Hipp, Hipp, Hurray!

Plenty of big names are associated with the 23rd rendition of Festival Miami, the five-week series of concerts (27 of them this year) that celebrates and shows off the University of Miami's renowned Frost School of Music. Pop celebs such as Albita, Raul Midón, Richard Stoltzman, and Bruce Hornsby will perform; Romero Britto created the artwork for the cover of the program and the brochure. But the biggest name this year is William Hipp (the subject of Britto's artwork, and now owner of the original). Hipp, the dean of Frost, founded the festival in 1983 and is retiring from UM in May. The Frost Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Thomas Sleeper, will open and close the event -- beginning tonight at 8:00 --by collaborating with the Marcus Roberts Jazz Trio on some Gershwin. The first evening also includes Florida premieres of two symphonies by Roberto Sierra. Along with the numerous concerts, there will be master classes and workshops and other attendant events, many of which are free. Most performances take place on campus at Gusman Concert Hall. Ticket prices range from $8 to $55. Call 305-284-4940, or visit www.festivalmiami.com.
Sat., Sept. 30