What Are YOUR Most Memorable UMS Performances?

by The UMS Lobby

We’re dying to hear from you — what are some concerts that have left a lasting impression on you over the years? Whether it was last week or 50 years ago, tell us your stories!

Kirov Orchestra in fall 2006 – wow! Shostakovich! And a percussionist who "was swinging from the rafters" (said one of my professors).

Takacs Quartet in January 2007 (Brahms a minor, Mozart d minor K. 421, and Beethoven Op. 132) – the concert that made me want to be a musician.

Guarneri Quartet's farewell tour in spring 2009 – late Beethoven quartets and the most nuanced ensemble I've ever heard.

Stile Antico in October 2009 – a brilliant programming idea to juxtapose Byrd and Tallis, and performed by a dynamic and excellent ensemble.

Berlin Phil in November 2009 – especially the 3rd movement of Brahms 3 (where each instrument or section played the theme SO beautifully).

Schubert Piano Trios in February 2010 – a concert in which all my critical faculties were turned off the moment they started playing, and I was drawn into an incredible musical and emotional journey.

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We have seen so many extraordinary performances through UMS! The most memorable is without question the Royal Shakespeare Company's 2001 Tetralogy — Henry VI Parts I, II, III and Richard II, performed over two days. That was truly a "happening", especially in the context of the entire residency and Prof. Williams' wonderful evening course to which the public was invited.

The RSC's 2003 and 2006 visits also rate at the top of my UMS list. The Tempest was so creative, and I doubt I will ever see an Antony & Cleopatra to top Patrick Stewart and Harriet Walter.

Fiona Shaw's Medea in 2002 left me shaken. That was an amazing show.

The Kodo Drummers are always a must-see, as are the Globe Theater Co. (their Twelfth Night with the all-male cast a few years ago was very memorable!), Trio Medieval and Wu Han. Last year's NY Philharmonic show certainly stands out.

We are so lucky to have UMS and it's gifted, hard working staff here in Ann Arbor. It is a world class organization.

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Elephant Vanishes by Complicite and Merce Cunningham's "How to Pass, Kick, Fall and Run" were not only the most memorable performances I've seen at UMS – they are top on my list for most memorable performances EVER, anywhere.

Stunning – they both left me speechless; I continue to feel so privileged to have seen them both while they were here.

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