Events

An ideal place to hear music

Want to see what events are happening at the Music Center? Listings by category are below, or you can go to our Complete Concert Calendar.

Performing Arts Series

Bonus Concert: Mariachi Los Camperos

Where: Sauder Concert Hall

Price: $25/$20/$15

Fri, Sep 12th @ 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.”

“The Los Angeles-based Mariachi Los Camperos is considered by many to be the finest mariachi ensemble in the world. Undoubtedly, it has played a central role in the United States in raising both the artistic standards and the public perceptions of mariachi music.”
– The National Folk Festival

Lea Salonga

Where: Sauder Concert Hall

Price: $85/$80/$55

Fri, Sep 19th @ 7:30 pm — Sauder Concert Hall

Musical theatre royalty and official Disney Legend Lea Salonga is bringing her acclaimed Stage, Screen & Everything In Between tour to North America in 2025. Musical theater fans will experience stage and screen classics from Lea’s iconic roles including songs from Miss Saigon, Les Misérables, Aladdin and Mulan, new-found favorites from the critically acclaimed Broadway and West End hit Old Friends, Broadway blockbusters, pop classics, and much more from her celebrated career and beyond.

“One thing was evident throughout the show – just how incredible Lea Salonga’s voice is. She was able to turn her hand to melodic ballads, Disney classics and some more upbeat, rocky sounds, and did each one practically note perfect.”

– South Wales Argus

An Evening with David Sedaris

Where: Sauder Concert Hall

Price: $75/$65/$35

Wed, Oct 15th @ 7:30 pm — Sauder Concert Hall

With sardonic wit and incisive social critiques, David Sedaris has become one of America’s pre-eminent humor writers. The great skill with which he slices through cultural euphemisms and political correctness proves that Sedaris is a master of satire and one of the most observant writers addressing the human condition today. David Sedaris is the author of Barrel Fever and Holidays on Ice, as well as multiple collections of personal essays, and as well as his most recent book, Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls, each of which became an immediate bestseller. His live presentation will include readings from unpublished work as well as along with audience Q&A.

“Sedaris’s droll assessment of the mundane and the eccentrics who inhabit the world’s crevices make him one of the greatest humorists writing today.”
– Chicago Tribune

Voctave

Where: Sauder Concert Hall

Price: $60/$55/$40

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

A cappella sensation Voctave has had over 160 million social media views of their videos, and their albums frequently debut in the top 10 on the Billboard and iTunes charts. In 2024, they released the third volume in their popular The Corner of Broadway & Main Street series. Formed in 2015 by producer and arranger Jamey Ray, the voices that bring their arrangements to life represent a wealth of diverse backgrounds and musical experiences. The group has performed with Grammy, Dove and American Music Award recipients including Sandi Patty, Pentatonix’s Kirstin Maldonado, Mark Lowry, David Phelps, and Jody McBrayer.

“The eleven member team Voctave bring a cappella music to a new dimension as they arrange jazz standards and soundtrack tunes in a clever vocal fashion.”
– Jazz Weekly

Cirque Kalabanté

Where: Sauder Concert Hall

Price: $55/$50/$30

Tue, Jan 27th @ 7:30 pm — Sauder Concert Hall

Cirque Kalabanté presents Afrique en Cirque, a show inspired by daily life in Guinea and created by Yamoussa Bangoura, a multidisciplinary artist of Guinean origin. Sharing the beauty, youth and artistry of African culture, the performance will feature acrobats executing gravity-defying moves and human pyramids accompanied by the contemporary sounds of live Afro-Jazz, percussion, and kora. The company began by doing shows in Quebec and, over the years, expanded to all of Canada, the USA and now performs all over the world. In 2018, Kalabanté opened their own studio and school in Montreal, where they offer classes in African dance, cirque, and drumming.

“A kind of daredevil circus, full of astounding leaps, rolls, and drum music, Kalabanté offers high-flying, jaw-dropping performances that will amaze the whole family.”
– The Georgia Straight

Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir

Where: Sauder Concert Hall

Price: $65/$60/$40

Thu, Feb 12th @ 7:30 pm — Sauder Concert Hall

The Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir is one of the best-known Estonian music ensembles in the world. Under the direction of founding director Tõnu Kaljuste, the program will feature famed Estonian composer Arvo Pärt’s works alongside other ethereal melodies that can only be brought to life by the choir’s resplendent sound. Touted as one of the 10 best choirs in the world by BBC Music Magazine, the repertoire of the choir extends from Gregorian chant and Baroque to the music of the 21st century, with a special focus on the work of Estonian composers. Each season the choir gives about 60–70 concerts both in Estonia and abroad.

