On Saturday, March 20th, 2021 the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami presented Frost Music Fest ’21, a free outdoor music festival that featured superstar soprano, Renée Fleming. Held on the Intramural fields of the Coral Gables Campus. It was Fleming’s first live outdoor appearance since the coronavirus pandemic began a year ago.
The event marked a return to performances before a live audience for Frost music students. Fleming’s headlining performance during primetime of the six-hour extravaganza also featured the all-student Frost Symphony Orchestra led by world-renowned Maestro Gerard Schwarz and special guest pianist, Frost Dean Shelly Berg.
180 students performed in more than 10 student ensembles featuring all genres of music from jazz, rock, and Latin, to R&B, classical, and more. The Frost Band of the Hour performed, as well as Frost School GRAMMY® and Latin GRAMMY award-winning faculty. Closing out this magnificent event was Frost School alumnus singer-songwriter John Splithoff, whose series of hit singles have racked up more than 100 million streams, performing a set with the American Music Ensemble.
Because of COVID-19 safety protocols, attendance was restricted to active University of Miami students, faculty, and staff (including UHealth essential workers), Attendees were required to wear facial coverings, physical distance, and complete a health questionnaire before being admitted.
The event was also live streamed with a tip jar to benefit the Travis Quinn Opportunity Fund in tribute to the gifted musician who tragically lost his life prior to attending the Frost School in the fall. Visit https://support.frost.miami.edu/giving-portals/index.html.
Footage courtesy of CBS This Morning.
