A contemporary music ensemble that brings a fresh dimension to the concert experience through immersive, multi-media performances will visit the MSU campus to perform new works by living composers, including two affiliated with the Michigan State University College of Music. The Khemia Ensemble is slated to perform on Friday, January 21, at 8 p.m. in Fairchild Theatre, and is part of the College of Music Artist-Faculty and Guest Recital Series sponsored by WKAR.

The Khemia Ensemble actively promotes the diverse range of voices working in contemporary music through engaging performances, commissioning new works, and mentoring the next generation of musicians. As passionate artist-educators, the ensemble has premiered over 55 works by high school composers, and held residencies at universities across the nation- and worldwide, including MSU in 2017. Committed to expanding the mixed chamber music repertoire, the Khemia Ensemble regularly commissions contemporary composers, including MSU Alumnus Phillip Sink and Associate Professor of Composition David Biedenbender.

“Audiences won’t be disappointed by this dynamic ensemble that lives up to their name taken from the Greek word for chemistry,” said Biedenbender. “The Khemia Ensemble delivers exciting, immersive performances that explore the intersection of contemporary classical music with other art forms. It’s a privilege to bring them to campus, and to have been commissioned to create a work that reflects the depth and breadth of their compelling talent.”

Funding for this visiting ensemble is provided by the Sam and Mary Austin Fund for New Music in the College of Music. The Artist-Faculty and Guest Recital Series runs through April 2022. Other recitals through the end of February 2022 are Lunar New Year Celebration, Tues., Feb. 1, 7:30 p.m., Cook Recital Hall; Together with Family and Friends, Sun., Feb. 6, 7 p.m., Fairchild Theatre; If I Love Again: An Evening of American Songbook, Sunl, Feb. 13, 7 p.m., Murray Hall; MSU Professors of Jazz, Fri., Feb. 18, 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., Murray Hall; and Songs for the Re-Opened World, Mon., Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m., Fairchild Theatre.

To help maintain a safe concert-going experience, proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test is required of all attendees ages 12 and up. This policy is part of new university directives for COVID-19 announced Jan. 1. Details can be found on the College of Music’s website under MSU Music COVID-19 directives, along with answers to commonly asked questions on the College’s FAQ webpage.

All Artist-Faculty and Guest Recital Series concerts are general admission seating. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for Seniors (age 60 and older), and free for students. Information about other concerts and other recitals is listed on the MSU College of Music website.

You can learn more about Khemia Ensemble at their website.