“When the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir comes to town, audiences answer.”
– Washington Classical Review

Goitse

Where: Sauder Concert Hall

Price: $45/$40/$25

Sat, Mar 07th @ 7:30 pm — Sauder Concert Hall

The popular and multi-award-winning quintet Goitse* was forged in the white-hot creative crucible of Limerick’s Irish World Academy. Named Live Ireland’s “Traditional Group of the Year,” Goitse has become a leader of the new generation of traditional Irish ensembles. Goitse has released six critically acclaimed recordings and maintains a year-round touring schedule that includes performances throughout Ireland, the UK, Germany, France and the United States. Their distinctive sound lies in the quality of their own compositions interspersed with age-old traditional tunes which make each performance unique.

*Goitse is a Gaelic word for ‘come here’ and is pronounced Go-wit-cha

Vitaly: An Evening of Wonders

Where: Sauder Concert Hall

Price: $60/$50/$35

Fri, Mar 27th @ 7:30 pm — Sauder Concert Hall

Faces that disappear from drivers’ licenses. Paintbrushes that paint on their own. Photographs that literally come to life right before your eyes. Brace yourself for a whole new take on magic and step into Vitaly’s world. Hailed as “one of the most unique and innovative illusionists in the world” (Chicago Tribune), Vitaly Beckman stumped Penn & Teller three times on their hit TV show Fool Us and starred in his own 16-week off-Broadway run. Blending art and illusion with his captivating style, Vitaly Beckman’s one-of-a-kind theatrical experience retraces his journey from a boy with a dream to a man with a vision. During this journey, the audience rediscovers, along with Vitaly, the importance of finding beauty and wonder in everyday life and in all living things.

“Amazing magic! Ingenious!”
– Penn & Teller

Lizz Wright

Where: Sauder Concert Hall

Price: $55/$45/$30

Sat, May 02nd @ 7:30 pm — Sauder Concert Hall

Through an inimitable voice that The New York Times touts as, “a smooth, dark alto possessed of qualities you might associate with barrel-aged bourbon or butter-soft leather,” renowned vocalist and songwriter Lizz Wright sings with a soaring reflection of the cultural fabric of America. Drawing inspiration from her Southern upbringing in Georgia, she lies beneath the script of history, transcending social divides with an offer of love and deep sense of humanity. Her music accepts the beauty of reality and creates a collective experience of belonging for the listener. Wright’s songs embody a tradition that allows us to always feel at home.

“Wright translates with phenomenal fluency between inner awareness and outward demonstration, individual seeking and conscious communion, ecstasy and empathy.”
– NPR

Sweet Honey in the Rock®

Where: Sauder Concert Hall

Price: $70/$60/$40

Sat, May 16th @ 7:30 pm — Sauder Concert Hall

Grammy-nominated African American vocal ensemble SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK® marks its’ 50th anniversary with a powerful three-year celebration that will honor its storied past and set the course for the future of the group, which has been described as, “one of the most dynamic, versatile and still relevant musical collectives today.”

Since its inception in Washington, D.C. in 1973, Sweet Honey in the Rock has thrived as a performance ensemble founded on the missions of empowerment, education, and entertainment. Throughout five decades, the ensemble members have worked to create engaging and socially conscious music that consistently takes an active stance toward making our planet a better place for all in which to live.

“Their sheer musicianship can still raise goosebumps.”
– The Guardian

A Festival of Carols

A Festival of Carols 2025

Where: Sauder Concert Hall

Price: $20. Reserved seating.

Multiple Dates — Sauder Concert Hall

A Festival of Carols is Goshen College’s annual Christmas music celebration. This event promises a cheerful experience for the Goshen College community, bringing together the talents of four choirs and an orchestra in a festive celebration of the holiday season.

“A Festival of Carols” is a heartwarming presentation patterned on a traditional English worship service, featuring Christmas carols, spirituals, scripture readings and sacred musical works. Sauder Concert Hall will be transformed into a winter wonderland, adorned with garlands, lights and trees, creating a magical atmosphere for all attendees.

The stellar lineup of performers includes the Goshen College Chamber Choir, Vox Profundi, Voices of the Earth, Goshen College Symphony Orchestra and Shout For Joy Children’s Choir. Roz Woll, assistant professor of music, and Scott Hochstetler, professor of music, lead the Goshen College choirs, while Jimin Seo, assistant professor of music, directs the Goshen College Symphony Orchestra and Sandy Hill directs the Shout For Joy Children’s Choir.

