Dr. & Mrs. Wharton tribute concert

The Wharton Center will honor its late namesakes, former Michigan State University President Clifton R. Wharton Jr. and his wife, Dolores Wharton, with a powerful afternoon of performances celebrating the couple’s passion for and extensive contributions to the arts and public service, both locally and nationwide.  

The event will feature Tony, Emmy, Grammy and SAG Award nominee Norm Lewis, the first Black actor to play the titular role in “The Phantom of the Opera” on Broadway; jazz vocalist Carmen Bradford, a former member of the Count Basie Orchestra; a trio led by pianist and composer Aaron Diehl, known for blending jazz and classical music with “melodic precision, harmonic erudition and elegant restraint,” according to The New York Times; and “The Calling,” a dance number by noted choreographer and director Jessica Lang that contains themes of resilience and hope. Musical accompaniment will be provided by the MSU Symphony Orchestra. 

Admission is free, but pre-registration is required at whartoncenter.com.