Join us for a master class featuring collegiate and pre-professional division competitors singing African American art song. Presented by Dr. Darryl Taylor, pioneering countertenor, scholar, and professor of voice at the University of California, Irvine. Free and open to the public.

The Welcome Concert kicks off the three day George Shirley Vocal Competition. This year~s opening concert focuses on celebrating our commitment to the creation of new art songs. The works that will be performed were composed by the contestants in the 2025 composers division competition. The works will be performed by Michigan voice alumni Juliet Schlefer (soprano), Myah Paden (mezzo-soprano) and Tyrese Byrd (tenor) with collaborative pianists Mariah Boucher, Arturo Fernandez and Raphael Chou. The concert also features two world premieres by the winners of the Opera on Tap prize and the Karen Slack commision prize. The art song ~Tea Leaves~ is the winner of the 2024 Opera on Tap composition prize won by the collaborative team of Kaswanna Kanyinda and Brianna Ware-Boggs. The premiere will be performed by composer/librettist Kaswanna Kanyinda (mezzo-soprano) and Lawren Brianna Ware-Boggs (piano) and feature Jafré Chase (viola) and Faye Lu (djembe). The premiere of the song cycle *too difficult to forget* by composer Ty Bloomfield, winner of the 2025 Karen Slack Prize for a new composition, will be performed by the 2025 GSVC First Prize Pre-Professional winner Justice Yates (baritone) and pianist Mariah Boucher. The George Shirley Vocal and Composer Competition focuses entirely on African American Vocal Repertoire and is open to competitors of all ethnicities. The competition offers singers and composers the opportunity to work with and receive feedback from world-renowned judges, including George Shirley. We award over $48,000 in scholarships across 5 divisions.

Guest clinician Dr. Charsie Sawyer (Professor Emeritus at Calvin University) presents a master class featuring high school division competitors singing African American art song. Free and open to the public.

Guest clinician Dr. Gregory Broughton (University of Georgia) presents a master class featuring vocalists singing African American art song. *Presented with support from the Harry T. Burleigh Legacy Foundation.* Free and open to the public.

Dr. Darryl Taylor, pioneering countertenor, scholar, and professor of voice at the University of California, Irvine, will present a lecture celebrating the centennial of composer Robert Owens (1925–2017). A leading interpreter and frequent collaborator with Owens and his music, Dr. Taylor explores the composer’s life, his collaborations with poets including Langston Hughes, and the powerful legacy of his songs within the African American Art Song tradition. Through historical insight and musical illustration, the presentation highlights how Owens’s work preserves cultural memory while continuing to inspire singers and audiences today. Join us for the lecture in Room 1378 of the Moore Building. Free and open to the public as part of the 2026 George Shirley Vocal and Composers Competition.

Guest clinician Robert Sims presents an interactive Master Class that explores the history and performance practice of spirituals featuring competitors in all divisions. This class includes audience participation and is for anyone interested in the art of singing spirituals. Free and open to the public.

Guest clinician Karen Slack presents a master class featuring pre-professional competitors singing African American art song. Free and open to the public. ABOUT THE GUEST ARTIST Known for performances that “ripped the audience’s hearts out” (*Opera News*)\, KAREN SLACK is “not only one of the nation’s most celebrated sopranos\, but a leading voice in changing-making spaces in classical music” (*Trilloquy*). A recipient of the 2022 Sphinx Medal of Excellence\, Slack is an Artistic Advisor for Portland Opera\, serves on the board of the American Composers Orchestra and Astral Artists\, and holds a faculty position at the Banff Centre.

Tenor George Shirley, the Joseph Edgar Maddy Distinguished University Emeritus Professor of Voice, presents a master class featuring pre-professional competitors singing African American art song. Free and open to the public.

Guest clinician Dr. Lenora Green Turner (University of Arkansas) presents a master class featuring collegiate and pre-professional competitors singing African American art song. Free and open to the public.

Join us for a master class featuring collegiate and pre-professional division competitors singing African American art song. Presented by tenor George Shirley, the Joseph Edgar Maddy Distinguished University Emeritus Professor of Voice, and Professor of Voice Louise Toppin, director of the George Shirley Vocal Competition. Free and open to the public.

Enjoy performances featuring the winners of this year~s competition, with a reception to follow. The George Shirley Vocal and Composer Competition focuses entirely on African American Vocal Repertoire and is open to competitors of all ethnicities. We award over $48,000 in scholarships across 5 divisions.

The 2026 George Shirley Competition Placement and Special Prize Award Ceremony begins at 6:45 pm. All participants are considered for special prizes, regardless of their final place in the competition. The George Shirley Vocal and Composer Competition focuses entirely on African American Vocal Repertoire and is open to competitors of all ethnicities. The competition offers singers and composers the opportunity to work with and receive feedback from world-renowned judges, including George Shirley. We award over $48,000 in scholarships across 5 divisions.

