Krannert Center Debut Artist

In 1984, Dean Jack McKenzie of the College of Fine and Applied Arts recognized that the performing caliber of some students in the School of Music equaled that of some of the young professional artists featured at Krannert Center. McKenzie, at the time Acting Director of Krannert Center, and Robert Bays, then Director of the School of Music, agreed that the School of Music and Krannert Center together would choose a student through audition and that Krannert Center would present the student in recital with a full professional contract.

Each Krannert Center Debut Artist is featured on the Sunday Salon Series, a performance setting specifically devoted to the presentation of emerging young artists in which an intimate atmosphere is created by seating audience members onstage with the performers. This powerful early career boost beautifully symbolizes Krannert Center’s threefold mission of education, research, and public engagement. Previous winners include singers and instrumentalists who now teach and perform throughout the world, including the university’s own Rochelle Sennet and Ollie Watts Davis.

This year’s Debut Artist will perform as part of Come Home to Krannert Center: A 50th-Anniversary Weekend. Make your plans now and help spread the word for an exciting anniversary celebration April 12-14, 2019.

Salon-style performances offer a close connection between artists and guests, as audience members sit in six rows of seats on stage with the performer. Light refreshments are served before and after the performance. Stage seating for this performance is full.

Balcony tickets (without refreshments) are still available. Balcony seating is general admission.