2026-27 Performing Arts Series

Thu, Sep 17th @ 7:30 pm — Sauder Concert Hall

Punch Brothers, formed by mandolinist Chris Thile in 2006, is known for pushing the boundaries of acoustic music. In addition to Thile, the band currently comprises guitarist Chris Eldridge, bassist Paul Kowert, banjoist Noam Pikelny, and violinist Brittany Haas. Punch Brothers has garnered critical acclaim, including a Grammy for Best Folk Album for All Ashore (2018). Over the past two decades, Punch Brothers has become a pioneer in modern string music. The Unsung Adventures of Punch Brothers, the seventh album from the Grammy-winning band—and its first comprising all instrumental tunes—is due July 24, 2026, on Nonesuch Records. The album features eight new original compositions by Punch Brothers as well as three traditional songs they arranged.

Punch Brothers have partnered with PLUS1 so that $1 per ticket goes to supporting organizations working for equity, access and dignity for all. www.plus1.org

Wed, Nov 11th @ 7:30 pm — Sauder Concert Hall

As heard in major festivals and cities across the United States, Apollo’s Fire and Jeannette Sorrell present Vivaldi’s beloved Four Seasons as the revolutionary acts of musical storytelling they were meant to be – bringing Vivaldi’s pictorial descriptions to life. If you thought you knew the Four Seasons, be prepared for surprises! From the bird calls and storms to a barking dog, flies and wasps, drunken peasants, an exhilarating fox hunt with “gunshots,” and more…the story that Vivaldi intended with these pieces is made clear as each concerto is preceded by a quick and polished “tour” of the sound effects to come. The virtuoso musicians of Apollo’s Fire take turns stepping into the spotlight as a different soloist leads each concerto.

Thu, Feb 11th @ 7:30 pm — Sauder Concert Hall

The 2023 Grammy-nominated British vocal ensemble VOCES8 is the world’s top-streaming classical vocal group and is proud to inspire people through music and share the joy of singing. Touring globally, the group performs an extensive repertoire both in its a cappella concerts and in collaborations with leading musicians, orchestras and conductors. Versatility and a celebration of diverse musical expression are central to the ensemble’s performance and education ethos, which is shared both online and in person. VOCES8 is the flagship ensemble of the VOCES8 Foundation, which actively promotes ‘Music Education For All’, reaching up to 40,000 people annually. VOCES8 has performed at many notable venues from Wigmore Hall to Sydney Opera House. This season they will perform over 100 concerts globally.

Sat, May 08th @ 7:30 pm — Sauder Concert Hall

Windborne’s captivating show draws on the singers’ deep roots in traditions of vocal harmony, while the absolute uniqueness of their artistic approach brings old songs into the present. Known for the innovation of their arrangements, their harmonies are bold and anything but predictable. Instead of simply dazzling the audience with vocal fireworks, Windborne evokes a deep emotional response connecting their audience to the past, distant places and themselves. With a 20-year background studying polyphonic music around the world, they share a vibrant energy onstage with a blending of voices that can only come from decades of friendship alongside dedicated practice. The ensemble shifts effortlessly between drastically different styles of music, drawing their audience along on a journey that spans continents and centuries, illuminating and expanding on the profound power and variation of the human voice.

Wed, Oct 14th @ 7:30 pm — Sauder Concert Hall

Fernando Ortega is a Dove Award winning singer, pianist, songwriter, arranger and storyteller. Trained as a classical pianist and inspired by the Presbyterian hymns of his childhood, Ortega has been influential in expanding the range of Christian music. He has devoted considerable attention to creating arrangements of early church music and hymns, infusing them with instrumental and vocal character drawn from classical, folk and world music. His songs and writing often conjure the expansive landscape of the Southwestern United States.

Ortega makes his home in New Mexico, where his ancestors first settled in the early 1600s. Over a rich and varied musical career, he has released 22records and a book of his bird photography and tales, has traveled around the world as a touring artist, and has received many accolades and awards for his music.

