EAST LANSING, MI – Celebrate the extraordinary lives and legacy of Dr. Clifton and Mrs. Dolores Wharton with an unforgettable afternoon of music, memories, and meaning at Wharton Center for Performing Arts.
On Sunday, September 14, 2025, at 3PM, the community is invited to gather in the Cobb Great Hall for a tribute concert that honors the Whartons’ remarkable contributions to Michigan State University, the arts, and public service. This heartfelt afternoon brings together family, friends, and admirers to reflect on a legacy that continues to uplift and inspire.
Admission is complimentary; however, a ticket is required and can be secured at whartoncenter.com.
This free performance will feature a beautifully curated blend of jazz, classical, Broadway favorites, and more. Featured artists include internationally acclaimed Broadway star Norm Lewis—a Tony, Emmy, Grammy, and SAG Award nominee who made history as the first Black Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera; celebrated jazz vocalist Carmen Bradford, known for her rich legacy with the Count Basie Orchestra; the virtuosic Aaron Diehl Trio, led by the acclaimed jazz pianist and composer, Aaron Diehl, renowned for his imaginative blend of jazz and classical traditions and collaborations with artists such as Wynton Marsalis; and The Calling: a powerful, soul-stirring work by acclaimed choreographer Jessica Lang that embodies themes of resilience and hope. The MSU Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Octavio Más Arocas, will provide the musical backbone for the afternoon, continuing its nearly century-long tradition of excellence and national recognition.
This special event is more than a concert: it’s a celebration of vision. As president of MSU’s, Dr. Clifton R. Wharton Jr. helped shape the university’s future through a focus on topics such as research, student communication, and Lifelong Education. Alongside him, Dolores D. Wharton was a pioneering arts leader whose influence extended from local organizations to national boards. Together, they believed in the transformative power of the arts and played a foundational role in bringing Wharton Center for Performing Arts to life.
Be a part of this tribute to two individuals who not only left their mark on Michigan State University but also helped elevate arts and culture across the nation.
For more information, visit www.whartoncenter.com.
For high-resolution images of Dr. and Mrs. Wharton, visit www.whartoncentermedia.com.
