MSU’s West Circle Series Celebrates 250 Years of American Music
The MSU College of Music’s Joanne and Bill Church West Circle Series opens its 2026–27 season with 1776–2026: Celebrating 250 Years of American Music on Monday, October 5, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. in Fairchild Theatre of the MSU Auditorium. Honoring the nation’s semiquincentennial, the program explores American musical heritage through the voices of influential composers.
Spanning chamber music, spirituals, and art song, the program features music by Amy Beach, Florence Price, H. T. Burleigh, and Hall Johnson, composers whose works helped shape America’s musical landscape. The performance highlights a variety of musical traditions and perspectives that continue to influence American culture today.
Featured performers include MSU artist-faculty members Yvonne Lam, violin; Suren Bagratuni, cello; Deborah Moriarty, piano; Mark Rucker, baritone; and Sadie Rucker, piano. Brief introductions throughout the evening provide additional context about the composers, music, and the era in which they lived.
“This program offers an opportunity to reflect on American history through a collection of impactful musical voices,” said Deborah Moriarty, MSU professor of piano and director of the West Circle Series. “We look forward to sharing music that tells insightful stories about our country’s artistic heritage while celebrating the remarkable musicians who bring it to life.”
Other West Circle Series concerts this season include French Connection (Nov. 2), exploring French chamber music; Happy Birthday, Mozart! (Jan. 25), celebrating Mozart’s 271st birthday; and Beethoven: 200 Years (Apr. 12), honoring the enduring legacy of one of classical music’s most influential composers.
1776–2026: Celebrating 250 Years of American Music is generously sponsored by Trustee Emerita Dee Cook in memory of her husband Byron Cook. The entire West Circle Series is underwritten by Joanne and Bill Church.
This concert is presented during the MSU College of Music’s “20 Years of Momentum” anniversary season, celebrating two decades as an independent college while building on a musical tradition at MSU that spans more than 160 years.
Tickets: Reserved seating tickets purchased at the door are $19 for adults, $17 for seniors (age 60+), and $9 for students and those under 18 with valid ID. Tickets may also be purchased online at music.msu.edu/events or by calling (517) 353-5340; tickets purchased online or by phone include a $1.50 processing fee.
