(WARRENSBURG, Mo.) – Students enrolled in the University of Central Missouri’s music programs will experience performing in one of the top music venues in the world, as they present the annual President’s Gala at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 9 in the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City .

The gala concert traditionally marks the close of a successful academic year for the UCM music students and faculty. The opportunity to take the performance from UCM’s historic Hendricks Hall to the Kauffman Center is the result of a decision by leadership of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences and the Department of Music. It gives students and UCM’s music patrons the opportunity to experience a performance at the Kauffman Center’s Helzberg Hall.

The performance is free, but tickets are required to assure seating. Tickets are available at the Performing Arts Series box office in Administration 100 on the UCM campus, or at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts box office.

Transportation from Warrensburg to the Kauffman Center will be provided on a first come, first served basis by the university. Seating on the buses is limited and may be reserved at the time tickets are picked up.

“We are delighted to showcase the talents of our students and faculty, for alumni and friends in the Kansas City area to experience and appreciate,” said Gersham Nelson, dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. “As President Ambrose positions UCM to launch the Arts Gateway initiative that will upgrade our performance spaces, the timing could not be more propitious for the public to experience the thrill, excitement and sheer magic that can be generated by our student and faculty musicians,” he said. “All of our alumni and friends will want to be a part of the April 9 President’s Gala, as well as the advancement of the arts on campus.”

Groups scheduled to perform include the Jazz Ensemble, Orchestra, Concert Choir and Wind Ensemble. The program also features a duet piano performance by UCM music faculty members Mia Hynes and Tian Tian.

“We want to showcase our University of Central Missouri music students in this world-class facility,” said Steven Moore, chair of the Department of Music. “The arts at the University of Central Missouri are on an upward trajectory, and our talented students and artist faculty are excited to perform in Helzberg Hall. Our community members, both in Warrensburg and the Kansas City region, will enjoy experiencing UCM performers in one of the finest music venues in the world,” he said.

For more information about the President’s Gala or the UCM Department of Music and its programs and events, visit ucmo.edu/music or call 660-543-4530.