Welcome to the 2021–22 season of the Cornell Concert Series!

As the world carefully re-emerges from the COVID-19 crisis, we look forward to safely returning the world’s greatest musical traditions to Cornell University and the greater Ithaca community. 

Working within University guidance, and state and federal regulations, we have a full, diverse program ready to present! Fall 2021 will continue in a virtual format: Iraqi-American composer and musician Amir ElSaffar opens the season, highlighting a fusion of jazz and Middle Eastern music through his Two Rivers Ensemble. Stefon Harris, vibraphone great and Director of Jazz Arts at the Manhattan School of Music, performs next with his GRAMMY-nominated group, Blackout. Finally, Tibetian artist and activist Yungchen Lhamo graces us with her powerful, enchanting vocals that extend a simple message: every human being is beautiful.

In the spring, we return to Bailey Hall with five incredible performances. The season opens with the celebrated Cremona Quartet, direct from Italy’s historical heart of violin lutherie. Next, the Concert Series, in partnership with ONEcomposer, presents a celebration of our country’s legacy of Black women composers in a concert that combines the incredible talents of soprano Karen Slack, the Miró Quartet, and collaborative pianist Erika Switzer. Then, the Irish supergroup Lúnasa will bring down the house just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. In April, the unparalleled execution of The Percussion Collective will reinvent the concert experience through a multimedia performance featuring marimbas, vibraphones, and an assortment of drums and other struck instruments. Wrapping up the season on Mother’s Day, we are delighted to welcome the full Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra for a matinee performance.

We have all worked together to come through this darker time. We extend immense gratitude to those of you who helped shine the light of hope by generously supporting our programming throughout the pandemic. Your gifts help make the music possible – thank you. 

We look forward to sharing this wonderful season with you.