University Musical Society

I have now been to see two events organised by the UMS, and both of them were excellent. The University Musical Society really brings a huge variety to Ann Arbor, some of which are pretty big concerts and names. While I'm not a member, I get their program every month, and they always have something I want to go watch.

Their events always start on time, and are superbly organized, with lots of volunteers/ staff to help out with questions, directions, and programs. The last concert we went to, organized by UMS, was the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, and after the concert, they announced that the musicians and the conductor would be available for questions. While I wasn't able to stop to meet them, due to a prior engagement, I think this kind of session is perfect for people to be more exposed to musicians. It's a great way to learn more and I hope UMS does it often.

The cultural crown jewel of Ann Arbor and arguably the state of Michigan. As a student, I was fortunate to watch international-caliber performances including Claudio Abbado and the mighty Berlin Phil, Royal Concertgebouw and Joshua Bell among many others.

Handel's Messiah is an annual tradition that brings out the community. Before the Hill Auditorium renovations, the sound was immaculate. You could hear every instrument in the orchestra with unbelievable clarity. I haven't been back post renovations so hopefully it's the same if not better.

I don't remember paying more than $20 to see any of the performances. It's worth every penny to have the world's greatest orchestras and musicians play in little 'ol Ann Arbor.

Omari does an incredible job with educational outreach. Just this year, I've taken kids to see Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán and Kodo. The organization is top notch, the value and quality unparalleled.

UMS brings in tremendous sounds, sights, experiences: normally unavailable, yet made completely accessible.

Appreciate the gift!

Don't miss the annual Messiah Sing-Along concert. It draws a large and diverse crowd, and it really gets people into the holiday spirit.

I have heard that some people bring a flask with their own holiday spirits to help out with the Hallelujah's, but I don't know whether it's actually allowed.

I wrote a little about UMS in my review of Hill Auditorium. UMS always seems to bring diverse programming to the area.

Tickets are fairly priced and there are always deals for students. This last point in particular makes UMS noteworthy as students are given plenty of opportunities to see art of the highest level. I have seen some of the finest musicians in the world this way and I have seen performances that have left an impact on me that I would not have seen otherwise.

I wish more students would skip the frat house and go to the art house. I'll preach a little but great art can give you a powerful rush too (and you'll actually remember it).

Other reviewers have mentioned how smooth the entire experience is from viewing the schedule to purchasing tickets to being seated on the night of the show. I've volunteered at a few UMS events too and they are excellent in the way that staff and volunteers are treated. I would guess musicians are treated equally well.

UMS is a true centerpiece of the University of Michigan experience and the Ann Arbor community.

There is no reason why people living in Ann Arbor shouldn't know about UMS. I have seen some world-renowned and top-notch classical music performances in my 2.5 years here. As a graduate student, I've been able to get rush tickets to some amazing performances (of course YoYo Ma always sells out, but everything else it's not hard to get tickets), and for $10 a ticket to see artists/symphonies/groups that I'd easily spend five to ten times more to see - is amazing. It truly is the "cultural crown jewel" that Steve E.C. below states it is. Students can even get rush tickets 2 weeks in advance if you do the Rush Bucks option (often a much better deal than the half-price ticket sale they have for students at the beginning of the semester).

While I'm thinking of cultural institutions, I can't leave this one out. It's so historical: well over 100 years of highbrow entertainment for a willing and enthusiastic highbrow audience! That sounds worse than I mean it. Sorry. But just the existence of so much classical music puts Ann Arbor on a lot of maps -- globally.

An unbelievable organization bringing in an unbelievable array of new and cutting-edge classical (yes there is such a thing), jazz, and other artists! They book performers to a half dozen venues in Ann Arbor ranging from small to giant concert halls. And the best part is you can volunteer to usher at the venue of your choice for a season and sometimes you'll get called to sub at a different venue. You get to see $10-100 performances for FREE, did you hear me? It was so long ago that I can't remember, but I've seen the Emerson String Quartet, Guarneri String Quartet, Mark Morris Dance Ensemble, Garrick Ohlsson, the Ann Arbor Symphony, of course, and so many more names I just can't recall. Free! http://www.ums.org/secondary/about/volunteer.htm

One of the reason why I am thankful to be living in Ann Arbor area. ~Such a treat to have this great program here!!
I especially LOVE the Summer Sings Series- a no audition required, one evening commitment, usually done 3 times in the summer.
You get a chance to practice and perform a piece all in one night. (Challenge your sight-reading skills, get lots of practice, get INSPIRED among other things!! I am not a strong sight-reader, but still have a lot of fun).
The conductors are experienced and bring so much energy and passion, the soloists they invite- mind blowingly talented, the accompaniment, the venue, the camaraderie... Everything about it is just amazing.