The Department of Music's Artists in Residence Program brings leading musicians from around the country and the world to Richmond. During residencies, artists engage with students, faculty, and staff in classrooms, studios, rehearsals, and on stage. Culminating projects often include new commissions, compositions, and public performances as part of the Free Concert Series.
2025-26 Artists in Residence
Fall 2025
- Karou Watanabe, taiko
Three visits during the semester, hosted by Andy McGraw - Baba Aziz White, West African drum
Three visits during the semester, hosted by Andy McGraw - Peni Candra Rini, Indonesian composer and performer
Three weeks during the semester, hosted by Andy McGraw - Nathan Sherman, violin
Dates TBD, hosted by Ben Broening - Matmos, experimental electronic music
Dates TBD, hosted by Ben Broening - Mark Lomanno, Jazz piano
November 10-14, hosted by Mike Davison - Christoph Wagner, cello
November 17-December 1, hosted by Joanne Kong - Arturo O'Farrill, Latin Jazz
November 17-22, hosted by Mike Davison - Tom Meglioranza, baritone
October 18-22, hosted by Jennifer Cable - Saami
October 7-10, hosted by Andy McGraw
Spring 2026
- Gusti Sudarta, Indonesian composer and performer
Two weeks during the semester, hosted by Andy McGraw - Peni Candra Rini, Indonesian composer and performer
Three weeks during the semester, hosted by Andy McGraw - Christoph Wagner, cello
April 13-22, osted by Joanne Kong - Bria Skonberg, trumpet
April 20-23, hosted by Mike Davison - Lina Bahn, violin
Dates TBD, hosted by Ben Broening - Black Box
Dates TBD, hosted by Ben Broening - Shahzad Ismaily, composer and producer
Dates TBD, hosted by Ben Broening - Mary Mitchell Campbell, Music Director
Dates TBD, hosted by Jennifer Cable - Ken Merrill, voice
Dates TBD, hosted by Jennifer Cable
Previous Artists in Residence
2024-25 Artist in Residnce
Leyla McCalla
2024-25 University of Richmond Artist in Residence Leyla McCalla combines original compositions and traditional Haitian tunes with historical broadcasts and contemporary interviews and research. During her residency at the University of Richmond Leyla visited the campus four weeks over the academic year, working with a wide variety of students in and beyond the Department of Music. The Department of Music commissioned Leyla to compose new work and perform with our music students. East End Elegy was a concert performed in April 2025.