Concert Details
Grace Goudy Distinguished Artists Series presents: Elsewhere Ensemble
Grammy-winning baritone Kenneth Overton and internationally acclaimed soprano Camille Ortiz join the Eugene-based Elsewhere Ensemble for a powerful evening of music and contemplation. Together, they will perform Invocation – a prayer for peace, an innovative new work by the ensemble’s violinist, Colin Pip Dixon, who is joined by Arnaud Ghillebaert (viola) and Kathryn Brunhaver (cello). Drawing text from activists, mystics, and scientists across the globe, this hauntingly beautiful piece offers a moment of reflection surrounding one of the most urgent questions of our time: do our beliefs drive us further into violence, or lead us toward deeper peace and reconciliation?
Wednesday, September 2, 2026 • 7:30 p.m.
Hudson Hall
Mary Stuart Rogers Music Center
Tickets available soon!
Family Weekend Concerts
Welcome to Willamette University’s Family Weekend! The Department of Music invites families, friends, and the Salem community to a showcase of our student ensembles. Across these performances, our Choir, Orchestra, and Jazz Ensembles will share a dynamic preview of the music they have been diving into this semester. Come experience a slice of campus life, celebrate our student performers, and enjoy a wonderful weekend of music.
Choir & Orchestra • Friday, October 2, 2026 • 7:30 p.m.
Jazz Ensembles • Saturday, October 3, 2026 • 7:30 p.m.
Hudson Hall
Mary Stuart Rogers Music Center
All are welcome to this free event!
Grace Goudy Distinguished Artists Series presents: icarus Quartet
The famed half-piano, half-percussion icarus Quartet visits Willamette University to present Eclectic Electric, a thrilling program that explores the intersection of live acoustic instruments and electronic music through groundbreaking contemporary works by Stephen Downing, Kian Ravaei, Bobby Ge, Scott Lee, Erik Texter, and Christian Quiñones. This performance features diverse sonic elements ranging from sampled lo-fi hip hop beats and a Dominican güira to a rich array of electronic gear. At one point, the ensemble eschews their traditional acoustic setup for synthesizers, drum machines, and MIDI controllers, creating a dynamic space where chamber music meets Electronic Dance Music. Don't miss this opportunity to see an ensemble redefining the future of live chamber music with a performance that truly has something for everyone.
Tuesday, October 27, 2026 • 7:30 p.m.
Hudson Hall
Mary Stuart Rogers Music Center
Tickets available soon!
Jazz Fall Concert
Herald the return of autumn leaves with an evening of live jazz music! This concert features the Willamette Jazz Collective, our university's big band, alongside intimate, improvisational student combos and our unique vocal jazz ensemble, Willamette Singers. From timeless classics to contemporary arrangements, this performance highlights the creativity and collaborative spirit of our student musicians. Join us in Hudson Hall for a welcoming night of great music and community.
Tuesday, November 10, 2026 • 7:30 p.m.
Hudson Hall
Mary Stuart Rogers Music Center
All are welcome to this free event!
Sonic Arts and Experimental Music Ensemble Concert, “Mutable Landscapes”
Immerse yourself in a boundary-pushing evening of innovative soundscapes with the Sonic Arts and Experimental Music Ensemble. "Mutable Landscapes" features original student and faculty works blending electronic textures, live synthesis, and multimedia elements. Come experience the future of music in an intimate, exploratory setting.
Tuesday, November 17, 2026 • 7:30 p.m.
Rogers Rehearsal Hall
Mary Stuart Rogers Music Center
All are welcome to this free event.
Holidays in Hudson Hall
The Willamette University Department of Music is proud to present the annual Holidays In Hudson Hall concerts! Our program features timeless choral works and songs for the season performed by Willamette's Vox, Voce, Chamber Choir and Willam8tte, along with traditional carols sung together with the audience. A long-running tradition seen by many as the official start to the holidays, these special concerts in the beautifully decorated Hudson Hall offer an opportunity to slow down and enjoy a moment of peace, beauty, and reflection. This beloved Salem holiday tradition typically sells out, so be sure to get your tickets early!
December 3 and Friday, December 4, 2026 • 7:30 p.m.
Hudson Hall
Mary Stuart Rogers Music Center
Tickets available soon!
Annual Star Trees Lighting Concert
The festive magic of Willamette’s historic Star Trees celebration continues inside Hudson Hall! The Department of Music invites families, neighbors, and the Salem community to our special holiday concert, the department's musical contribution to this university tradition. Featuring performances of holiday favorites by our student ensembles, this family-friendly event is the perfect way to celebrate the lighting of the trees. Join us to share in the warmth, joy, and community spirit of the season.
Saturday, December 5, 2026 • Time TBD
Hudson Hall
Mary Stuart Rogers Music Center
All are welcome to this free event!
Choir Winter Concert
Join the Willamette University Choirs for an evening of choral music in Hudson Hall. This performance features our four vocal ensembles: Vox, Voce, Chamber Choir, and Willam8tte – a select vocal octet from within the Chamber Choir. The program will showcase repertoire developed over the winter months. Stay tuned for specific program and repertoire details as the concert approaches.
