The Arts at a Glance 2022 Spring Season at Converse
Converse University will host a wide variety of arts, musical, and cultural events in the spring of 2022. After a challenging time of delaying and canceling live performances due to the pandemic, Converse is very excited to be hosting live performances, operating with proper safety measures. The arts have always been an integral part of Converse, and we are thrilled to continue fostering an environment where creators and innovators shine. From Grammy-award-winning musicians, to esteemed visual artists and community-centered events, there is something for everyone to enjoy this spring at Converse University!
View the full list of arts, music, and cultural events by visiting The School of the Arts page here.
The first exciting live performance of 2022 will be Converse Opera Theatre’s production of Englebert Humperdinck’s charming operatic masterpiece Hansel and Gretel, a favorite enjoyed by audiences of all ages. The Petrie School of Music singers and instrumentalists will bring the lush music and story to life in a gorgeous setting, with special appearances by dancers from Ballet Spartanburg and some surprising visual effects. Join us on January 27 – 28 at 7:30 pm and January 29 – 30 at 3:00 pm in Twichell.
On February 3 at 6:00 pm, the School of the Arts is hosting a reception in the Milliken Art Gallery for Ashleigh Coleman, artist of the Hold Nothing Back exhibition. he will present a Gallery Talk discussing her art and creative process. Click here to learn more.
The first Guest Artist Series recital of the year is on February 4 at 7:30 pm spotlighting soprano and Petrie School of Music faculty artist, Emalie Savoy. Lauded as “remarkable” by The New York Times, Ms. Savoy’s lyrical vocal beauty and dramatic passion continue to touch audiences worldwide. Click here to learn more.
The School of the Arts is thrilled to be opening a spectacular exhibition of watercolor paintings by the esteemed artist, Jan Ross. Jan Ross Watercolors: People, Places and Things will run in Milliken Art Gallery from February 10 – March 10, 2022. Click here to learn more.
If you’re looking for a community event to enjoy great music and drinks in Downtown Spartanburg, join us for Arts on Tap! Converse School of the Arts and the Petrie School of Music are excited to partner with Ciclops Cyderi & Brewery to provide a performance series at the brewery. This popular series is a free and family-friendly way to offer high-quality music in a relaxed atmosphere. Featured musicians will perform in a range of genres and styles including opera, chamber music, musical theater, pop, new music, folk, and more. Arts on Tap will take place at Ciclops Cyderi & Brewery on February 22, March 22, and April 20 at 7:30 pm. Click here to learn more.
The Petrie School of Music and Guest Artist Series will present a beautiful recital by flutist Laurel Zucker on February 25 at 7:30 pm in Daniel Recital Hall. Gramophone Magazine describes Ms. Zucker’s flute playing as “polished and gratifying as Rampal and Galway. Zucker’s interpretations are splendid all around. Her tone is airy and sweet, her virtuosity graceful.” With 68 CD releases available on Cantilena Records, Ms. Zucker can be heard regularly on worldwide classical radio stations. She has performed many times in Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, Alice Tully Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, and more. Click here to learn more.
On February 28 at 7:30 pm, Converse and the Carlos Moseley Series are hosting GRAMMY award-winning quintet, the Canadian Brass. Join us for a concert with one of the world’s most beloved and successful chamber ensembles. Celebrating its 51st season, the Canadian Brass has sold over two million copies of 130 recordings, and has appeared on television shows from Sesame Street to The Tonight Show. With its wide reach and universal appeal, the Canadian Brass is sure to fill Zimmerli Performance Center in Twichell Auditorium with fans of all ages. Included with your ticket purchase is admission to our post-concert hors d’oeuvres and dessert reception, where you can meet and talk with the performers after the concert. You won’t want to miss this! Click here to learn more.
The multi-GRAMMY nominated Spektral Quartet “actively pursues a vivid conversation between exhilarating works of the traditional repertoire and those written this decade, this year, or this week.” Highly regarded for its creative and stylistic versatility, the quartet has performed in venues from the Kennedy Center to NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts. Come hear 2017’s “Chicagoans of the Year” in our very own Daniel Recital Hall on May 2 at 7:30 pm as they create seamless connections across centuries of string quartet repertoire. Included with your ticket purchase is admission to a prestigious post-concert champagne and hors d’oeuvres reception, where you can meet the performers. Click here to learn more.
In addition, Converse will host many student recitals throughout the spring semester for instrumentalists and vocalists alike to perform repertoire in pursuit of their music degrees, showcasing their skills and sharpened talent. View the schedule of recitals here.
Converse University is looking forward to an eventful spring as we continue to provide opportunities for artists to flourish and our community to embrace the arts.