Elizabeth Bruenig is a staff writer at The Atlantic. She was previously an opinion writer for The New York Times and The Washington Post, where she was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Feature Writing. She has also been a staff writer at The New Republic and a contributor to the Left, Right & Center radio show. Elizabeth holds a master of philosophy in Christian theology from the University of Cambridge. At The Atlantic, she writes about theology and politics.

The Goshen College Symphony Orchestra, conducted by new director Mark Douglass, will perform the ensemble’s first concert of the 2026-27 academic year in 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.

Three youth choirs in the Community School of the Arts will perform as part of the Fall Choral Showcase Concert. Performing are Rejoice (grades 3-5) and Sommo Voci (grades 9-12), directed by Kristin Kauffman, and Shout for Joy (grades 6-8), directed by Katie Thornthwaite.

The Youth Honors Orchestra, a youth orchestra comprised of Elkhart County strings players in grades 7-12, will perform their Fall Concert in Sauder Concert Hall. The YHO is conducted by Nathan Berkey.

Lavender Jazz, Goshen College’s big band, will present their first concert of the academic year in Sauder Concert Hall. Lavender Jazz is directed by Greg Smucker