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The Triumphant Return of Live-audience Concerts

Live Again! Music comes back to campus with a packed schedule. Tickets on sale starting Aug. 24.


COMING SOON: Online event listings and ticket sales


View the 2021–2022 Season Brochure


Live and in-person is no longer a dream for patrons and performers alike as the MSU College of Music re-opens venues for the upcoming season. 

The 2021-2022 “LIVE AGAIN” Season runs September through early May and will feature a rich variety of superb classical and jazz performances by exceptional artists including faculty, students, acclaimed visiting musicians, and cutting-edge new music groups. Click here to see the full press release. 

Recognizable series and fan-favorite events make their return to the stage this season. See the links below to “Save the Dates” and preview the entire season:

Further energizing the season is the highly anticipated public opening of the Billman Music Pavilion, showcasing new performance venues and grand rehearsal halls. The public opening of the 35,000-square foot expansion this fall symbolizes new directions and opportunity for the College and community, as well as the re-emergence of in-person performance. In addition, the state-of-the-art installation of the new “Red Cedar Organ” at the  MSU Alumni Memorial Chapel, thanks to the generous support of Ed and Wanda Eichler, will be unveiled to the public during a special dedicatory concert in the spring.   

“We are delighted to plan our upcoming concert season as a celebration of the human spirit: Together, LIVE AGAIN. The opportunity to share the power of music of all stripes and kinds with live audiences will be more magical than ever,” said James Forger, dean of the College of Music. 

“We can’t thank our patrons, sponsors and our community enough for their support through this historic and trying time,” Forger continued. “Rolling out a full slate of performances in beautiful places like Fairchild Theatre, Wharton Center’s Great Hall, Cook Recital Hall, and now the Billman Music Pavilion, is exciting, and we look forward to celebrating this music revival on-stage, with audience-inspired performances.”

The 2021–2022 Season Brochure calendar of events will be mailed to patrons by August 12. See the listings below for event dates, times, and venues.

Save the Dates

Browse more than 100 ticketed listings below for event series, recitals and ensembles. Tickets go on sale to the public starting August 24, 2021. General Admission $= $12 adults, $10 seniors, students free. Reserved Seating $$= $17 Adults, $15 Seniors, $7 students; $$$= $20/$22 Adults, $18/$20 seniors, $10/$12 students.

QUICK LINKS: Showcase | West Circle | Early Music | Cello Plus | Opera | MSU Artist/Guest Recitals | Jazz | Orchestra | Musique 21 | Band | Choir | Special Events 




MSU Federal Credit Union Showcase Series  

  • The Westerlies, guest contemporary chamber music ensemble, Wednesday, Nov. 3, 7:30 p.m., Fairchild Theatre, $$$
  • Songs of Comfort and Joy, MSU Symphony Orchestra and Choirs, Saturday, Dec. 4, 8 p.m., Wharton Center, $$$   
  • A Jazzy Little Christmas, MSU Professors of Jazz, Saturday, Dec. 11, 8 p.m., Fairchild Theatre, $$$  
  • Wagner Chamber Music Competition, Friday, April 15, 8 p.m.; Saturday, Apr. 16, 3 p.m., Fairchild Theatre, $
  • Piano Monster, Saturday, May 7, 3 p.m., Fairchild Theatre, $$$  
Showcase | West Circle | Early Music | Cello Plus | Opera | MSU Artist/Guest Recitals | Jazz | Orchestra | Musique 21 | Band | Choir | Special Events | Return to Top of Page




Joanne and Bill Church West Circle Series 

  • Lift Every Voice, Monday, Oct. 25, 7:30 p.m., Fairchild Theatre, $$  
  • Bach in the U.S.A. Monday, Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m., Fairchild Theatre, $$  
  • Happy Birthday Mozart! Monday, Jan. 24, 7:30 p.m., Fairchild Theatre, $$  
  • Legends, Monday, Apr. 4, 7:30 p.m., Fairchild Theatre, $$  
Showcase | West Circle | Early Music | Cello Plus | Opera | MSU Artist/Guest Recitals | Jazz | Orchestra | Musique 21 | Band | Choir | Special Events | Return to Top of Page




