The Herbert and Nicole Wertheim School of Music & Performing Arts at Florida International University (FIU) will host its annual FIU Music Festival in 2025, featuring a series of performances that highlight both local talent and international collaborations.
The festival begins with “Amernet and Friends,” a concert led by the Amernet String Quartet, FIU’s Ensemble-in-Residence. This event marks the first collaboration between the School of Music and Coral Gables’ Sanctuary for the Arts. The program features FIU musicians alongside guest performers, including mezzo-soprano Rachel Calloway.
On October 24, soprano Laura León, an FIU alumna, will perform Cuban coloratura masterworks accompanied by pianist Robert Koenig. León is recognized internationally for her performances and brings her experience from Cuba to stages worldwide.
The following day, the FIU Jazz Band under Aldo Salvent will perform with Ashley Pezzotti, who recently joined FIU as an adjunct instructor in jazz vocals. Pezzotti has performed at venues such as Jazz at Lincoln Center and will provide mentorship to students based on her professional background.
Organist Dexter Kennedy is scheduled to perform on October 26 in collaboration with the American Guild of Organists. This concert is coordinated by adjunct instructor Joanne Schulte and highlights FIU’s focus on sacred and organ music education.
Harpist Noelia Cotuna will appear on October 29 through a partnership with the Spanish Cultural Embassy as part of the Young Artist Program. Under Dr. Karen Veloz’s leadership, this initiative aims to broaden students’ exposure to different instruments and musical traditions, with plans to establish a harp studio at FIU in the future.
On October 30, Ensemblast Quartet led by alumnus Isaac Casal will debut at the festival with “El Templar de los Tambores.” The program blends contemporary works, Latin American rhythms, and world music influences. It connects to FIU’s New Music Program directed by Orlando Jacinto García and Jason Calloway, featuring student compositions alongside avant-garde pieces.
The Baltimore Consort returns on October 31 with “The Food of Love: Songs, Dances, and Fancies for Shakespeare.” The ensemble specializes in early music performed on period instruments like lute and viols, offering students an immersive Renaissance music experience.
The festival concludes November 1–2 with Rubén Blades’ Maestra Vida in collaboration with choral director Maibel Troia. This production brings together FIU’s orchestra with voice and theatre students in a performance described as a “salsa opera.” According to organizers: “As the nation’s top-ranked Hispanic-Serving Institution, FIU proudly presents Maestra Vidaas a reflection of its mission to serve both students and the community through creativity, cultural identity, and opportunity.”
Throughout these events, The Wertheim School aims to prepare musicians for diverse careers by combining tradition with innovation. Organizers state: “Through all of these performances, The Wertheim School of Music continues to cultivate the 21st-century musician, who must be versatile, globally minded, and prepared for diverse professional paths. By uniting tradition and innovation, the 2025 FIU Music Festival embodies the School’s enduring commitment to artistic excellence, education, and community engagement.”
For more information about registration or details about specific events within this series can be found through official university channels.
