TicketsThe 2025 Ken and Sandy Beall Cello Plus Chamber Music Festival returns October 6–10, bringing together celebrated musicians and inventive collaborations in three exciting performances. Directed by MSU Professor of Cello Suren Bagratuni, the series continues its long-standing tradition of presenting chamber music at the highest level, made possible through generous festival underwriters Ken and Sandy Beall.
This year’s concerts offer an extraordinary range of styles and ensembles. The opening event, Symphonic Dialogues, features artist-faculty and alumni from the College of Music in Joseph Haydn’s vibrant Sinfonia Concertante—a unique blend of concerto and symphony where soloists and orchestra playfully interact. Jazz Infusion showcases the artistry of Grammy-winning pianist Taylor Eigsti performing with MSU’s own Rodney Whitaker, weaving together jazz’s improvisation, rhythm, and harmony in a chamber setting. The closing concert, Gems for Cellos, expands the festival’s scope with an all-cello ensemble led by Bagratuni—immersing audiences in the instrument’s resonant sound—alongside Brahms’s Piano Quartet in G minor, Op. 25, performed by Bagratuni with fellow MSU musicians Yvonne Lam (viola), Dmitri Berlinsky (violin), and guest pianist Dmitri Vorobiev.
“Each year, Cello Plus offers our audiences something truly distinctive,” said Bagratuni. “This season, we’re blending the elegance of classical traditions with fresh perspectives that show the remarkable breadth of chamber music. It is a joy to collaborate with such talented musicians and to share this festival with the MSU and greater Lansing community.”
Featured artist-faculty and guests include MSU alumnus Tigran Shiganyan, bassoonist Michael Kroth, violinist Yvonne Lam, oboist Nermis Mieses, cellist Suren Bagratuni, pianist Deborah Moriarty, guest jazz pianist Taylor Eigsti, jazz bassist Rodney Whitaker, guest pianist Dmitri Vorobiev, and violinist Dmitri Berlinsky.
Three concerts over five days offer concertgoers a unique cross-section of chamber music:
- Symphonic Dialogues, Monday, October 6, 7:30 p.m., Fairchild Theatre
Camerata Michigan, conducted by MSU alumnus Tigran Shiganyan, presents Haydn’s Sinfonia Concertante along with other chamber works showcasing the group’s range.
- Jazz Infusion, Wednesday, October 8, 7:30 p.m., Fairchild Theatre
Grammy-winning pianist Taylor Eigsti joins MSU bassist Rodney Whitaker and special guests for a genre-blending concert that reimagines chamber music through jazz.
- Gems for Cellos, Friday, October 10, 7:30 p.m., Cook Recital Hall
An all-cello ensemble led by MSU cellist Suren Bagratuni presents a program showcasing the instrument’s expressive versatility and resonant sound alongside Brahms’s Piano Quartet.
The Cello Plus Chamber Music Festival is generously sponsored by Ken and Sandy Beall, with additional support from Lauren Harris, Dr. Robert W. Uphaus, Dr. Lois M. Rosen, Marshall Music Co., Pat and Mary McPharlin, and the Stanley and Selma Hollander Endowment for Chamber Music.
Reserved seating tickets for individual events are $19 for adults, $17 for seniors (age 60 and older), and $9 for students and those under 18. Find information on this and other concerts, recitals, and performances on the MSU College of Music website: www.music.msu.edu.