Taylor Johnston Early Music Series 

  • Harmonious Blacksmith, Sunday, Oct. 10, 7:00 p.m., Fairchild Theatre, $$ 
  • The Medici Ensemble, Saturday, Nov. 6, 8 p.m., Fairchild Theatre, $$ 
  • Aldo Abreu and Friends, Tuesday, Mar. 29, 7:30 p.m., Fairchild Theatre, $$ 
Showcase | West Circle | Early Music | Cello Plus | Opera | MSU Artist/Guest Recitals | Jazz | Orchestra | Musique 21 | Band | Choir | Special Events | Return to Top of Page




20th Anniversary, Ken and Sandy Beall Cello Plus Chamber Music Festival

  • A Night at The Movies, Tuesday, Apr. 5, 7:30 p.m., Fairchild Theatre, $$
  • Vox Humana, Thursday, Apr. 7, 7:30 p.m., Fairchild Theatre, $$  
  • A Festival of Keys, Saturday, Apr. 9, 8 p.m., Fairchild Theatre, $$ 
Showcase | West Circle | Early Music | Cello Plus | Opera | MSU Artist/Guest Recitals | Jazz | Orchestra | Musique 21 | Band | Choir | Special Events | Return to Top of Page




Worthington Family Foundation Opera Theatre Season 

  • Three from the Hearth, A Domestic “Dramedy,” Wednesday, Nov. 17, 7 p.m.; Friday, Nov. 19, 7 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 20, 7 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 21, 3 p.m., Fairchild Theatre, $$$ 
  • A Celebration of the Beautiful Voice, scenes from operatic masterworks, Sunday, Feb. 6, 3 p.m., Fairchild Theatre, $$$
  • Albert Herring, by Benjamin Britten, Wednesday, Mar. 23, 7 p.m.; Friday, Mar. 25, 7 p.m.; Saturday, Mar. 26, 7 p.m.; Sunday, Mar. 27, 3 p.m., Fairchild Theatre, $$$ 
Showcase | West Circle | Early Music | Cello Plus | Opera | MSU Artist/Guest Recitals | Jazz | Orchestra | Musique 21 | Band | Choir | Special Events | Return to Top of Page




