Manasse/Nakamatsu Duo to Perform at W&L’s Lenfest Center The Feb. 7 performance is sponsored by the university’s Concert Guild.

Office of Communications and Public Affairs
January 23, 2026

The Department of Music at Washington and Lee University presents Jon Manasse and Jon Nakamatsu in concert at 7 p.m. on Feb. 7 in Wilson Concert Hall in the Lenfest Center for the Arts.

The event is sponsored by W&L’s Concert Guild, which brings professional performing artists to campus each year for concerts and masterclasses. Tickets are required and can be purchased online or in person at the Lenfest Center Box Office.

Clarinetist Manasse and pianist Nakamatsu tour as the Manasse/Nakamatsu Duo and serve as artistic directors of the Cape Cod Chamber Music Festival in Massachusetts. Their Feb. 7 performance will feature works by Johannes Brahms, Claude Debussy and Leonard Bernstein.

As a classical artist, Manasse is internationally recognized for his inspiring artistry, uniquely glorious sound and charismatic performing style. A graduate of the Juilliard School, Manasse was a top prize winner in the 36th International Competition for Clarinet in Munich and the youngest winner of the International Clarinet Society Competition. He is also on the faculty of the Eastman School of Music and the Juilliard School.

For three decades, Nakamatsu has drawn critical and public acclaim for his performances, which combine elegance, clarity and electrifying power. He gained international attention in 1997 when was named the gold medalist of the 10th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition — the only American to have achieved this distinction since 1981. He currently teaches at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.

In addition to their performance, Manasse and Nakamatsu will host a masterclass at 10 a.m. on Feb. 8 for students in W&L’s music program.

Order your tickets online today or call the Lenfest Center Box Office at 540-458-8000 for ticket information. Box office hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The cost is $28 for adults, $23 for seniors and $18 for W&L faculty and staff; W&L students receive free tickets by showing their student identification.

For a full list of events, visit the Department of Music’s website.