The opening week performances for the Frost School’s acclaimed Festival Miami will range from the music of emerging young talents  to master jazz greats, and more.

Wednesday, October 7
Emerging Young Composers
8 p.m.
The 21st century is still young, but already graced by remarkable works from some of the brightest and best composers working at the Frost School of Music. A memorable evening of classical and contemporary music will unfold in varied genres, instrument combinations, and styles. These future leaders of American music will move you as well as provoke discussion of modern music and where it’s headed in our non-stop society. Don’t miss this fascinating and enjoyable showcase of works by the Frost School of Music’s finest creative young minds.

Thursday, October 8
Carmen Bradford featuring the Frost Jazz Vocal-1 Ensemble
8 p.m.
Featured vocalist in the legendary Count Basie Orchestra for nine years, Carmen Bradford is one of the best-loved performers in American music. Hailed by Jazz Times magazine as “a force to be reckoned with,” Carmen will appear with the Frost Jazz Vocal Ensemble I, conducted by Larry Lapin, in an evening of jazz standards and selections from her CD, Home With You, a collaboration with Frost School of Music Dean Shelly Berg.

Friday, October 9
Claudia Acuna
8 p.m.
A pure, compelling and original voice hailed by The Los Angeles Times as an “instrument of wonder,” Chilean singer/songwriter/arranger Claudia Acuna draws upon the culture of her homeland by fusing Latin rhythms with her instinctive jazz sensibilities. At the age of 15 she discovered her first “outside” musical model, Frank Sinatra. Acuña finally “felt at home” when she heard the music of Sinatra, Erroll Garner, and Sarah Vaughan. Experience “the voice of an angel” (Newsday) on the stage of Gusman Concert Hall.

Saturday, October 10
Gary Burton with the Stamps Jazz Quintet and the Frost Jazz Sextet
8 p.m.
Gary Burton is the undisputed master of jazz vibraphone and one of the most important voices in the history of jazz. His 1971 album Alone at Last, a solo vibraphone concert recorded live, garnered Burton his first Grammy Award. His longstanding relationship with pianist Chick Corea earned him an additional five Grammys. Burton has recorded for RCA and ECM and in 1968 was named Down Beat magazine’s Jazzman of the Year. While in residence, Burton will coach Frost School students and perform with the Stamps Jazz Quintet (comprised of five remarkable freshman), and the Frost Jazz Sextet (the flagship chamber ensemble of the Jazz Studies Department).

The Festival Miami Advance Ticket Sales Office phone number is 305-284-4940. Hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  For a complete listing of concerts and to order tickets online visit www.festivalmiami.com or e-mail [email protected] for additional information.