Calling all young and young-at-heart performing arts lovers—have we got something for you! How would you like to be part of our new YFS program? What's in it for me you say? Well, how about some cool special events, incredible discounted ticket perks, and a great way to network with friends and co-workers? Make plans now to jump into this brand new experience with us! Get started for as little as $5 a month to join! 

Visit HJSERIES.ORG for full details!

Livestream Concert
with cellist Ifetayo
Ali-Landing

On Saturday, October 10, the Series presented our first-ever livestream performance in Kansas City hosting cellist Ifetayo Ali-Landing and pianist Evangelos Spanos in a free Discovery Concert. The event at the 1900 Building didn't have an in-person audience and streaming services were provided by HMX Live. In addition to a stunning performance, Ms. Ali-Landing also participated in three educational outreach Zoom sessions with students across the metro the day before her performance. These students were very intrigued about speaking to a young aspiring musician and asked so many thoughtful and curious questions! Thanks again to Liberty High School, Liberty Middle School, Little Blue Elementary and Overland Trail Middle School for being a part of this experience!

Did you know that Ifetayo Ali-Landing started out as a violinist, but at the age of four she switched to cello? Her already astounding career at 18 has proven she made the right decision. The Chicago-based cellist was taught by her mother (an accomplished violinist) who made sure she was playing as soon as she could stand. Ali-Landing later studied at the Hyde Park Suzuki Institute and at Northwestern University School of Music. She is currently a sophomore at the Colburn School in Los Angeles where she studies with Clive Greensmith. Ali-Landing’s lifelong dedication to her craft has resulted in prizes, honors, and invitations to perform with great orchestras. She was the 2017 Sphinx Competition Junior Division First-Place Laureate. A phenom for the digital age, videos of Ali-Landing’s performances, tutorials, and TED Talks have racked up more than 15 million views across Facebook and YouTube.

If you missed the live performance or just want to see it again, watch it at HJSERIES.ORG!

PATRON SPOTLIGHT: Spencer Ruwe 

"The Harriman-Jewell Series was undoubtedly one of the best parts of my experience as an undergraduate student at William Jewell College. Having the opportunity to attend free performances from world-class artists and musicians was invaluable to my education and personal/professional growth as a musician. I vividly remember the first performance I attended back in 2016. Joyce DiDonato was on her 'In War and Peace' concert tour. Several of my music friends and I decided it would be an exciting evening to attend. I remember sitting in the first row watching and hearing the most incredible performance I had ever been present for. Seeing one of the top musicians in the world work and perform at such a high level of expertise and artistry was inspiring and overwhelming all at the same time. The front row was full of other students who were moved to tears at some point throughout the evening. For me, it happened within the first line of 'Thy Hand, Belinda.' I had never experienced such authenticity and vulnerability from a performer. Her pain was palpable and the performance still sticks in my mind to this day."

"As a young tenor, I was so lucky to get to see world-class tenor Lawrence Brownlee perform in concert alongside incredible bass-baritone, Eric Owens. I remember hearing Brownlee sing 'Una furtiva lagrima' and feeling awestruck and moved beyond words. I was working on that aria in my own voice lessons at the time and afterwards said to my voice teacher, "Wow! So that's how it's supposed to sound!" He then went on to sing 'Ah mes Amis!' and it knocked my socks off! Hearing his mastery of the bel canto style and how he expertly handled the famous nine high C's I could barely contain my excitement I leapt to my feet at the conclusion of the piece and applauded as if my life depended on it."

Spencer graduated in 2020 with a BS in Vocal Performance and a minor in Theatre. He is currently pursuing a master's degree in Music from Texas Tech University and working as a TA for the Opera Theatre department. At Jewell, he was president of QUILTBAG, vice-president of Lambda Chi Alpha, and a first-year resident assistant.