Concert/Performance

The tribute consists of intertwined cello performances by UCF Professor David Bjella and multimedia presentations by UCF historian Luis Martinez-Fernandez. Professor Martinez-Fernandez will lecture on the life and extraordinary accomplishments of cellist Pablo Casals (1876-1973), widely recognized among the 20th century's greatest musicians. Casals was also a renowned composer, conductor, teacher, and international humanitarian. He recognized Johan Sebastian Bach as his greatest influence and played his works for over two hours every morning. "I need Bach at the beginning of the day almost more than I need food and water," he once said. Professor Bjella, who studied cello under one of Casals' disciples, will perform Bach's works including the preludes to Suite #1 and Suite #5 for Cello and Casals' "Song of the Birds."This event is a part of UFC Celebrates the Arts 2025! Registration Link: http://Arts.ucf.edu/celebrates Registration Info: For more information.

Project Spotlight, UCF's only student developmental theatre organization, presents an original and thrilling murder mystery play by UCF student Joseph Fields.Ten strangers arrive at the Mirage Hotel, seeking refuge from the blizzard raging outside. Some come for comfort and relaxation, others come for dangerous liaisons. The evening quickly turns violent when the strangers discover that their sworn enemy is also in the hotel. Suddenly, secrets and intrigue are uncovered, revealing that the strangers are more connected than they first believed.All of this comes to a head when their enemy turns up as dead as a doornail. The guest must now put aside their differences and works together to find the killer. Ultimately, discovering more about themselves and each other throughout the process.This event is a part of UCF Celebrates the Arts 2025. Registration Link: https://cah.ucf.edu/events/celebrates/ Registration Info: Purchase tickets here

Middle and high school bands from across the state of Florida are invited to perform and receive feedback from a panel of nationally recognized educator-clinicians in Steinmetz Hall or the Alexis & Jim Pugh Theatre. Each band will have the opportunity to participate in individual clinic sessions with a clinician, who will provide personalized recommendations. This unique opportunity for young musicians improves their skills and provides valuable insights from experienced educators.This event is a part of UCF Celebrates the Arts 2025. Registration Link: https://cah.ucf.edu/events/celebrates/ Registration Info: Purchase tickets here.

UCF Celebrates the Arts is an immersive and dynamic cultural extravaganza that fuses creativity, innovation and community engagement. This annual festival showcases the artistic prowess of UCF's faculty and students and invites the broader community to enjoy performances, exhibitions, presentations and interactive experiences. With a focus on accessibility, partnership and diverse offerings, UCF Celebrates the Arts is a unique opportunity for the community to experience the creative side of UCF's innovative spirit.The festival will feature the cherished theatrical masterpiece of "Fiddler on the Roof," brought to life by Tony winner Joseph Stein and Pulitzer Prize winners Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick. With unforgettable musical hits like "Tradition," "Sunrise, Sunset," and "If I Were a Rich Man," as well as the enchanting melodies of "Matchmaker, Matchmaker" and "To Life (L'Chaim!)."Each spring, UCF brings its best and brightest artists to Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts for a large-scale celebration of creativity. UCF Celebrates the Arts showcases our students, faculty and alumni through dance, concerts, lectures and discussions, film, chamber music, visual arts and more. Registration Link: http://Arts.ucf.edu/celebrates Registration Info: purchase tickets here.

Pegasus String Quartet Returns to Dr. Phillips Center for the 4th Year!Join UCF's Pegasus String Quartet, under the direction of Ayako Yonetani, for an unforgettable evening of chamber music as the Pegasus String Quartet, UCF's premier graduate string ensemble, returns to the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts for the fourth consecutive year.Program Highlights:In the first half, we'll present String Quartet No. 1 by Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos, known for his innovative fusion of traditional European forms with Brazilian folk elements. This will be followed by one of Mozart's most celebrated quartets, the String Quartet No. 19 in C Major, K. 465, commonly known as the "Dissonance" Quartet. Mozart's exploration of harmonic ambiguity and bold sonorities in this piece offers a fascinating contrast to Villa-Lobos' vibrant and dynamic style.The second half features a collaboration with two esteemed guest artists: David Bjella, UCF faculty member, and Tyler Pacheco, professor at Valencia College. Together, we will perform Verklarte Nacht ("Transfigured Night") by Arnold Schoenberg. Inspired by Richard Dehmel's poem of the same name, this lush, deeply expressive string sextet marks Schoenberg's early mastery before his development of the 12-tone technique. It's a tonal work rich in chromaticism, influenced by the German Romanticism of Brahms and Wagner, and characterized by its intricate harmonic language.Throughout the program, we explore a common theme: pushing boundaries. Each piece challenges traditional notions of tonality, rhythm, and style, offering fresh perspectives within the chamber music repertoire.This event is a part of UCF Celebrates the Arts 2025. Registration Link: https://cah.ucf.edu/events/celebrates/ Registration Info: Purchase tickets here.