2020-21 Season Announcement (Updated as of January ’21)

An update from Pro Musica: with case numbers rising, we have made the decision to postpone in person events through at least March 1st, 2021. Stay tuned in early 2021 for updates on this season’s public activities (Overtures of Hope will continue).

From Boston to Austin, New York City to Los Angeles, we’re thrilled to share our 2020-21 Concert Series preview with you. Join us for our 41st year of bringing the finest in chamber music to the Joplin region. Beyond our public events below, these award-winning ensembles will engage in a range of our cornerstone education and outreach events impacting schools, universities, and public audiences.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all ensembles, dates, and times below are subject to change.

Overtures of Hope        

Honoring our health care and service workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Overtures of Hope will bring free outreach performances to area institutions through safe, socially-distanced means.

Autumn & Winter

The Ying Quartet – Postponed

Pro Musica audience favorites and sibling sensations from New York State

Thursday, February 11th

Learn more about The Ying Quartet

Boston Brass – Postponed

Award-winning quintet with broad repertoire and unique audience engagement

Thursday, March 18th

Learn more about Boston Brass

Invoke Quartet – Stay tuned

Austin-based, Americana-infused Bowed and Fretted String classical quartet 

Thursday, April 8th & Friday, April 9th (coffee shop set)

Learn more about Invoke Quartet

Schumann Quartet & pianist Jon Nakamatsu – Postponed

Lincoln Center chamber-ensemble-in-residence

Thursday, April 29th

Learn more about Schumann Quartet and pianist Jon Nakamatsu

Frisson Ensemble – Stay tuned

Nonet (nine-member) ensemble featuring strings, reeds, and woodwinds from New York City

Thursday, May 13th

Learn more about Frisson Ensemble

Brubeck Brothers Quartet – Stay tuned

Chris and Dan Brubeck, children of the legendary Dan Brubeck and deeply accomplished musicians in their own rights, will take centerstage during our annual ticketed fundraising event — featuring barbecue and jazz!

Learn more about the Brubeck Brothers Quartet

Thursday, June 17th

Charles McPherson: The Journey Home – Stay tuned

Joplin native, jazz sensation, join us for this extra-special event that is featured as part of the Missouri Bicentennial

Friday, July 23rd & Saturday, July 24th, produced with Connect2Culture, VisitJoplin, Missouri Southern State University and other area partners

Learn more about Charles McPherson

Pro Musica Announces Cancellation‘Overtures of Hope’ begins

Emlyn Johnson

Emlyn currently serves as Creative Director of Pro Musica. Emlyn’s background as a classically trained flutist, educator, and presenter eventually led her to Missouri, where she taught in the music department at Missouri State University and was the Executive Director for Pro Musica from 2021 – 2023. She is the co-director of the American Wild Ensemble and performs regularly around the state and beyond, and is an adjunct instructor of Flute at UMKC Conservatory in Kansas City, MO. Emlyn holds a doctorate from the Eastman School of Music and holds additional degrees from Eastman and the University of Michigan. She is responsible for creative and artistic aspects of Pro Musica and guides the selection process of concerts, reporting to the Board of Directors

Joani Zibert

Joani serves as the incoming Executive Director of Pro Musica, bringing more than 17 years of executive leadership experience across nonprofit governance, arts education innovation, K-12 and postsecondary education development, public and private funding strategy, legal compliance, and organizational growth. A nationally recognized school founder and non-profit executive, she has secured millions in public and private funding, built high-performing organizations from the ground up, and guided boards through periods of transformation, scale, and long-term sustainability at the local, state, and national levels.

Joani is the founder and former Board President of Doral Academy of Nevada, where she led the creation and expansion of an arts-integrated school system now serving over 5,000 students, transforming community frustration over the loss of arts education into an award-winning model of creative excellence.

Originally from the 4-States area, with Slovenian grandparents, she has worked nationally gaining a professional background that includes serving in varying roles including President of nonprofits, Director of Operations, Director of Law & Policy, Director of Grants, Director of Marketing, and senior executive advisor roles. Joani is known for aligning missions with measurable impact while bridging vision, governance, and execution. Her work is rooted in the belief that the arts are not an accessory to education or community life, but a catalyst for connection, economic vitality, and generational change.

As Executive Director of Pro Musica, Joani brings a bold, forward-focused approach centered on organizational excellence, financial sustainability, expanded community engagement, and the elevation of Pro Musica’s role as a cultural cornerstone. She leads with clarity, courage, and collaboration while committed to honoring Pro Musica’s legacy as we build the next chapter with strength and momentum.