Samara Joy to Join ProMusica for the 2026 Soirée Benefit & Concert
Five-time Grammy-winning jazz singer Samara Joy makes her Columbus debut with ProMusica
(Columbus, OH) – ProMusica Chamber Orchestra will welcome five-time Grammy Award-winning vocalist, Samara Joy, for their 2026 Soirée Benefit & Concert on Monday, March 23, 2026, alongside the orchestra led by guest conductor Andrew Grams. Tickets will be available to ProMusica subscribers starting Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 11 a.m. and will go on sale to the general public on Wednesday, Dec. 17, at 11 a.m.
“We are excited to welcome Samara Joy as our 2026 Soiree guest artist,” said Janet Chen, ProMusica’s CEO. “She joins our incredible roster of acclaimed Soiree guests including Jon Batiste, Leslie Odom, Jr, Rhiannon Giddens, and Sutton Foster and to it will be an honor to perform with her for this one-night only event. The Soiree has become a hallmark of ProMusica’s season, celebrated for introducing great artists whose unique musical voices pair beautifully with our orchestra. Samara is star, already making a profound impact in the jazz world, and we’re thrilled that her first time in Columbus will be with us.”
Joy grew up singing R&B and gospel in her local church choir and later got into jazz while attending SUNY Purchase. She released her self-titled debut album in 2021, followed by Linger Awhile, which earned Grammys for Best Jazz Vocal Album and Best New Artist. Following her Grammy wins, she realized an EP, A Joyful Holiday, and her latest album, Portrait. Portrait was co-produced with the veteran trumpeter/bandleader and multi-Grammy winner Brian Lynch, showcasing the intimate, soulful chemistry she’s developed with her touring band, already earning her an NAACP Image Award this year for Best Jazz Album.
Grams is an American conductor with a reputation for his dynamic concerts, ability to connect with audiences, and long-term orchestra building. He has led orchestras throughout the United States and internationally, including the Chicago Symphony, Detroit Symphony, National Symphony Orchestra, the Orchestre National de France, Hong Kong Philharmonic, BBC Symphony Orchestra London, and many more. Grams served as the music director of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra for eight seasons.
ProMusica’s Soirée Benefit & Concert is the orchestra’s largest fundraiser, and the proceeds will support their artistic and outreach programs. The Soirée will begin on March 23, 2026, with a party at The Westin Great Southern Hotel Ballroom at 5:30 p.m., and the concert featuring Joy will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Southern Theatre. Additional information about the Soirée is available at promusicacolumbus.org.
TICKET INFORMATION
Concert-only tickets range from $60-$120, and Patron Packages to attend both the party and the concert will be available at two levels: a $250 Patron Package and a $500 Platinum Patron Package. Sponsorships will range from $3,000 to $10,000. A portion of each package is tax-deductible. Tickets are available through the ProMusica Box Office at 614.464.0066 ext. 101 and online at promusicacolumbus.org.
ABOUT PROMUSICA
ProMusica Chamber Orchestra delivers a world-class and unique classical music experience through innovative chamber orchestra programming, education outreach, audience intimacy, and artistic excellence. Recognized for its commitment to performing new and contemporary repertoire, ProMusica has commissioned 73 new works and has presented more than 130 world and regional premieres.
Founded in 1979, ProMusica is known for its exceptional artistry, audience intimacy, and community engagement. The orchestra is a creative collective of 37 musicians united by love for music and committed to sharing it with the world, with performances that bend the boundaries of imagination, curiosity, and discovery. Beyond the concert hall, the orchestra is equally at home throughout the community, serving thousands of individuals through key education and outreach programs. Known for its dual traditions of artistic integrity and fiscal responsibility, ProMusica is now in its 47th season. ProMusica’s 2025-2026 season is supported by the Greater Columbus Arts Council, The Columbus Foundation, the Ohio Arts Council, the Reinberger Foundation, and the ProMusica Sustaining Board.
###
