HUNTSVILLE – From the world of Ravel to a Halloween techno treat to a celebration of all things reed, the University of Alabama in Huntsville Department of Music, Theatre and Film presents a season of musical events aimed at forging stronger connections across campus and with the larger community.
“Engaging with the Huntsville community, specifically with local schools and students, lies at the core of our 2025-2026 concert season,” said Dr. Jack Hontz, assistant professor and director of bands. “Whether it’s the second annual Rocket City Reed Day, the inaugural ‘Her Art in Song’ festival, the eleventh annual Keyboard Festival, or the resurrection of the popular Honor Band, our concerts are designed to welcome Huntsville community members into the UAH musical fabric.
‘We’re so excited to both build new relationships and strengthen existing partnerships with our upcoming season.”
The ever-popular Constellation Concert Series begins Thursday with guest pianist Michael Seregow in “A Changing World: Maurice Ravel and His Contemporaries.”
Celebrating the French composer during the 150th anniversary of his birth year, the program includes Ravel’s “Sonatine” as well as sonatas by Scriabin and Bartók, plus works by Fauré, Debussy and Amy Beach.
The concert will be in UAH’s Roberts Recital Hall, 1510 Ben Graves Drive. Doors open at 7 p.m. with the performance beginning at 7:30.
Admission is $10, general, and $5, students and senior citizens. This is payable by debit or credit card only; no cash will be taken at the door. The program also will be live-streamed for $10.
The next Constellation Concert leaps forward in time with contemporary chamber music ensemble Rocket City New Musicand “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” on Oct. 25. The time, place and admission price are the same as the previous Constellation Concert, but there is no live-stream access available for this event.
Highlighting works by Andy Akiho, Gabriella Smith, Chris Cerrone, Viet Cuong, George Crumb, Györgi Ligeti and Arvo Pärt, the ensemble invites audiences “on a continuous musical journey framed by modern classics and energized by some of today’s most exciting living composers.” The program promises “an immersive exploration of mystery, transformation and reflection.”
In between the Constellation events, UAH’s faculty and students will shine in two separate performances that are open to everyone free of charge.
Ariana Arcu, cello, will present a faculty recital with Lisa Wiggins, violin, and Ron Guthrie, piano on Oct. 5, at 5 p.m. in Roberts Recital Hall. The program includes Shostakovich’s Ten Preludes, Op. 34; Beethoven’s Sonata No. 4 in C major, Op. 102, No.1, and Piazzolla’s “The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires.”
A UAH Music Ensembles Showcase is set for Oct. 16, from 9:40 to 10:35 a.m. at the Morton Hall Amphitheatre. Find out what’s happening with the UAH Chamber and Concert Choirs, Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble. Come by for a minute or stay for the hour. Ensemble directors will be available to chat with anyone interested in joining, regardless of major.
Majors often mix and mingle in UAH’s music programs. A high-tech Halloween concert on Oct. 31, will demonstrate how sweet it sounds when the arts and the sciences work together.
The Haunted Piano Experience, presented by UAH Charger Friends, returns to scare and entertain music lovers of all ages. This family-friendly but still scary lineup of holographic pianists will perform a program of haunting gems and audience favorites.
Ghostly performers include UAH music faculty, students and guests. As an added attraction, the UAH Zombie Choir will rise from the dead to add their voices.
The program will start at 6 p.m. in Roberts Recital Hall.
Woodwind players from across the region are invited to participate in Rocket City Reed Day, a free event Nov. 8, on the UAH campus. On Nov. 7, there will be a ticketed concert, Rocket City Reed Day Artist Showcase, in Roberts Recital Hall.
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