Sunday, February 21, 2027 • 7 p.m.
Hudson Hall
Mary Stuart Rogers Music Center
All are welcome to this free event!
Fête des Femmes: A Concert in Celebration of International Women’s Day
In its sixth annual tribute to International Women’s Day, Willamette Music brings together an extraordinary array of performances from around the globe and through the decades, all in celebration of countless contributions women have made to the world of music. Join us in celebrating the timeless voices and talents that have paved the way for centuries of female musicians and artists.
Monday, March 8, 2027 • 7:30 p.m.
Hudson Hall
Mary Stuart Rogers Music Center
Tickets available soon!
Dramatic Vocal Arts: The Light in the Piazza (musical)
Friday, March 12, 2027 • 7:30 p.m
Saturday, March 13, 2027 • 7:30 p.m
Sunday, March 14, 2027 • 2 p.m.
Smith Auditorium
Tickets available soon!
Jazz Spring Concert
Join Willamette University’s premier jazz ensembles for an evening of big band classics, contemporary grooves, and improvisation. This concert showcases the Willamette Jazz Collective, our university's big band, alongside intimate, improvisational student combos and our unique vocal jazz ensemble, Willamette Singers. This special spring performance frequently features an exciting guest artist alongside our student musicians. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements regarding this semester's guest artist!
Tuesday, March 16, 2027 • 7:30 p.m.
Hudson Hall
Mary Stuart Rogers Music Center
All are welcome to this free event!
Grace Goudy Distinguished Artists Series presents: Anthea Kreston
The Distinguished Artists Series is proud to welcome back internationally celebrated violinist Anthea Kreston, this time as a solo performer and author offering a unique and exciting new production, Crescendo: Live. Based on her memoir, this performance blends violin artistry with spoken-word anecdotes, taking the audience on an intimate journey through her life in music. Currently the first violinist of the Delgani Quartet and formerly the only American member of Germany’s legendary Artemis Quartet, Kreston has graced world-renowned stages from Carnegie Hall to Amsterdam's Concertgebouw. Join us in Cone Chapel for a powerful evening of live music and storytelling.
Sunday, April 4, 2027 • 7 p.m.
Cone Chapel, Waller Hall
Tickets available soon!
Orchestra & Chamber Music Spring Concert
Join us for a diverse afternoon of instrumental music featuring the Willamette Symphony Orchestra alongside the department's premier chamber groups. This performance showcases the full symphony orchestra as well as the percussion ensemble, brass quintet, woodwind quintet, and other small ensembles. Stay tuned as the final repertoire and the complete lineup of featured chamber groups are announced!
Saturday, April 10, 2027 • 3 p.m.
Hudson Hall
Mary Stuart Rogers Music Center
All are welcome to this free event!
Student Scholarship Recognition Day: Music Showcase
Music performance forms a vital part of Student Scholarship Recognition Day at Willamette University. This year's Music Showcase features an exceptional lineup of musicians whose performances have stood out throughout the semester for their polish and musicality. Don't miss this opportunity to witness how our students' creative achievements embody Willamette’s culture of scholarly excellence.
Wednesday, April 14, 2027 • 1 p.m.
Hudson Hall
Mary Stuart Rogers Music Center
All are welcome to this free event!
Faculty Recital: Hannah Penn
Sunday, April 18, 2027 • 7 p.m.
Hudson Hall
Mary Stuart Rogers Music Center
Tickets available soon!
Sonic Arts and Experimental Music Ensemble Concert, “Mutable Landscapes”
Immerse yourself in a boundary-pushing evening of innovative soundscapes with the Sonic Arts and Experimental Music Ensemble. "Mutable Landscapes" features original student and faculty works blending electronic textures, live synthesis, and multimedia elements. Come experience the future of music in an intimate, exploratory setting.
Tuesday, April 20, 2027 • 7:30 p.m.
Rogers Rehearsal Hall
Mary Stuart Rogers Music Center
All are welcome to this free event!
Choir Spring Concert
Join the Willamette University Choirs for their final major performance of the academic year. The concert features all four of our vocal ensembles: Vox, Voce, Chamber Choir, and Willam8tte – a select vocal octet from within the Chamber Choir. This culminating performance highlights the students' artistry and collaborative growth over the entire year. Stay tuned for specific program and repertoire announcements.
Sunday, April 25, 2027 • 7:30 p.m.
Hudson Hall
Mary Stuart Rogers Music Center
All are welcome to this free event!
Graduating Music Seniors Recital
Join us for a special send-off concert featuring solo and chamber music performances from Willamette University's Class of '27. Come celebrate the amazing hard work and dedication of seniors in the Department of Music! Reception to follow.
Saturday, May 8, 2027 • 2 p.m.
Hudson Hall
Mary Stuart Rogers Music Center
All are welcome to this free event!
For additional music events, including faculty lectures, senior recitals, and department convocations, please visit the Music Events Calendar.
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