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The University of Tampa has announced its 2016-2017 PNC Bank Concert Artist Series at the Sykes Chapel and Center for Faith and Values. This series of free, public concerts, sponsored by PNC Bank, has become one of UT’s most anticipated and well-attended events on campus.

Haig Mardirosian, dean of the College of Arts and Letters and artistic director of the series, has called this an “all-star season,” adding that the performers this year are especially high-profile and “enjoy that elusive quality of stardom.”

This year’s series includes performances by Liz Callaway, who is one of the most respected and widely loved Broadway artists (and a favorite of Steven Sondheim); organists Raymond and Beth Chenault, who originated the concept of duo organ playing; a return engagement by pops organist Carol Williams; and pianist Alexander Frey, whose associations include none other than Leonard Bernstein.

Mardirosian himself will also perform in celebration of the 50th anniversary of his debut as a concert organist, and the traditional University of Tampa holiday celebration will also be part of the series.

The concert dates follow. Seating is limited, and doors open 30 minutes before the concerts.

• Broadway and Beyond: Liz Callaway, Sunday, Oct. 2, 2 p.m. Callaway has played starring roles in Baby, Miss Saigon and Cats and was the singing voice of Anya in the animated film Anastasia. For this performance, Callaway brings her songbook of favorites from her starring roles on Broadway and her film career, including everything from Gershwin to Sondheim.
• Haig Mardirosian, Organist, Sunday, Nov. 13, 2 p.m. Since his debut on Nov. 13, 1966, Mardirosian has played hundreds of recitals, concertos and collaborative concerts in his half-century of performing. This very special program includes collaborations with violinist Lucas Guideri and a choir of women’s voices conducted by Rodney Shores.
• Let Heaven and Nature Sing: The University of Tampa Holiday Concert, Sunday Dec. 4, 2 and 4 p.m. A great Tampa institution and a joyful opening to the holiday season with traditional and new music sung by the select voices of the UT Chamber Singers and Camerata.
• Raymond and Beth Chenault, Duo Organists, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2 p.m. Specializing in works for two performers on the organ, the Chenaults have commissioned more than 40 organ duets since their debut in 1979. Their program will include works of Gaston Litaize, David Briggs and Nicholas White.
• Back by Popular Demand: Carol Williams, Organist, Sunday, March 19, 2 p.m. Williams charmed audiences three years ago with her wide-ranging pops program. She returns with transcriptions of Rossini’s William Tell Overture, her own Symphonie pour Orgue, music by David Bowie and some jazz.
• Alexander Frey, Pianist, Sunday, April 9, 2 p.m. A native of Evanston, IL, Frey is a symphony conductor, pianist and virtuoso organist living in Berlin. His versatile career includes opera conducting, and music of Hollywood and Broadway.

The series is underwritten by PNC Bank and the UT College of Arts and Letters. For more information, contact caldean@ut.edu or go to www.ut.edu/sykeschapel.