Hear classical music from Young Concert Artists in two upcoming performances presented by the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center.
For 65 years, Young Concert Artists has stood at the forefront of discovering and launching the careers of the future leaders of classical music. UAB Center for the Arts presents these performances as part of its mission to bring arts experiences to the community at affordable prices.
On Thursday, Nov. 20, the Alys Stephens Center will present American mezzo-soprano Erin Wagner, the 2022 Young Concert Artist First Prize laureate. This rising star in the classical vocal world has graced the stages of Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center and The Kaufman Center.
On Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, experience the brilliance of chamber music with YCA on Tour. This exceptional string chamber ensemble brings together some of the most exciting young artists and acclaimed alumni from the Young Concert Artists roster for a program unlike any other.
The performances will be at 7 p.m. in the Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. South.
Tickets for both Young Concert Artists shows are Pay What You Choose, which allows you to decide how much to pay to see this performance. The suggested ticket price is $15 for adults and $10 for children; but you can pay more, or less. Visit AlysStephens.org for more information or reserve tickets for Erin Wagner or YCA on Tour. Call the ASC Box Office at 205-975-2787.
Erin Wagner
Wagner is establishing herself as an artist of “versatility and musical curiosity,” according to Opera News. A recent alumna of The Houston Grand Opera Butler Studio, she joined Wolf Trap Opera as a 2024 Filene Artist to sing the role of Dorabella in “Così fan tutte” and returned in 2025 to perform the roles of Blanche de la Force in “Dialogues des Carmélites” and Mércèdes in “Carmen.” The 2024-25 season marked her debuts at The Metropolitan Opera, with the Louisville Orchestra, Maryland Symphony in Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, Brooklyn Art Song Society and Brazos Valley Symphony.
Wagner has won many competitions, including The George and Nora London Foundation
and The Naumburg Foundation Vocal, and received The Richard F. Gold Career Grant from The Shoshana Foundation. She was named a Renée Fleming Artist Fellowship at the Aspen Music Festival in 2021 and 2023. As a winner of the Schwabacher Recital Debut Auditions, she made her recital debut at San Francisco Opera in 2023 in a recital program called “Everything Must Change.” Seeking to perform music that represents modern and diverse perspectives, she shared the music of Schubert, Stefania Turkewich, Viktor Ullmann, Shawn Chang, Radiohead and Benard Ighner alongside Shawn Chang at the piano. Reserve tickets at AlysStephens.org.
YCA on Tour
YCA on Tour offers audiences a truly remarkable musical experience, drawing on the incredible talent of artists in the YCA family. This season’s program features music for strings, thoughtfully designed to highlight the strengths and individuality of performers Risa Hokamura, violin; Toby Appel, viola; Oliver Neubauer, violin; James Baik, cello; and Benett Tsai, cello.
With unique instrumentation, a rarely heard repertoire spanning diverse styles and genres, and a deeply collaborative rehearsal process, YCA on Tour offers audiences a rare opportunity to hear chamber music performed with unmatched depth, artistry and cohesion. Do not miss this innovative and inspiring evening that celebrates the future — and legacy — of classical music. Reserve tickets at AlysStephens.org.