Visual and Performing Arts

Belmont's resident chamber ensemble features some of Nashville's finest performers, including artistic director Elisabeth Small and other School of Music faculty members and guest artists. They present "The American Identity" that celebrates the creative spirit of great Americans: Benjamin Franklin, William Grant Still, Randall Thompson, Charles Ives, Samuel Barber, George Gershwin and Amy Beach.

Ragtime, based on the E.L. Doctorow novel, mixes real life historical figures and fictional characters to tell the story of America in the early decades of the 20th century. Intertwining the lives of upper class white protestants, African Americans and newly arrived immigrants from Eastern Europe, Ragtime is a story of social change and challenge. Its music is as diverse as its characters and is filled with marches, ballads, calkwalks, gospel hymns and, of course ragtime! Ragtime is an epic sweep of the beginning of American society...a real American classic!

Oratorio Chorus, the University Symphony Orchestra and regional high school choirs present a program of American composers with guest conductor Dr. Eph Ehly.

Commercial Voice faculty Brice Bennett, Sandra Dudley, Kathryn Paradise, Henry Smiley and Jamie Wiggenton present a showcase of American popular song.

A partnership between Belmont, CMT and Headcount, Your Voice Your Choice will feature two headlining musical acts, four Belmont bands competing in a Battle of the Bands and the opportunity for students from Belmont and partner institutions to register to vote. Headcount has the capability to register voters from all 50 states and will complete, seal and mail registration for participants on the spot. Students from Belmont, Vanderbilt, TSU, Nashville State, Aquinas, Lipscomb and Vol State will receive free admission. More details to come.

"A moving portrayal of upheaval caused when the utopian existence of an 1830's Shaker community in Kentucky is threatened by the arrival of 'newcomers' claiming to see angels…powerful and insightful…a thought-provoking piece, the message being that often we need not look as far as heaven to see angels here on earth…" —Herald.

Showtimes: November 13, 14, 20 and 21 at 8 p.m. November 15, 16, 22 and 23 at 2:30 p.m.

Belmont’s “big band”, under the direction of Dr. Jeff Kirk, presents a concert of classic American jazz.

The Belmont Theatre Company will present the play Biloxi Blues in multiple showings from October 23 through November 2. The 1985 Tony Award winner for Best Play tells the story of a young army recruit during the Second World War who is learning about life as he goes through boot camp in Biloxi, Miss., in 1943.