University Musical Society kicks-off season with virtual and in-person events
ANN ARBOR, Mich. The University Music Society at the University of Michigan has kicked-off its 142nd season with a lineup of digital presentations, a virtual book launch and outdoor movement workshops. While many live concert events have been postponed or altered into digital performances due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the UMS has continued to provide programming for the community. The digital premiere will be at 2 p.m. on Sept. 5 but will be on-demand through the UMS website until Sept. 30. Sept. 12 & Sept. 26Two outside movement workshops will be offered by the UMSs popular You Can Dance series. Due to Michigan public safety guidelines, the UMS has translated its concert with the Takcs Quartet into a free digital performance.
Retired UMS president writes memoir of performing arts impact on Michigan communities
ANN ARBOR, Mich. Community engagement and artistic growth are the subject of a new memoir by University Musical Society president emeritus Ken Fischer. In the recently released memoir, Everybody In, Nobody Out: Inspiring Community at Michigans University Musical Society, Fischer reflects on 30 years of leading UMS and his work to diversify and expand programming. During his tenure as UMS president, Fischers efforts saw the building of UMS engagement with the surrounding communities and the University of Michigan, which made the musical society a model for performances, talent and community enrichment. Under Fischers tenure, the UMS received a 2014 National Medal of Arts, the nations highest public artistic honor. Celebrating its 142nd season, UMS is one of the oldest arts presenters in the United States having started in 1879.