Performers List 2025-2026

Praised for “beautiful performances of great warmth” (Classical Voice of North Carolina), Michael Delfín captures the listener with sensitivity and flair as a versatile performer of historical and modern keyboard instruments. Michael won the top prize ex aequo in the Ninth Jurow International Harpsichord Competition, shortly after being nominated to the Diapason 20 Under 30 Class of 2021. As a pianist, Mr. Delfin has won prizes in the Chautauqua International Piano Competition, the International Crescendo Music Awards, and two consecutive concerto competitions at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Recent performances include recitals for the Ear Taxi New Music Festival, The Stone, the Iowa City Early Keyboard Society, and the Western Early Keyboard Association, and solo appearances with Lyra Baroque, Bourbon Baroque, the CCM Concert Orchestra, and the American Chamber Symphony. Mr. Delfin’s advocacy for new music has led to numerous world premieres across the United States to rave reviews. He recently collaborated with mezzo-soprano Leandra Ramm on an album of contemporary art song for Ablaze Records. In frequent demand as a choral collaborator, Mr. Delfín has performed with the Spoleto Festival USA Chorus and is the accompanist of Druid City Chorus.

Alex Gartner is an educator, conductor, and composer based in Pensacola, Florida. He serves as the Artistic & Executive Director of the Pensacola Children's Chorus, where he oversees 9 resident choirs and 5 regional choirs comprised of nearly 300 singers. Combined, these programs reach an audience of 25,000 individuals, including 5,000 youth, throughout Northwest Florida.

For 2025, the Jan Miller Studio Artists are Denique Issac, Christine Boddicker, Xiaojle Ji, Jason Edelstein, and Marine Eckert.

Dr. Peter Rubardt, Music Director for the Pensacola Symphony, will discuss the upcoming 100th season of the PSO at the October Luncheon.

Jermel Kidd is a Pensacola native and recent graduate of the University of West Florida, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music with an outside field concentration. He studied classical piano under the esteemed Dr. Hedi Salanki and continues to perform regularly as a pianist in both concert and church settings. Jermel currently serves as a church musician and is pursuing a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis at UWF, blending his passion for the arts with a deep commitment to helping others.