DECATUR, Ill. – 91ӣƵ’s School of Music invites the campus and community to experience the artistry and innovation of its celebrated faculty through the annual Faculty Recital Series.
Presented in a formal solo and chamber recital format, the series highlights the exceptional musicianship, creative scholarship, and dynamic performance styles that define Millikin’s Performance Learning approach.
All performances are free and open to the public. Each recital will take place at 4 p.m. in Kaeuper Hall inside Perkinson Music Center on Millikin’s campus.
“Our faculty are not only gifted educators -- they are powerful performing artists who bring compelling musicianship to every stage they grace,” said Brian Justison, Director of the School of Music. “Through this recital series, audiences will have the unique opportunity to experience the same professional excellence our students learn from every day.”
Faculty Recital Series 1
“Impressions and Visions: A Piano Recital of Tone Poems”
Sunday, Nov. 16 | 4 p.m. | Kaeuper Hall
Featuring: Dr. Jun Hong “Ivan” Jiang, piano
Dr. Jiang opens the season with a symbolic journey through tonal soundscapes crafted by late Romantic and early 20th-century Impressionistic composers. His program explores evocative storytelling and emotional depth through virtuoso piano literature.
Faculty Recital Series 2
“The Metamorphosis: Trumpet Through The Ages”
Sunday, Feb. 22 | 4 p.m. | Kaeuper Hall
Featuring: Dr. Chun Kong “Apollo” Lee, trumpet
With: Dr. Ivan Jiang, piano
This energetic program traces the evolution of trumpet repertoire from the Baroque era to modern soundscapes—celebrating the instrument’s versatility, power, and expressive range across centuries of music history.
Faculty Recital Series 3
“Kenopsia: An Exploration of Memory Through Music”
Sunday, Apr. 19 | 4 p.m. | Kaeuper Hall
Featuring: Prof. Emily Venturella, soprano
Special Guest: Felipe Hoyos-González
Performance by the Huitaca Ensemble
Concluding the series, Prof. Venturella and the Huitaca Ensemble perform selections from their debut album, Kenopsia—a sonic exploration of memory and emotional resonance. The performance integrates live processing with expressive vocal artistry to create a deeply immersive contemporary music experience.
For additional details about the Faculty Recital Series or Millikin’s School of Music, visit millikin.edu/music.