Ethan Edwards, graduate student in Jazz & Contemporary Improvisation, performs a master~s degree recital.

Ethan Edwards\, graduate student in Jazz & Contemporary Improvisation\, performs a master~s degree recital.

Center Stage Strings (CSS) – one of SMTD’s MPulse performing arts summer programs for youth – welcomes the public to attend as alumni of the program perform a recital. Celebrating its 17th season in 2026, CSS was founded by renowned violinist and SMTD Professor Danielle Belen to develop the talents of serious young classical music students in the areas of solo and chamber music performance.

Center Stage Strings (CSS) – one of SMTD’s MPulse performing arts summer programs for youth – welcomes the public to attend as SMTD Professor Amir Eldan presents a master class on cello. CSS develops the talents of serious young classical music students in the areas of solo and chamber music performance. FACULTY BIO

Center Stage Strings (CSS) – one of SMTD’s MPulse performing arts summer programs for youth – welcomes the public to attend as SMTD Professor Amir Eldan presents a master class on cello. CSS develops the talents of serious young classical music students in the areas of solo and chamber music performance.

Center Stage Strings (CSS) – one of SMTD’s MPulse performing arts summer programs for youth – welcomes the public to a series of free live concerts. CSS was founded by renowned violinist and SMTD Professor Danielle Belen to develop the talents of serious young classical music students in the areas of solo and chamber music performance.

Center Stage Strings (CSS) – one of SMTD’s MPulse performing arts summer programs for youth – welcomes the public to a performance featuring the program faculty. CSS was founded by renowned violinist and SMTD Professor Danielle Belen to develop the talents of serious young classical music students in the areas of solo and chamber music performance.

This summer, take in the next generation of extraordinary string talent when Center Stage Strings performs at Top of the Park. This nationally acclaimed training program was founded in 2010 by violinist and U-M Professor Danielle Belen to nurture high-level artistry against the vibrant backdrop of Ann Arbor in the summer. Featuring brilliant young artists aged 13 to 26 from across the country, each selected through a highly competitive audition process, the program offers young musicians the ability to focus purely on developing their talents and defining their artistic voices. Bringing together exceptional musicianship and youthful passion, this concert will highlight powerful and inspiring works by a diverse range of composers, celebrating voices both past and present. Don’t miss the gorgeous lyricism and prodigious talent from the students of Center Stage Strings live at A2SF!

Center Stage Strings (CSS) – one of SMTD’s MPulse performing arts summer programs for youth – welcomes the public to attend as Sheryl Staples presents a master class on violin. Staples is Principal Associate Concertmaster, New York Philharmonic and Violin Faculty, The Juilliard School and Juilliard Pre-college. CSS develops the talents of serious young classical music students in the areas of solo and chamber music performance.

Center Stage Strings (CSS) – one of SMTD’s MPulse performing arts summer programs for youth – welcomes the public to attend as Sheryl Staples presents a master class on violin. Staples is Principal Associate Concertmaster\, New York Philharmonic and Violin Faculty\, The Juilliard School and Juilliard Pre-college. CSS develops the talents of serious young classical music students in the areas of solo and chamber music performance.

Violist Samuel Rosenthal performs a solo recital. Center Stage Strings (CSS) – one of SMTD’s MPulse performing arts summer programs for youth – welcomes the public to a series of free live concerts. CSS was founded by renowned violinist and SMTD Professor Danielle Belen to develop the talents of serious young classical music students in the areas of solo and chamber music performance.

Violist Samuel Rosenthal performs a solo recital. Center Stage Strings (CSS) – one of SMTD’s MPulse performing arts summer programs for youth – welcomes the public to a series of free live concerts. CSS was founded by renowned violinist and SMTD Professor Danielle Belen to develop the talents of serious young classical music students in the areas of solo and chamber music performance.

Center Stage Strings (CSS) – one of SMTD’s MPulse performing arts summer programs for youth – welcomes the public to a series of free live concerts. CSS was founded by renowned violinist and SMTD Professor Danielle Belen to develop the talents of serious young classical music students in the areas of solo and chamber music performance.

Center Stage Strings (CSS) – one of SMTD’s MPulse performing arts summer programs for youth – welcomes the public to a series of free live concerts. CSS was founded by renowned violinist and SMTD Professor Danielle Belen to develop the talents of serious young classical music students in the areas of solo and chamber music performance.

Cellist Daniel Wang performs a solo recital. Center Stage Strings (CSS) – one of SMTD’s MPulse performing arts summer programs for youth – welcomes the public to a series of free live concerts. CSS was founded by renowned violinist and SMTD Professor Danielle Belen to develop the talents of serious young classical music students in the areas of solo and chamber music performance.

Cellist Daniel Wang performs a solo recital. Center Stage Strings (CSS) – one of SMTD’s MPulse performing arts summer programs for youth – welcomes the public to a series of free live concerts. CSS was founded by renowned violinist and SMTD Professor Danielle Belen to develop the talents of serious young classical music students in the areas of solo and chamber music performance.

