The Natalie L. Haslam Distinguished Artist/Lecturer Residency Series
A Celebration of World-Class Artistry & Transformative Collaboration
The Natalie L. Haslam Distinguished Artist/Lecturer Residency Series is dedicated to bringing world-class artists, musicians, and scholars to the University of Tennessee Natalie L. Haslam College of Music. This series fosters collaboration, inspires students, and enriches the broader community by offering access to exceptional artistry and expertise.
Made possible by a generous gift, this series reflects our commitment to excellence in education and the arts, ensuring that our students are prepared for dynamic careers in an ever-evolving music economy.
The Ramzi Aburedwan Residency
October 13 – 15, 2025
Renowned performer, composer, and conductor Ramzi Aburedwan brings a powerful blend of cultural expression and artistic excellence to his residency. Featured in documentaries and Sandy Tolan’s acclaimed book Children of the Stone: The Power of Music in a Hard Land, Aburedwan’s work highlights the inspiring role music can play in connecting communities and fostering understanding.
Residency Schedule
All Events are Free for the General Public
Workshop on Middle Eastern Performance Techniques
October 13, 2025 at 1:50 – 3:50 p.m.
Room 110, Natalie L. Haslam Music Center
Beyond Borders Presentation: Music as Dialogue Between East and West
October 14, 2025 at 11:20 – 12:35 p.m.
Sandra G. Powell Recital Hall, Natalie L. Haslam Music Center
Parking: Parking is not available behind the Natalie L. Haslam Music Center for these two opportunities. Guests interested in attending the workshop and/or presentation should refer to the Visitor Parking website for available visitor lots.
Ramzi Aburedwan & Dal’Ouna Ensemble, featuring Moneim Adwan: A discovery of the Levantine musical universe, between creation and tradition
October 15, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
Sandra G. Powell Recital Hall, Natalie L. Haslam Music Center
Dal’Ouna Ensemble is named after a lively and festive Dal’ouna music tradition. Their performances celebrate the joy of music-making and the rich cultural heritage of the Middle East, weaving influences from Egypt to Andalusia and blending medieval and jazz accents into a vibrant confluence of East and West.
Led by Ramzi Aburedwan, the ensemble invites audiences into a world of music, poetry, and tradition. Their instrumentation combines traditional Arab instruments—including the bouzuk, oud, and oriental percussion—with viola and accordion. The repertoire spans instrumental works and poetic songs that reflect on themes such as love, nature, and human connection. Dal’Ouna offers a space for shared cultural experiences and artistic discovery, resonating with audiences across borders.
This performance features students of the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music. This concert represents the culmination of the collaboration between students and artists in residence at the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music.
Parking: Patrons attending this performance may park in Lot 23 on campus, located behind the Natalie L. Haslam Music Center off Pat Head Summitt Street. If Lot 23 is full, please visit the Office of Parking & Transportation website for additional visitor parking options on campus.
Opportunities for Natalie L. Haslam College of Music Faculty & Students
All activities will take place in the Natalie L. Haslam Music Center.
Monday, October 13
| Time | Topic | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1:50 – 3:50 p.m. | Workshop on Middle Eastern performance techniques | Room 110 |
| 7 – 9 p.m. | Ensemble rehearsal with students | Room 110 |
Tuesday, October 14
| Time | Topic | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 9:45 – 11 a.m. | Percussion Ensemble Class | Room 135 |
| 11:20 a.m. -12:35 p.m. | Class Presentation: “Beyond Borders: Music as Dialogue between East & West“ | Sandra G. Powell Recital Hall |
| 12:55 – 2:10 p.m. | Ensemble rehearsal | Room 110 |
| 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. | Book Club Discussion of Children of the Stone | Room G68 |
Wednesday, October 15
| Time | Topic | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 12 – 1 p.m. | Improv session with members of Electroacoustic Ensemble | Room G40 |
| 1:50 – 2:45 p.m. | Ensemble rehearsal with students | Room 110 |
| 5:30 – 7 p.m. | Dress Rehearsal | Sandra G. Powell Recital Hall |
| 7:30 – 9 p.m. | Final Presentation and Performance* | Sandra G. Powell Recital Hall |
*The final performance features students of the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music. This concert represents the culmination of the collaboration between students and artists in residence at the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music.
What’s Next in the Series?
Andrea Clearfield: Bridging Cultures Through Composition
Spring 2026
Andrea Clearfield is an award-winning composer of music for orchestra, opera, chorus, chamber ensemble, dance, and multimedia collaborations. Clearfield creates deep, emotive musical languages that build cultural and artistic bridges. She has been praised by the New York Times for her “graceful tracery and lively, rhythmically vital writing”, the Philadelphia Inquirer for her “compositional wizardry” and “mastery with large choral and instrumental forces”, the L.A. Times for her “fluid and glistening orchestration” and by Opera News for her “vivid and galvanizing” music of “timeless beauty”. Her works are performed widely in the U.S. and abroad.
Clearfield’s residency activities will include:
- Faculty Performance: Featuring works by Clearfield that highlight other art forms such as visual art and poetry.
- Music and Business Lecture: Offering insights into the professional landscape for composers.
- Composer’s Workshop: Workshopping and coaching student compositions.
- Studio Class Q&A Session: Engaging students in an interactive discussion about her creative process, commissioning, building a career in classical music and more.
- Chamber Music Coachings: Mentoring student ensembles performing her works.
- Student Chamber Music Concert: Showcasing Clearfield’s chamber and small ensemble works.