Las Vegas Academy of the Arts returns to the Smith Center on October 14 with Origins, a concert where student musicians and guest artists perform music from around the world. Tickets start at $28.80 and support the school.
On October 14, the Smith Center will host Las Vegas Academy of the Arts for a concert that puts international music in the spotlight. Every ticket sold helps fund the next wave of local performers. The Smith Center, at 361 W Symphony Park Ave, is known for major cultural events and a packed fall schedule, as covered in the Las Vegas Review-Journal's fall arts preview.
This year marks the 14th time the Academy brings its Origins concert to the Smith Center. The show goes far beyond a typical student recital. Alongside the Academy’s own musicians, the night features guest artists who each bring a unique global sound to the stage.
Guest artists and featured works
One highlight is Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Buckley, euphonium soloist with the U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own." The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” is the Army’s official concert group and often plays at high-profile events across the country, according to the ensemble's official site. Buckley will perform Dennis Llinás' "Sueños de Calle Ocho." Llinás himself will be there, giving Las Vegas a rare chance to hear a piece played by both its composer and a top soloist.
The program also brings in Dr. Nathan Southwick, who will play Maurice Ravel’s "Tzigane." This piece, written in 1924, draws on Romani violin traditions and adds to the concert’s international reach. Baritone André Chiang will sing "Libera Me" from the Fauré Requiem, a movement often performed on its own and known as one of the most powerful parts of Fauré’s work.
Event details and ticket information
Origins takes place Wednesday, October 14, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Smith Center, 361 W Symphony Park Ave. Tickets run from $28.80 to $115. All proceeds go to the Clark County School District’s Las Vegas Academy. The Smith Center regularly updates its fall schedule, including big shows like "Phantom of the Opera" later in October. For the latest on Origins and ticket sales, check the Smith Center’s official site or the school’s announcements.
This event stands out in Las Vegas’ music scene for mixing student talent with professional artists. The Smith Center has become a regular stage for these kinds of collaborations. It’s the same venue where major acts like BTS and Le Sserafim have performed at T-Mobile Arena, as reported earlier by Vegas Report.
Why Origins matters for Las Vegas
The Academy’s annual Smith Center concert is more than just a show. It’s a direct investment in the city’s cultural future. By bringing together students, composers, and guest artists, Origins gives the audience a chance to hear music that crosses borders and generations in one night. The money raised helps the Academy keep growing and gives young musicians in Clark County more opportunities.
In a city famous for big productions, Origins proves that Las Vegas’ creative heart is strong and changing. The Academy’s focus on global music and working with professionals sets a high bar for local arts education. This concert is a key part of the city’s fall arts calendar.