Center Stage Strings (CSS) – one of SMTD’s MPulse performing arts summer programs for youth – welcomes the public to a series of free live concerts. CSS was founded by renowned violinist and SMTD Professor Danielle Belen to develop the talents of serious young classical music students in the areas of solo and chamber music performance.

Student ensembles perform chamber music as part of the Center Stage Strings summer program. Center Stage Strings (CSS) – one of SMTD’s MPulse performing arts summer programs for youth – welcomes the public to a series of free live concerts.

Center Stage Strings (CSS) – one of SMTD’s MPulse performing arts summer programs for youth – welcomes the public to a series of free live concerts. CSS was founded by renowned violinist and SMTD Professor Danielle Belen to develop the talents of serious young classical music students in the areas of solo and chamber music performance.

Summer carillon concerts are free and open to all, including to families and their pets. The music happens rain or shine. This season, all concerts are scheduled at Lurie Tower. When you arrive, take a program from the stand near the tower and have a seat outdoors wherever you like, or bring your own lawn chair or blanket (even your own picnic!). Concert staff wearing nametags will be available to answer questions or direct you to accessible restrooms and other facilities. For best acoustics, sit far enough away from the tower to have a direct line of sight to the bells. Metered visitor parking is available behind the Walgreen Drama Center. Additional street parking along Bonisteel Blvd. is available after business hours, and metered visitor parking is available by the E.V. Moore Building (lot NC10), the North Campus Recreation Building (lot NC44), and the Art & Architecture Building (lot NC43).

Violinist Christopher Yun performs a solo recital. Center Stage Strings (CSS) – one of SMTD’s MPulse performing arts summer programs for youth – welcomes the public to a series of free live concerts. CSS was founded by renowned violinist and SMTD Professor Danielle Belen to develop the talents of serious young classical music students in the areas of solo and chamber music performance.

Violinist Christopher Yun performs a solo recital. Center Stage Strings (CSS) – one of SMTD’s MPulse performing arts summer programs for youth – welcomes the public to a series of free live concerts. CSS was founded by renowned violinist and SMTD Professor Danielle Belen to develop the talents of serious young classical music students in the areas of solo and chamber music performance.

Student ensembles perform chamber music as part of the Center Stage Strings summer program. Center Stage Strings (CSS) – one of SMTD’s MPulse performing arts summer programs for youth – welcomes the public to a series of free live concerts.

Student ensembles perform chamber music as part of the Center Stage Strings summer program. Center Stage Strings (CSS) – one of SMTD’s MPulse performing arts summer programs for youth – welcomes the public to a series of free live concerts.

Center Stage Strings (CSS) – one of SMTD’s MPulse performing arts summer programs for youth – welcomes the public to a series of free live concerts. Join us for this finale performance featuring students from the 2026 season. CSS was founded by renowned violinist and SMTD Professor Danielle Belen to develop the talents of serious young classical music students in the areas of solo and chamber music performance.

Summer carillon concerts are free and open to all, including to families and their pets. The music happens rain or shine. This season, all concerts are scheduled at Lurie Tower. When you arrive, take a program from the stand near the tower and have a seat outdoors wherever you like, or bring your own lawn chair or blanket (even your own picnic!). Concert staff wearing nametags will be available to answer questions or direct you to accessible restrooms and other facilities. For best acoustics, sit far enough away from the tower to have a direct line of sight to the bells. Metered visitor parking is available behind the Walgreen Drama Center. Additional street parking along Bonisteel Blvd. is available after business hours, and metered visitor parking is available by the E.V. Moore Building (lot NC10), the North Campus Recreation Building (lot NC44), and the Art & Architecture Building (lot NC43).

Summer carillon concerts are free and open to all, including to families and their pets. The music happens rain or shine. This season, all concerts are scheduled at Lurie Tower. When you arrive, take a program from the stand near the tower and have a seat outdoors wherever you like, or bring your own lawn chair or blanket (even your own picnic!). Concert staff wearing nametags will be available to answer questions or direct you to accessible restrooms and other facilities. For best acoustics, sit far enough away from the tower to have a direct line of sight to the bells. Metered visitor parking is available behind the Walgreen Drama Center. Additional street parking along Bonisteel Blvd. is available after business hours, and metered visitor parking is available by the E.V. Moore Building (lot NC10), the North Campus Recreation Building (lot NC44), and the Art & Architecture Building (lot NC43).

Summer carillon concerts are free and open to all, including to families and their pets. The music happens rain or shine. This season, all concerts are scheduled at Lurie Tower. When you arrive, take a program from the stand near the tower and have a seat outdoors wherever you like, or bring your own lawn chair or blanket (even your own picnic!). Concert staff wearing nametags will be available to answer questions or direct you to accessible restrooms and other facilities. For best acoustics, sit far enough away from the tower to have a direct line of sight to the bells. This performance features graduate student Austin Zhu and additional performers TBA.