Artist-faculty and Guest Recital Series sponsored by WKAR 

  • Ralph Votapek and Friends: Music for Two Pianos, Wednesday, Sep. 1, 7:30 p.m., Cook Recital Hall, $
  • MSU Professors of Jazz, Friday, Sep.10, 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., Murray Hall, $
  • New Stories, featuring Joseph Lulloff, saxophone, Thursday, Sep. 16, 7:30 p.m., Fairchild Theatre, $
  • Beauty and Sorrow in the shadow of the Iron Curtain, featuring Guy Yehuda, clarinet, Saturday, Sep. 18, 8 p.m., Cook Recital Hall, $
  • Works for Flute and Piano, featuring Richard Sherman, flute, Wednesday, Sep. 22, 7:30 p.m., Cook Recital Hall, $
  • Chamber Works from Beethoven to Piazzolla, featuring Corbin Wagner, horn, Tuesday, Sep. 28, 7:30 p.m., Cook Recital Hall, $
  • Piano Recital, featuring Ralph Votapek, Tuesday, Oct. 5, 7:30 p.m., Fairchild Theatre, $
  • Pass A Good Time 2021-LIVE!, featuring Marc Embree, bass-baritone, Sunday, Oct. 10, 3 p.m., Fairchild Theatre, $
  • Modern Repertoire for Violin and Marimba, featuring Gwen Dease, percussion, Wednesday, Oct. 13, 7:30 p.m., Murray Hall, $
  • Chamber Recital with Piano, Violin and Clarinet, featuring Derek Polischuk, piano, Thursday, Nov. 4, 7:30 p.m., Fairchild Theatre, $
  • Reveron Trio, guest chamber music ensemble, Friday, Nov. 12, 8 p.m., Cook Recital Hall, $
  • Classic Chamber Works for Cello, featuring Suren Bagratuni, cello, Sunday, Nov. 14, 7 p.m., Cook Recital Hall, $
  • Dmitri Berlinsky: “Enchanted Violin,” featuring Dmitri Berlinsky, violin, Monday, Nov. 15, 7:30 p.m., Cook Recital Hall, $
  • Dreams and Spirits: Works for Strings and Clarinet, featuring Guy Yehuda, Wednesday, Dec. 1, 7:30 p.m., Fairchild Theatre, $
  • An Afternoon of Art Song, featuring Melanie Helton, soprano, Sunday, Jan. 9, 3 p.m., Fairchild Theatre, $
  • Tuba and Friends, featuring Philip Sinder, tuba, Wednesday, Jan. 19, 7:30 p.m., Fairchild Theatre, $
  • Formosa Trio, harp, flute and viola ensemble featuring harpist Chen-Yu Huang, Friday, Jan. 28, 8 p.m., Fairchild Theatre
  • Lunar New Year Celebration, featuring Yvonne Lam, violin, and Mingzhe Wang, clarinet, Tuesday, Feb. 1, 7:30 p.m., Cook Recital Hall, $
  • Together with Family and Friends, featuring Mark Rucker, baritone, Sadie Rucker, piano, Sunday, Feb. 6, 7 p.m., Fairchild Theatre, $
  • "If I Love Again," An Evening of American Songbook, featuring Melanie Helton, soprano, Sunday, Feb. 13, 7 p.m., Murray Hall, $
  • MSU Professors of Jazz, Friday, Feb. 18, 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., Murray Hall, $
  • Songs for the Reopened World, featuring Jane Bunnell, mezzo-soprano, Marc Embree, bass-baritone, Monday, Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m., Cook Recital Hall, $
  • The Old Man and the "C", Sea, Sì, Sí, See?, featuring Rick Fracker, tenor, Tuesday, Mar. 15, 7:30 p.m., Cook Recital Hall, $
  • International Chamber Soloists led by Dmitri Berlinsky, Thursday, Mar. 31, 7:30 p.m., Fairchild Theatre, $
  • Chamber Music Weekend 
    • “Interconnected,“ Chamber Work Premieres, featuring Tasha Warren, clarinet and guests, Friday, Apr. 1, 8 p.m., Murray Hall, $
    • “Chamber Fusion,” Jazz Meets Classical, featuring MSU Jazz and Chamber instrumentalists and guests, Saturday, Apr. 2, 3 p.m., Murray Hall, $
Showcase | West Circle | Early Music | Cello Plus | Opera | MSU Artist/Guest Recitals | Jazz | Orchestra | Musique 21 | Band | Choir | Special Events | Return to Top of Page




MSU Jazz Ensembles and MSU Federal Credit Union Jazz Artists in Residence

  • Renée Rosnes, Jazz Piano, with MSU Jazz Orchestras, Friday, Oct. 8, 8 p.m., Fairchild Theatre, $$ MSUFCU Jazz Artist in Residence
  • Carl Allan, Jazz Drums, with MSU Jazz Octets, Friday, Nov. 19, 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., Murray Hall, $
  • Lewis Nash, Jazz Drums, with MSU Jazz Orchestras, Friday, Dec. 3, 8 p.m., Fairchild Theatre, $$ MSUFCU Jazz Artist in Residence
  • Jazz: Spirituals, Prayer and Protest Concert, Sunday, Jan. 16, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., Fairchild Theatre, free
  • Stefon Harris, Vibraphone, with MSU Jazz Orchestras, Friday, Feb. 25, 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., Murray Hall, $$ MSUFCU Jazz Artist in Residence
  • Regina Carter, Jazz Violin, with MSU Jazz Octets, Friday, Mar. 18, 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., Murray Hall, $$ MSUFCU Jazz Artist in Residence
  • 40th Annual Jazz Spectacular: MSU Jazz Octets, Thursday Apr. 21, 7:30 p.m. Murray Hall, $; Jazz Swing Dance, Friday, April 22, 8 p.m. Murray Hall, $; Finale Concert with MSU Jazz ensembles, bassist John Clayton, and other special guests, Saturday, April 23, 8 p.m., Fairchild Theatre, $$$
Showcase | West Circle | Early Music | Cello Plus | Opera | MSU Artist/Guest Recitals | Jazz | Orchestra | Musique 21 | Band | Choir | Special Events | Return to Top of Page




