Southwestern Adventist University’s 26^th annual "A Night at the Meyerson" benefit concert will be hosted on February 10, 2019 at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center in downtown Dallas, Texas. The concert is the finale of Southwestern Adventist University’s Music Festival which brings talented high school musicians together each spring for vigorous music education and performance. The music festival features a mass choir, saxophone ensemble, symphony orchestra, and guest artists.

“The annual music festival at Southwestern Adventist University is an unparalleled event for high school student musicians to experience music making at a high level and in an inspiring environment,” shares Devon Howard, chair of the Department of Music.

During the festival, the students learn a variety filled repertoire featuring musical masterworks in addition to new compositions. This marks the third year in a row that the festival has partnered with a composer to write a commissioned piece to be premiered during the concert at the Meyerson. Following Ēriks Ešenvalds & Kim André Arnesen, American composer Craig Courtney has written the featured music for this year’s concert. His music will be performed throughout the festival, which will include his newest work, an arrangement of Psalm 23 for choir, strings, and piano. 

“The opportunity for our festival musicians to interact with the best composers in the world is certainly very special,” says Jonathan Wall, the Artistic Director of the Southwestern Music Festival. “Hearing the inspiration behind the composition and receiving training from the composers themselves are such an honor and unique blessing for everyone at the festival. We are delighted this year to host Craig Courtney and I feel the experience will be one that will last forever for all those that attend,” 

The festival also serves as a fundraising opportunity that provides funds for scholarships and resources for the Department of Music to attract top students to Southwestern Adventist University. 

Space to this event is limited and tickets are now available online. For more information or to purchase your ticket, visit musicfestival.swau.edu or email advancement@swau.edu.

Celebrating its 125th anniversary, Southwestern Adventist University has offered Christian education since 1893. A liberal-arts university, the beautiful campus is located in Keene, Texas, about 20 minutes south of Fort Worth. Southwestern Adventist University offers personable professors, numerous programs including business, music, education, fire science, nursing, Senior Living Management Certificate, master’s programs, and many ways for students to get involved both on campus and abroad. With a diverse student body that includes international students from dozens of countries and an average student/teacher ratio of 11:1, Southwestern Adventist University offers a uniquely diverse and personal college experience.