begin at 7:30 PM (unless otherwise announced). Concerts are available to view on the UA SOM YouTube channel.

Percussion Ensemble Concert

Free Admission About the UA Percussion Ensemble Under the leadership of Dr. Andrew Lynge, the award-winning University of Alabama Percussion Ensemble has achieved significant national recognition, with consecutive wins in the 2020 and 2024 Percussive Arts Society International Percussion Ensemble Competitions. The ensemble performs an expansive range of works, from early percussion literature to modern compositions and commissions, while students gain valuable experience in both chamber and large-scale percussion ensembles. Members of the UA Percussion Studio develop as versatile professionals equipped for diverse roles in the music industry, supported by faculty with active national and international careers as performers and scholars. The ensemble’s 2024 debut album, Fear/Release, released on the Equilibrium Recording Label, features works by composers such as Akiho, Reid, Peruzzolo-Vieira, Curtis, Muhly, and Psathas. For More Information Contact:  Dr. Andrew Lynge, UA Director of Percussion Studies  205-348-8222 or amlynge@ua.edu Social Media Subscribe to our YouTube Like us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram

Concert Band Concert

The Alabama Concert Band began in the spring of 2010 and is comprised of University students from various majors. The membership of the ensemble is selected by audition at the beginning of each semester. The band performs a varied repertoire of literature ranging from the most cutting edge new literature to the cornerstone classics of the wind band repertoire. The ensemble rehearses one night each week during the Fall semester and two days each week in the Spring semester with two performances per semester. All concerts are open to the public, free of charge and begin at 7:30 PM (unless otherwise announced). Concerts are available to view online on the UA SOM YouTube channel.