Star-Studded Gala Celebrating the Official Opening of the Knight Center for Music Innovation
Updated: Oct 28, 2023
The Frost School of Music at the University of Miami ushers in a new future for music with the completion of the Knight Center for Music Innovation, a $36.5 million, 25,000-square-foot cutting-edge performance and technology innovation hub. Designed by H3, an Arquitectonica Company, the new building will match the extraordinary talents of the Frost School’s students, faculty, and alumni, and reflect the innovation that has been a hallmark of the school since its founding nearly 100 years ago and its naming back in 2003.
To celebrate, the Frost School of Music is hosting a week-long series of special programs and performances that begin on Sat., Oct. 28 and run through Sun., Nov. 5. Spotlight events taking place for University of Miami students, local residents, South Florida visitors, and others to enjoy include a Frost Symphony Orchestra performance, conducted by Maestro Gerard Schwarz, and a Halloween-inspired big band performance by the Frost Studio Jazz Band, directed by Etienne Charles, both broadcast on the exterior of the Knight Center for Music Innovation; and Frost Tech Day, which showcases the evolution of the musical landscape and depicts how the Hormel Innovation Stage will serve as a laboratory for artistic and musical creation now and into the future. The grand opening celebration concludes with CAM FEST, featuring a concert showcase by the Creative American Music (CAM) program’s award-winning group.
The most exciting of the events is on Thursday, November 2, when the University of Miami Board of Trustees, Frost School of Music Advisory Board Members, and other distinguished guests will come together for a star-studded gala. With the theme of “Shaping the Future of Music,” the prestigious event
will feature performances by esteemed Frost School alumni, appearances by renowned artists and industry leaders, and the presentation of the inaugural Frost Centennial Medals. Confirmed performers and medal recipients include GRAMMY-award winner Jon Secada; record producer, songwriter, and music executive Matt Serletic; GRAMMY-award winning songwriter and actor Dawnn Lewis; GRAMMY-nominated jazz singer, composer, and arranger Carmen Lundy; GRAMMY-award winning drummer, producer, and engineer Lee Levin; and GRAMMY-award winning producer and Frost School Advisory Board Member Emilio Estefan, among others. GRAMMY award-winning singer, actress, songwriter, and author Gloria Estefan will serve as the emcee for the event.
More information on the grand opening celebration events, including dates, times, and ticket pricing for public-facing events, is available at frost-music-live.miami.edu.