MSU Orchestras

  • “Babi Yar,” 80th Anniversary, Symphony No. 13 by Shostakovich, I Never Saw Another Butterfly by Davidson, MSU Choirs and Orchestra, Sunday, Sep. 12, Digital Broadcast, free
  • The Spirit of Dance, MSU Symphony Orchestra, Sunday, Sep. 26, 3 p.m., Fairchild Theatre, $
  • Songs of Comfort and Joy, MSU Symphony Orchestra and Choirs, part of the MSU Federal Credit Union Showcase Series, Saturday, Dec. 4, 8 p.m., Wharton Center, $$$   
  • Price, American Master, MSU Concert Orchestra, Thursday, Oct. 14, 7:30 p.m., Wharton Center, $
  • The Sounds of Colors and Landscapes, MSU Symphony Orchestra, Sunday, Oct. 24, 3 p.m., Fairchild Theatre, $ 
  • Orbiting Sounds, MSU Symphony Orchestra, Tuesday, Nov. 23, 7:30 p.m., Fairchild Theatre, $
  • Fantastic Music Tales, MSU Concert Orchestra, Wednesday, Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m., Fairchild Theatre, $
  • Sounds of Oppression, Resilience, and Transcendence, MSU Symphony Orchestra, Sunday, Feb. 13, 3 p.m., Wharton Center, $
  • Fiesta!, MSU Concert Orchestra, Thursday, Feb. 24, 7:30 p.m., Wharton Center, $
  • Honors Concert, MSU Symphony Orchestra, Friday, Mar. 25, 8 p.m., Wharton Center, $
  • The Planets, MSU Concert Orchestra, Tuesday, Apr. 26, 7:30 p.m., Wharton Center, $
  • Verdi’s Messa da Requiem, MSU Symphony Orchestra and Choirs, Thursday, Apr. 28, 7:30 p.m., Wharton Center, $
Showcase | West Circle | Early Music | Cello Plus | Opera | MSU Artist/Guest Recitals | Jazz | Orchestra | Musique 21 | Band | Choir | Special Events | Return to Top of Page




Musique 21, new music ensemble 

  • Fall Concert, Monday, Sep. 20, 7:30 p.m., Fairchild Theatre, $
  • The Sound of Her Voice, Monday, Oct. 18, 7:30 p.m., Fairchild Theatre, $
  • Spring Concert, Monday, Jan. 31, 7:30 p.m., Fairchild Theatre, $
  • The Music of Frazier, Higdon, Sierra and more, Monday, Apr. 25, 7:30 p.m., Fairchild Theatre, $
Showcase | West Circle | Early Music | Cello Plus | Opera | MSU Artist/Guest Recitals | Jazz | Orchestra | Musique 21 | Band | Choir | Special Events | Return to Top of Page




MSU Band Ensembles 

  • Symphony Band, Thursday, Sep. 23, 7:30 p.m., Wharton Center, $
  • Wind Symphony, Friday, Sep. 24, 8 p.m., Wharton Center, $
  • Concert Band and Campus Band, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 7:30 p.m., Wharton Center, $
  • Symphony Band, Thursday, Oct. 21, 7:30 p.m., Wharton Center, $
  • Wind Symphony, Friday, Oct. 22, 8 p.m., Wharton Center, $
  • Spartan Spectacular, Spartan Marching Band and College of Music ensembles, Sunday, Nov. 7, 3 p.m. Wharton Center, $$$ 
  • Symphony Band, Thursday, Nov. 18, 7:30 p.m., Wharton Center, $
  • Wind Symphony and the Spartan Youth Wind Symphony, Sunday, Nov. 21, 3 p.m., Wharton Center, $
  • Concert Band and Campus Band, Tuesday, Nov. 30, 7:30 p.m., Wharton Center, $
  • Honoring Black History Month, Wind Symphony, Saturday, Feb. 5, 8 p.m., Detroit School for the Arts, $
  • Symphony Band, Thursday, Feb. 10, 7:30 p.m., Wharton Center, $
  • Concert Band and Campus Band, Tuesday, Feb. 22, 7:30 p.m., Wharton Center, $
  • Symphony Band, Tuesday, Mar. 22, 7:30 p.m., Wharton Center, $
  • “March Forth!” Wind Symphony, Thursday, Mar. 24, 7:30 p.m., Wharton Center, $
  • Campus Band, Tuesday, Apr. 19, 7:30 p.m., Wharton Center, $
  • 150th Anniversary Celebration of Bands, Saturday, Apr. 30, 3 p.m., Wharton Center, $
  • Alumni Band and Spartan Youth Wind Symphony, Sunday, May 1, 3 p.m., Fairchild Theatre, $
Showcase | West Circle | Early Music | Cello Plus | Opera | MSU Artist/Guest Recitals | Jazz | Orchestra | Musique 21 | Band | Choir | Special Events | Return to Top of Page