Audience participation is a key feature of the event, with attendees invited to join the choirs in singing familiar carols during the performance. This interactive element adds a communal touch to the festivities, making “A Festival of Carols” an engaging experience for everyone.

Tickets for sale to the general public beginning Monday, November 3, 2025. The Sunday afternoon performance will be live-streamed.

Music Dept/Music Center Concerts

Parables Preview Concert

Where: Rieth Recital Hall

Price: Free and open to the public

Wed, Sep 24th @ 7:30 pm — Rieth Recital Hall

Parables, a worship ensemble from Goshen College, combines music, original drama, and stories to create an engaging worship experience designed to inspire, comfort, and challenge. Parables will present their first concert of the academic year in Rieth Recital Hall in the Goshen College Music Center.

Homecoming Music Gala

Where: Sauder Concert Hall

Price: $10 adults, $8 seniors/students. GC employees/students free.

Sat, Oct 04th @ 7:30 pm — Sauder Concert Hall

Goshen College’s instrumental and choral ensembles will perform in Sauder Concert Hall as part of the annual Homecoming Music Gala, part of Goshen College’s annual Homecoming activities. Traditionally seen as the first opportunity to hear this years’ ensembles, there will be performances by  Voices of the Earth, directed by H. Roz Woll, and the GC Chamber Choir and Vox Profundi, directed by Scott Hochstetler, as well as the Symphony Orchestra, directed by Jimin Seo.

Low Voice Festival Concert

Where: Sauder Concert Hall

Price: $10 adults, $8 seniors/students. GC employees/students free.

Tue, Oct 07th @ 7:30 pm — Sauder Concert Hall

Vox Profundi, Goshen College’s low voice choral ensemble, will be joined by low voice ensembles from area schools and the community for a day of rehearsals and workshops, culminating in an evening festival concert in Sauder Concert Hall. Vox Profundi is directed by Scott Hochstetler.

Goshen College Fall Choral Concert

Where: Sauder Concert Hall

Price: $10 adults, $8 seniors/students. GC employees/students free.

Sat, Oct 25th @ 7:30 pm — Sauder Concert Hall

The Goshen College Choirs will present their first full concert of the 2025-26 academic year in Sauder Concert Hall. Performing are the Goshen College Chamber Choir and Voices of the Earth, directed by H. Roz Woll, and Vox Profundi, directed by Scott Hochstetler.

GC Symphony Orchestra Fall Concert

Where: Sauder Concert Hall

Price: $10 adults, $8 seniors/students. GC employees/students free.

Sat, Nov 01st @ 7:30 pm — Sauder Concert Hall

The Goshen College Symphony Orchestra, directed by Jimin Seo, will present their fall concert in Sauder Concert Hall.

Treblefest Festival Choral Concert

Where: Sauder Concert Hall

Price: $10 adults, $8 seniors/students. GC employees/students free.

Tue, Nov 04th @ 7:30 pm — Sauder Concert Hall

Voices of the Earth, Goshen College’s treble chorus directed by H. Roz Woll, will perform alongside invited high school high voice choirs from the surrounding community in Sauder Concert Hall.

Lavender Jazz Fall Concert

Where: Sauder Concert Hall

Price: $10 adults, $8 seniors/students. GC employees/students free.

Fri, Nov 21st @ 7:30 pm — Sauder Concert Hall

Lavender Jazz, Goshen College’s big band, will present their fall concert in Sauder Concert Hall. LJ is directed by Greg Smucker.

GC Senior Recitals

No events scheduled

CSA Concerts & Recitals

Community School of the Arts Fall Choral Showcase Concert

Where: Sauder Concert Hall

Price: $10 adults, $8 seniors/students. GC employees/students free.

Sun, Nov 09th @ 4:00 pm — Sauder Concert Hall

Three youth choirs in the Community School of the Arts will perform in Sauder Concert Hall, part of the annual CSA 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 7-9) directed by Sandra Hill.

Youth Honors Orchestra Fall Concert

Where: Sauder Concert Hall

Price: $10 adults, $8 seniors/students. GC employees/students free.

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

Two youth orchestras comprised of talented Elkhart County instrumental musicians in grades 7-12 will perform in Sauder Concert Hall. Performing are the YHO Concert Orchestra and YHO Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Nathan Berkey.