Fri, Oct 30th @ 7:30 pm — Sauder Concert Hall

Grammy-nominated Mariachi Los Camperos’ abundant accolades and performances on premier concert stages can easily obscure the fact that its leaders come from humble roots deep within a mariachi tradition. The group’s founder, Nati Cano, forged his own mariachi group in 1961 from his artistic vision and determination. Until his death in 2014, he challenged the attitudes that led formally trained musical peers to look down on his beloved rural and working-class music. In the words of Jesús “Chuy” Guzmán, his disciple and successor as Camperos leader, “He wanted to have a mariachi that would have dignity, that would have heart, that would have soul, and he made Los Camperos.”

Sat, Dec 12th @ 7:30 pm — Goshen Theater

The Steel Wheels have long been at home in the creative space between tradition and innovation, informed by the familiar sounds of the Virginia mountains where the band was formed, but always moving forward with insightful lyrics and an evolving sound. In 2005, Jay Lapp (vocals, guitars, mandolin) and Eric Brubaker (vocals, fiddle) joined lead singer Trent Wagler (guitar, banjo) in forming the band as a vehicle for Wagler’s songwriting. Kevin Garcia (drums, percussion, keys) joined in 2017, bringing a new level of sonic depth and polish to the outfit. Newest member Jeremy Darrow rounds out the rhythm section and grounds the band as they continue to explore deeply rooted yet fresh folk rock sounds. Having gained the experience of thousands of shows, festivals and many miles on the road, the stubbornly independent band has formed deep bonds with each other and the audience that sustains them.

Presented in collaboration with Goshen Theater.

Fri, Jan 29th @ 7:30 pm — Sauder Concert Hall

Third Coast Percussion (TCP) is Chicago’s GRAMMY® Award-winning percussion quartet and GRAMMY®-nominated composer collective that made history as the first percussion ensemble to win the revered music award in the classical genre. TCP will present a program honoring the tremendous impact of composer Philip Glass on contemporary music. TCP has enjoyed a close and fruitful relationship with Glass, commissioning him to write his first-ever work for percussion ensemble in 2018, featured on this program. As Glass turns 90 in 2027, his unmistakable influence resonates across a vast spectrum of contemporary music creators also included on this program. At the heart of this program are TCP’s acclaimed arrangements of Aguas da Amazonia and Metamorphosis One. These enchanting works bring focus to his gorgeous harmonic vocabulary, performed on an array of traditional and unexpected percussion instruments.

Sun, Feb 28th @ 7:30 pm — Sauder Concert Hall

Founded in 1994 by C. Brian Williams, Step Afrika! is the world’s leading authority on the art form of stepping. Under Mr. Williams’ leadership, stepping has evolved into one of America’s cultural exports, touring more than 60 countries across the globe and ranking as one of the top 10 African American Dance Companies in the United States. Step Afrika! blends percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities; traditional African dances; and an array of contemporary dance and art forms into a cohesive, compelling artistic experience. Performances are much more than dance shows; they integrate songs, storytelling, humor and audience participation. The blend of technique, agility and pure energy makes each performance unique and leaves the audience with their hearts pounding.

A partner program of the 2027 Notre Dame Arts Biennial, supported with funding from the Notre Dame Arts Initiative.

Sat, Mar 13th @ 7:30 pm — Sauder Concert Hall

International Guitar Night (IGN) is the world’s premier touring guitar festival, each show bringing together the most interesting and innovative acoustic guitarists to exchange musical ideas in a public concert setting. For each tour, IGN founder Brian Gore brings together a new cast of guitar luminaries for special evenings of solos, duets and quartets that highlight the dexterity and diversity within the world of acoustic guitar. Returning to Sauder Concert Hall by popular demand, IGN is celebrating its 27th Anniversary with the debut of Roxane Elfasci, the award-winning classical virtuoso from France, and three all-time IGN favorites— Acoustic Rock dynamo Luca Stricagnoli from Italy, mellow Slack Key master Jim Kimo West from Hawaii and the irrepressible blues slide guitar powerhouse Minnie Marks from Australia.