MSU Choirs

  • “Babi Yar,” 80th Anniversary, Symphony No. 13 by Shostakovich, I Never Saw Another Butterfly by Davidson, MSU Choirs and Orchestra, Sunday, Sep. 12, Digital Broadcast, free
  • State Singers and Chorale, Sunday, Nov. 7, 7 p.m., Fairchild Theatre, $
  • Songs of Comfort and Joy, MSU Symphony Orchestra and Choirs, part of the MSU Federal Credit Union Showcase Series, Saturday, Dec. 4, 8 p.m., Wharton Center, $$$  
  • Men’s and Women’s Glee Clubs, Tuesday, Dec. 7, 7:30 p.m., Fairchild Theatre, $
  • Women’s Chamber Choir and Campus Choir, Friday, Dec. 10, 8 p.m., Fairchild Theatre, $
  • St. Olaf Choir, guest ensemble, Sunday, Jan. 30, 7 p.m., Fairchild Theatre, $
  • University Chorale: “Standing at the Beam,” world premiere, Saturday, Apr. 2, 8 p.m., Fairchild Theatre, $
  • Men’s and Women’s Glee Clubs, Tuesday, Apr. 19, 7:30 p.m., Fairchild Theatre, $
  • Women’s Chamber Choir and Campus Choir, Friday, Apr. 22, 8 p.m., Fairchild Theatre, $
  • Verdi’s Messa da Requiem, MSU Symphony Orchestra and Choirs, Thursday, Apr. 28, 7:30 p.m., Wharton Center, $
Showcase | West Circle | Early Music | Cello Plus | Opera | MSU Artist/Guest Recitals | Jazz | Orchestra | Musique 21 | Band | Choir | Special Events | Return to Top of Page




Special Events and Celebrations 

  • Spartan Spectacular, Spartan Marching Band and College of Music ensembles, Sunday, Nov. 7, 3 p.m. Wharton Center, $$$ 
  • Jazz: Spirituals, Prayer and Protest Concert, Sunday, Jan. 16, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., Fairchild Theatre, free
  • 20th Anniversary Cello Plus Chamber Music Festival, sponsored by Ken and Sandy Beall: A Night at The Movies, Tuesday, April 5, 7:30 p.m.; Vox Humana, Thursday, April 7, 7:30 p.m.; A Festival of Keys, Saturday, April 9, 8 p.m., all events held at Fairchild Theatre, $$ 
  • Red Cedar Organ Dedication Recital, Sunday, April 10, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., MSU Alumni Memorial Chapel, $ 
  • 40th Anniversary Jazz Spectacular Finale Concert with MSU Jazz ensembles, bassist John Clayton, and other special guests, Saturday, April 23, 8 p.m., Fairchild Theatre, $$$ 
  • Verdi’s Messa da Requiem, MSU Symphony Orchestra and Choirs, Thursday, April 28, 7:30 p.m., Wharton Center, $ 
  • 150th Anniversary Celebration of Bands, Saturday, April 30, 3 p.m., Wharton Center, $ 
Showcase | West Circle | Early Music | Cello Plus | Opera | MSU Artist/Guest Recitals | Jazz | Orchestra | Musique 21 | Band | Choir | Special Events | Return to Top of Page

Dates times and locations for events listed here are subject to change. 

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