30 Ransom Everglades LOG SPRING 2026 From an opening exhibition of student artwork on the Touzet patio to a musical finale by the RE Symphony Orchestra on the La Brisa lawn, Ransom Everglades’ performing arts department dazzled at the first-ever Under the Stars: A Night of Music and Art on November 20. Guests perused paintings, sculptures, ceramics, photographs and architectural creations on a patio transformed into an outdoor museum of student works. They also nibbled on appetizers, sipped mocktails and reconnected with friends before settling in for an evening of music from RE’s strings and jazz ensembles and the full orchestra. Musicians performed on an elevated stage accented by glittering lights and backlit with dynamic digital effects, contributing to the mesmerizing setting at the edge of Biscayne Bay. “It was a celebration not only of music and art, but also of community,” said Performing Arts Department Chair Cecilia Gonzalez. “It brought music, art and environment together in a way that felt both intimate and expansive for performers and audience alike.” The concert began with Ransom Everglades String Orchestra under Scott O’Donnell performing “Andante Cantabile” by Tchaikovsky followed by classics from Mozart and Vivaldi from the RE’s String Quartet and Advanced Chamber Ensemble. That led to a jazz section from the Blue Note Combo and RE Combo under Jon Hamm, RE’s Director of Instrumental Music. The RE Symphony Orchestra finished the night highlighting Haydn and Beethoven before offering a triumphant finale with Mozart’s “The Abduction from the Seraglio.” RE arts chairs Gonzalez, Matt Stock and Quincy Knowles organized and oversaw the event, the first of its kind at Ransom Everglades. “Under the Stars beautifully highlighted what makes our arts programs so special: extraordinary student artistry, inspired faculty leadership, and a campus whose setting amplifies the work our students do,” Gonzalez said. “Listening to our ensembles perform together in such a meaningful space felt like a long-held vision finally realized.” Under the Stars Ransom Everglades celebrates music and art with a concert by the bay REArts
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