Towering figures in the music world, both invited guests and members of our own world-class faculty, bring you a unique experience. From peerless performers to accomplished scholars, come and experience artists who make a statement.
Concerts & Events
2023-24
#ThisisUCLAmusic

The Statement Series
Oct
5
Thu
7:00pm
Free
Free
talks
Ric'key Pageot's 'Classic Black'
Join pianist, music director, and Steinway Artist Ric’key Pageot performing and discussing his new educational initiative and documentary project “Classic Black” celebrating Black excellence in Classical music showcasing historically significant symphonic composers of African descent spanning the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Montreal-born pianist, accordionist, producer, composer, music director and Steinway Artist Ric’key Pageot will
Lani Hall
Oct
6
Fri
7:00pm
Free
Free
jazz
Freedom First
Concert featuring jazz artist and political activist Keith LaMar, who is an African American man on death row falsely accused of murder in the Lucasville Prison Uprising in Youngstown, OH. He has caught international attention and has become a symbol of the injustices of the Criminal Justice System. A symphonic work by UCLA Department of Ethnomusicology graduate student Dexter Story was commissioned for this historic concert. The concert will also feature the Freedom First Ensemble featuring Albert Marquès and new UCLA Global Jazz Studies faculty member Salim Washington on saxophone.
Schoenberg Hall
Oct
15
Sun
4:00pm
Free
Free
world-music
The Anirudh Varma Collective in Concert
A concert by the Anirudh Varma Collective (AVC), a contemporary Indian classical ensemble from New Delhi, India. It is led by pianist, composer & producer, Anirudh Varma.
Schoenberg Hall
Oct
18
Wed
1:00pm
Free
Free
lectures-symposia
Nabil Ayers—His Life in the Sunshine: The Intersection of Music, Race, and Family
In 1971, a white, Jewish, former ballerina chose to have a child with the famous Black jazz musician Roy Ayers, fully expecting and agreeing to his absenteeism. Like Roy, Nabil became deeply involved in the music industry, first as a musician, and currently as the President of Beggars Group USA. The title of Nabil’s memoir
Lani Hall
Oct
21
Sat
12:00pm
Free
Free
contemporary, jazz
Root Progressions - A Workshop with Gloria Cheng and star Jazz Composer-Improvisers
In partnership with Angel City Jazz, Piano Spheres, and the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, Grammy-winning faculty pianist Gloria Cheng launches her latest commissioning project: Root Progressions (named for a seminal jazz theory method). The intent is to bridge two genres steeped in experimentation and exploration—jazz and contemporary classical music—yet perennially divided by genre
Lani Hall
Oct
29
Sun
3:00pm
Free
Free
classical
Second Annual Judith L. Smith Voice Recital Featuring Issachah Savage
Tenor Issachah Savage is the featured artist of the second annual Judith L. Smith Voice Recital Series, celebrating talented vocalists and the distinguished tenure of UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, Founding Dean Judith Smith. Issachah will join us again on October 31st to hold a masterclass for students of the Department of Music.
Schoenberg Hall
Nov
5
Sun
4:00pm
Free
Free
world-music
Ustad Irfan Muhammad Khan in Concert
Concert by Indian sarod player Ustad Irfan Mohammad Khan.
Lani Hall
Nov
10
Fri
7:30pm
Free
Free
classical
Cellobration of Antonio Lysy
Join us for a farewell concert in celebration of Professor Antonio Lysy’s 20 years as a cherished cello professor. The program will feature the UCLA Spikes Cello Ensemble and music by Bach, Sollima, Debussy, Piazzolla, Klengel, Morricone, and Britell. This event is made possible in part by the David and Irmgard Dobrow Fund. Classical music
Schoenberg Hall
Nov
15
Wed
1:00pm
Free
Free
lectures-symposia, world-music
In Search of the Quintessential Composition: A Life in Music with Daniel Ho
GRAMMY Award winner Daniel Ho will speak about his trajectory in the commercial music world—realities, rewards, and his career in the arts. He will also use live performance to illustrate these elements. This event is part of Ho's residency at UCLA as a University of California Regents’ Lecturer.
Lani Hall
Jan
20
Sat
3:00pm
Free
Free
lectures-symposia, world-music
Ersi and Friends: Lecture and Concert featuring Ersi Arvizu
Ersi Arvizu and her band of friends will be featured in a lecture on January 20, 2024, from 3-5pm and a concert from 8-10pm. Ersi Arvisu is well-known as a singer who gained prominence as a member of the band El Chicano and for her contributions to the Chicano rock and Latin rock genres.
Lani Hall
Jan
30
Tue
8:00pm
Free
Free
contemporary
New Thread Saxophone Quartet in Residence
Join us as the New Thread Saxophone Quartet (called “adventurous” and “rule-breaking” by NewMusicBox) visits UCLA from New York City for a three-day residency (1/28-1/30). This multi-disciplinary engagement will include a reading session of student compositions, a masterclass with Prof. Jan Berry Baker’s saxophone studio, and a workshop on New Music entrepreneurship, culminating in a
Ensemble Room: Evelyn & Mo Ostin Music Center
Mar
4
Mon
7:30pm
Free
Free
world-music
Armenian Music - Serenade with a Dandelion
Join the Armenian Music Program for a concert in celebration of the launch of their 4-CD set Serenade with a Dandelion. The Armenian Music Program at The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music provides an in-depth exploration of Armenia’s rich musical heritage, with a focus on its classical traditions. A hallmark of the school’s
Lani Hall
Mar
9
Sat
8:00pm
$
$
classical
Chamber Singers - Brahms' Requiem with Long Beach Symphony
The Chamber Singers join the Long Beach Symphony in its production of Brahms’ “German” Requiem. From Long Beach Symphony: “Our March concert bids a fond farewell to the dark days and starry night skies of winter – and, by the way, don’t forget to turn your clocks forward one hour after this concert
Long Beach Terrace Theater
Apr
27
Sat
10:00am
Free
Free
Drop the Needle: Remixing the Music Industry
Aspiring producers, managers, and artists in UCLA’s new Music History and Industry program present Drop the Needle: Remixing the Music Industry, a showcase for the degree’s Senior Capstone projects in research, entrepreneurship, and creativity.
Lani Hall
May
17
Fri
8:00pm
Free
Free
contemporary, opera
Opera - Richard Danielpour's The Grand Hotel Tartarus - Premiere
Six guests appear at an ornate hotel with no idea how they got there. The gracious and aristocratic hotel manager, Mr. Lucian, promises to fulfill all their earthly desires for eternity if they remain. In this new opera by Richard Danielpour, the guests will have one night only to ponder a choice that will affect
Freud Playhouse