Prizewinning young violinist and composer visit Muskegon for concerts and educational activities

Muskegon, Michigan, February 21, 2023— Violinist Njioma Grevious, recently announced First Prizewinner at the 2023 Sphinx Competition in Detroit, will be in Muskegon during the first week of March for performances at The Block and with West Michigan Symphony. The 23-year-old rising star will perform Marcus Norris’s new violin concerto Glory under the baton of […]

Violin soloist for upcoming WMS concert receives prestigious national prize

Muskegon, Michigan, February 1, 2023— Njioma Grevious received the $50,000 Robert Frederick Smith Prize at the 2023 Sphinx Competition in Detroit on January 28. The 23-year-old violinist is slated to perform Marcus Norris’s new violin concerto Glory and Hector Berlioz’s Reverie and Caprice in early March with West Michigan Symphony. Conducted by Music Director Scott […]

Multifaceted Jazz Singer and Pianist Bryan Eng brings his celebrated trio to West Michigan

Muskegon, Michigan, January 13, 2023—With a sound and stage presence that combines Nat King Cole and Harry Connick Jr., jazz pianist Bryan Eng’s musicality packs a punch of energy and what the Chicago Sun-Times called “undeniable star wattage!” A protégé of Emmet Cohen, the versatile young performer is making big strides across the entertainment scene, […]

WMS percussionist brings piano and percussion colleagues back to The Block for Scheherazade, Stravinsky and more

Muskegon, Michigan, December 20, 2022— WMS Principal Percussionist Matthew Beck returns to The Block with a program featuring music by Steve Reich, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov and Igor Stravinsky, among others, at 5:00pm Saturday, January 14. Joining him will be CMU faculty member and former WMS timpanist Andrew Spencer, along with pianists Patrick Johnson from MSU and […]

Two youth choirs, nationally acclaimed guest soprano join guest conductor/pianist Rich Ridenourin Home for the Holidays

Muskegon, Michigan, November 22, 2022— West Michigan native, pianist, and consummate performer Rich Ridenour will lead the West Michigan Symphony during its Home for the Holidays concert, putting a fresh twist on a beloved local tradition of joyful, heartwarming family fun, seasonal favorites, and a carol sing-a-long. Joining him for this year’s performance—scheduled for 7:30 […]

Venezuelan pianist returns to West Michigan for Rachmaninoff 2nd Concerto

Muskegon, Michigan, October 18, 2022—Venezuelan-born pianist Gabriela Martinez returns to West Michigan after nearly 10 years to perform the Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2 with Scott Speck and the West Michigan Symphony. The concert, held at 7:30 pm Friday, November 4, will also feature Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 and Adolphus Hailstork’s Fanfare on “Amazing Grace.” […]

West Michigan Symphony launches after-school string program in partnership with 21st CCLC Impact

“Tune Up” will provide Muskegon Elementary students with free instruments and instruction Muskegon, MI, September 19, 2022— Beginning this fall, elementary students in Muskegon’s Marquette and Oakview Elementary schools will be given an early start in instrumental music. A new program called “Tune Up” will provide aspiring young musicians with their own string instrument and […]

West Michigan Symphony season opening celebrates John Williams at 90

Concert will feature music from Star Wars, Jaws, E.T., the Indiana Jones movies and more Muskegon, Michigan, September 13, 2022— What would Star Wars, Jaws, and Raiders of the Lost Ark have been without the music of John Williams? This great American composer knew just how to write music that enhanced the mood of whatever […]

West Michigan Symphony will back Alexander Zonjic

“Zonjic Meets Motown” features Detroit’s soul vocal group Serieux performing Temptations classics Muskegon, Michigan, August 10, 2022— Pop, Funk, R & B, Motown, and All that Jazz will be on the bill when jazz flutist Alexander Zonjic teams up with the West Michigan Symphony, conductor Terry Herald, and Serieux… Michigan’s leading R&B vocal group. With […]

ARTS, CULTURE AND FESTIVALS MAKE SUBSTANTIAL IMPACT TO MUSKEGON COUNTY ECONOMY

2019 and 2021 Economic Impact Estimates Illustrate Value of Arts & Cultural Institutions Muskegon, MI – The economic impact of arts and cultural institutions and festivals on the Muskegon County economy is substantial, according to estimates recently released by Visit Muskegon, the county’s convention and visitors bureau. Arts and cultural institutions and festivals in Muskegon […]

Michigan Arts & Culture Council
National Endowment for the Arts