UD’s award-winning Master Players Concert Series (Master Players) begins its 23rd season with a new lineup of internationally acclaimed artists, distinctive collaborations and outstanding musical talents from around the world who are deeply rooted in Delaware. 

Led by Artistic Director Sean Gao, UD Trustees Distinguished Professor of Music, the 2026-27 season continues Master Players’ tradition of bringing exceptional live performances to the UD campus and surrounding communities. 

From an Australian classical guitar duo and a unique recital featuring a pianist who also sings opera to a concert of world and jazz music performed by 6-WIRE trio & friends, and the series’ first solo harp recital, Master Players offers audiences a wide range of unforgettable musical experiences. 

Serving Delaware as a flagship concert presenting organization, Master Players is a unit of the UD College of Arts and Sciences in close collaboration with the UD School of Music.

The 2026-27 season

Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, 3 p.m. | Season Opening Concert

Gore Recital Hall, Roselle Center for the Arts

Launch the 2026-27 Master Players season with Australia's internationally acclaimed guitar duo, Ziggy & Miles, making their Delaware debut. Praised for their "deeply considered musicianship, immaculate care and superlative technique," these award-winning brothers from Melbourne captivate audiences with extraordinary artistry and remarkable musical chemistry. Winners of numerous international competitions and the 2024-25 Musicians-in-Residence at Harvard University's Dumbarton Oaks, Ziggy & Miles promise an unforgettable event showcasing the beauty and brilliance of the classical guitar.

Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, 3 p.m. | One Artist, Two Voices

Gore Recital Hall, Roselle Center for the Arts

Master Players presents a recital unlike any in its history. Award-winning musician Chelsea Guo first captivates audiences as a brilliant concert pianist before returning to the stage as a soaring soprano. Winner of the prestigious Young Concert Artists Competition, Guo has appeared on many of the world's leading concert and opera stages. This rare opportunity to experience two remarkable artistic voices in one performer promises an afternoon of versatility, elegance and inspiration.

Sunday, Feb. 21, 2027, 3 p.m. | 6-WIRE and Friends

Gore Recital Hall, Roselle Center for the Arts

Making a highly anticipated return, Master Players' Ensemble-in-Residence, 6-WIRE (Sean Gao, violin; Cathy Yang, erhu and zither; and Matthew Brower, piano), performs an electrifying program of world and jazz music that blends with musical traditions from around the world. During this fun event, 6-WIRE welcomes an exceptional roster of guest artists, including Grammy-winning bassist Miles Brown, virtuoso multi-instrumentalist Todd Groves, acclaimed jazz vibraphonist Harvey Price and legendary drummer Sherrie Maricle of the DIVA Jazz Orchestra among others. Together they create an event of dazzling improvisation, vibrant cross-cultural collaboration and unforgettable musical energy.

Sunday, March 21, 2027, 3 p.m. | Bravo! Delaware

Gore Recital Hall, Roselle Center for the Arts

Celebrate the remarkable musicians whose lives are deeply connected to Delaware in this elegant chamber music gala featuring Mozart’s Flute Quartet in D Major and Clarinet Quintet in A Major, as well as Fauré’s Piano Quartet in C Minor. Joining Master Players founder and violinist Sean Gao are an exceptional group of internationally acclaimed artists, including University of Delaware’s leading faculty musicians Elias Goldstein, violist; Eileen Grycky, flutist; and Christopher Nichols, clarinetist. The concert will also feature UD alumnus Daniel Seymour, violinist of the Orlando Philharmonic; concert pianist and composer Jeff Sharkey, president of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland; and acclaimed British cellist Alison Wells. Together they bring warmth, virtuosity and extraordinary artistry to some of chamber music's most beloved works.

Saturday, April 24, 2027, 3 p.m. | Strings of Serenity

Gore Recital Hall, Roselle Center for the Arts

Master Players proudly presents its first-ever solo harp recital, featuring internationally acclaimed harp virtuoso Emily Levin. Through music spanning more than a century, Levin explores the harp's extraordinary evolution—from shimmering lyricism to bold contemporary expression. Featuring masterpieces by harpists and composers Carlos Salzedo, Marcel Tournier, Caroline Lizotte, Brandee Younger, Benjamin Britten, Elliott Carter, Germaine Tailleferre, Jonathan Cziner and others, this captivating program reveals the remarkable colors, expressive range and breathtaking beauty of one of the world's oldest and most enchanting instruments.

Tickets

Season subscriptions and single tickets are now available! Tickets are $35 for adults; $30 for seniors and UD faculty, staff and alumni; and $10 for students. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit udel.edu/masterplayers.