‘A Destination for the Arts’: Piedmont University releases 2021-22 fine arts schedule

UPDATE: Because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Vienna Boys Choir has cancelled its February 2022 North American tour. The cancellation includes the choir's performance at Piedmont University. Piedmont is working to refund those who had already purchased tickets. Any updates regarding rescheduling the performance will be posted to piedmont.edu.

A world premiere, the Vienna Boys Choir, an all-female brass ensemble, student productions, and exhibits featuring artists from North Georgia and beyond are among many exciting fine arts events planned for Piedmont University this year.

Piedmont has released its full 2021-22 Fine Arts schedule.

“Every year, we position Piedmont more and more as a destination for the fine arts — both for students and members of the community. We are able to provide quality experiences that you’re not going to find just anywhere, and in doing so, enrich the lives of all who attend,” said Wallace Hinson, director of the Conservatory of Music and associate dean of the School of Fine Arts.

The 2021-22 Fine Arts schedule includes:

• An exhibit featuring the work of Leroy Young, a Piedmont University professor who passed away in 2020. Young’s commercial studio, Grasshopper Studio, contributed design work for many Macon businesses. “Leroy Young: A Retrospective” will be on display Oct. 7-Nov. 4 at the Mason-Scharfenstein Museum of Art, 567 Georgia St. in Demorest.
• An evening of music by Seraph Brass, an award-winning ensemble drawing from a roster of the nation’s top female brass players. Seraph Brass has toured throughout the United States, Europe, Mexico, and China. Members of Seraph Brass have performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, Luzern Music Festival in Switzerland, and more. Seraph Brass will take the Piedmont stage at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 19 at the Chapel on the Demorest campus.
• An exhibit titled “Jan Walker Presents: The Christmas Neeps, Highlighting Her Students — Old and Young,” featuring the work of artist and educator Jan Walker. Walker has been teaching from her home and studio in Cornelia for more than 40 years. The exhibit will include her original illustrations, as well as works by her students. The exhibit will be on display at the Mason-Scharfenstein Museum of Art, 567 Georgia St. in Demorest, Nov. 18-Dec. 15.
• A performance by the Vienna Boys Choir, the world’s most storied and celebrated children’s choral group. The Vienna Boys Choir was founded in 1498 by Roman Emperor Maximilian I. In its 500-year history, the Vienna Boys Choir has inspired original works by Mozart and Schubert, produced such famed conductors as Hans Richter and Clemens Krauss, and toured the world multiple times over. The choir will perform on Feb. 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the Chapel on Piedmont’s Demorest campus, 992 Central Ave.
• The world premiere of “How Am I to Be Heard?” about the life and work of Lillian E. Smith. Smith was a social justice activist and writer who penned the best-selling novel “Strange Fruit,” about an interracial relationship that takes place in Georgia in the 1920s. Smith studied at Piedmont University, which is home to the Lillian E. Smith Center, an educational facility and artists’ retreat. Commissioned by Piedmont University, “How Am I to Be Heard?” is a musical work being brought to life by composer Mary Carol Warwick, noted for pieces written for the Houston Grand Opera, Seattle Opera, and Kentucky Opera, and librettist Kate Emery Pogue, who previously completed commissions for the Houston Grand Opera, Minnesota Opera, Houston Symphony, National Endowment for the Arts, and National Endowment for the Humanities. Premier performances of “How Am I to Be Heard?” will take place April 7 and 8 at 7:30 p.m., at the Swanson Center on the Demorest campus.
• Performances of “Hair,” “Walk Two Moons,” and “Three Musketeers,” all taking place at the Swanson Center on the Demorest campus.

Details about these and all other 2021-22 Fine Arts events, including ticket information, can be found in the schedule.

Piedmont is finalizing its COVID protocols for special events. Check our COVID-19 response page as events draw closer.