Aug 28 - Nov 13
School of Filmmaking Symposium
School of Filmmaking: Symposium

The School of Filmmaking's "Symposium" series opens a door into the world behind the screen, offering audiences a chance to engage with filmmakers, artists and creative thinkers from myriad disciplines who are shaping contemporary storytelling. Through screenings, conversations and engaging dialogue, each event becomes a unique space to come together and explore how art is made, why it matters and what it reveals about the world we live in.

Nov 12-21
Almost Famous
"Almost Famous" by Cameron Crowe and Tom Kitt

Slip off your sunglasses and find your groove as "Almost Famous," the raucous musical based on the cult classic film, arrives at UNCSA. Set in the vibrant world of 1970s rock and roll, follow young journalist William Miller as he lands a Rolling Stone assignment and tours with a rising band - discovering the chaos, camaraderie and thrill of life on the road.

13
Nov
Boris Berman
Piano Fridays: Boris Berman

The UNCSA School of Music welcomes legendary pianist Boris Berman as part of the Piano Fridays series. A longtime faculty member at Yale University, Berman has had a distinguished career as a soloist, performing with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, the Gewandhaus Orchestra and the Philharmonia Orchestra, as well as in recitals and with some of the world's leading instrumentalists. He has recorded the complete Prokofiev and Scriabin sonatas and is recognized as a leading authority on Prokofiev's piano music. For his UNCSA appearance, Berman will perform four sonatas by Mozart.

15
Nov
UNCSA Horn Ensemble in Recital
UNCSA Horn Ensemble in Recital

Bold, brilliant and built to resonate -- join the horn ensemble for a dynamic program that showcases the full range of the instrument. Featuring works in a variety of styles and ensemble sizes, the recital moves from intimate chamber pieces to full ensemble performances. Each selection highlights the horn's rich color and power. The horn ensemble is led by Maria Serkin.

Nov 17-21
Emerging Choreographers
Emerging Choreographers

See the next generation of choreographers before the world knows their names. This showcase centers students as they step into their creative voice, featuring original works created by fourth-year contemporary students for their peers. The program delivers unique perspectives shaped by personal experience and artistic influence.

17
Nov
UNCSA Piano Studio in Recital
UNCSA Piano Studio Recital

Hear rising pianists take on some of the most beloved and demanding works in the repertoire during a dynamic studio performance. The program features selections by Ludwig van Beethoven, Johannes Brahms, Frédéric Chopin, Claude Debussy and more -- showcasing technical command, stylistic range and artistic voice. The piano studio is helmed by Dmitri Vorobiev and Dmitri Shteinberg.

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Black Sacred Music Symposium XVII – HAVEN

Click Here For information about the 2026 Symposium 

February 15-18, 2024
University of North Carolina School of the Arts

The Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts and the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) hosted the first regional gathering for the celebrated Black Sacred Music Symposium, Feb 15-18 on the UNCSA campus.

Founded in 1991 by Dr. Ollie Watts Davis, the Black Sacred Music Symposium is a four-day conference dedicated to the study and performance of Black sacred music traditions, culminating in a large-scale community choral performance to celebrate the music, the methods and the message behind the impactful genre.

Black Sacred Music Symposium XVII marked the first time that the Symposium was held away from its home at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where it was founded. Dr. Ollie Watts Davis, Associate Dean for Academic Programs in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, and Suzanne and William Allen Distinguished Professor of Music at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, has directed the Symposium biennially for 32 years.

Black Sacred Music Symposium XVII Concert Rehearsal / Photo: Allison Lee IsleyBlack Sacred Music Symposium XVII Concert Rehearsal / Photo: Allison Lee IsleyDr. Ollie Watts Davis, Black Sacred Music Symposium XVII Concert Rehearsal / Photo: Allison Lee IsleyCombined Choirs, Black Sacred Music XVII Concert / Photo: Allison Lee IsleyCombined Choirs, Black Sacred Music XVII Concert / Photo: Allison Lee IsleyUNCSA string quartet and student dancer, Black Sacred Music XVII Concert / Photo: Allison Lee IsleyConcert Attendees, Black Sacred Music XVII Concert / Photo: Allison Lee Isley

Participants in the Black Sacred Music Symposium expanded their knowledge and performance of the music and gained a deeper understanding of its message from distinguished guest artists Dr. Ollie Watts Davis, Berris Bolton, Rev. Dr. K. Edward Copeland, Kimberly Fullerton-Smith, Dr. Alonza Lawrence, and L’Tanya Moore-Copeland. Seminar topics ranged from the history and development of African American sacred music traditions, including its relevance to society and its global impact, to building an engaged music ministry, choral conducting, and vocal and instrumental techniques. 

The concert program in the Freedman Theatre at UNCSA on February 18 featured works performed by the symposium choir and band including soloists and featured performances from the University of Illinois Black Chorus, the Winston-Salem State University Singing Rams, a UNCSA String Quartet, and student artists from the UNCSA School of Dance.

Additional presenting partners for the Black Sacred Music Symposium XVII included Wake Forest University School of Divinity, Winston-Salem State University Department of Music, Galilee Missionary Baptist Church, Union Baptist Church, Triad Cultural Arts, Inc., and the City of Winston-Salem Human Relations/Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Department.

Download the BSMS XVII Program (PDF)