UAM to host mezzo-soprano recital

The University of Arkansas at Monticello Division of Music will host a concert featuring mezzo-soprano Claire McCahan, the 2026 National Federation of Music Club (NFMC) Young Artist Winner. The performance will be held at 7 p.m. Sept. 17 in the Harris Recital Hall at UAM. The concert is in collaboration with the Southeast Arkansas Concert Association, NFMC and Pine Bluff Musical Coterie. The event is free and open to the public. McCahan will be accompanied by pianist Mary Scott Smith, a pianist who recently retired as professor of music at Texarkana College (TC) but remains on staff as the piano teacher and accompanist for the Texarkana Regional Chorale. 'Claire McCahan is regarded as a musician of sincerity and versatility, delivering compelling and honest performances across Baroque, recital, opera and contemporary repertoire,' according to a news release. 'Winner of the 2022 Joy in Singing International Art Song Competition, the 2022 National Association of Teachers of Singing Artist Awards, the 2025 NFMC Young Artist Competition and the 2025 Federation of the Art Song Fellowship, McCahan is an accomplished recitalist, devising programs revealing thematic connection across time and language. 'Along with collaborative pianist Barbara Noyes, she co-founded Horizon Duo, dedicated to creative programming of contemporary and classic repertoire. The duo made their New York recital debut at Weill Recital Hall in 2023. Praised for her interpretations of J.S. Bach, she is the winner of the 2025 American National Oratorio Competition, an alumna of the American Bach Soloists Academy and a featured soloist on the Boulder Bach Festival's first commercial album,' according to the release. She is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire and the University of Colorado Boulder. She is represented by Gloria Parker at Insignia Artists. McCahan will perform a five-city tour throughout Arkansas in September. Details: Alexia Meeks at [email protected] or 870-460-1060.