Explore the best music live performances and concerts at Harvard University, featuring student bands, visiting artists, and annual music events on campus.
Harvard has a long history of arts, and music is no exception. From classical concerts in historic venues to jazz nights and community-led performances, Harvard has something for every music lover. Here we’ll look at some of Harvard’s top music performances, concert series and student ensembles that make up the vibrant cultural scene on campus.
Harvard’s Concert Series
Blodgett Chamber Music Series
The John Knowles Paine Concert Hall at Harvard is home to one of the most renowned music performance series in the Blodgett Chamber music series. Some of them are the Parker Quartet, a Grammy Award-winning quartet that featured resident artists. Also, this group is renowned for its well-balanced and dynamic performances. This series allows audiences an up-close experience of chamber music and offers a wide range of pieces. These include many classical classics, as well as contemporary pieces. The Blodgett Series concerts are open to anybody. Attendance is ‘free’ of charge, meaning that it allows the local residents access to quality music. Also, discover the best live Music performances, student events, and concerts at Harvard University by reading this article.
Fromm Players at Harvard
The Fromm Players series features contemporary music and is open to Harvard students and the Cambridge community. Supported by the Fromm Music Foundation, these concerts often include music by avant-garde composers like John Cage and Luciano Berio. Each season’s curators bring different perspectives and styles. For example, the 2019 season was curated by Claire Chase who performed Tyshawn Sorey’s reimagined Josephine Baker pieces.
Annual Music Events That Bring the Harvard Community Together
The Annual Christmas Carol Service
Every December The Annual Christmas Carol Service at Memorial Church brings warmth and cheer to the campus. This beloved tradition has been going on for over 100 years and features the Harvard University Choir singing classic carols. In addition to in-person attendance, the service is broadcast on WHRB 95.3 FM so you can tune in from near and far. Also, want to learn about the best live Music performances, student events, and concerts at Harvard University? Read this article.
Bach’s Chorale-Cantata Cycle and Other Special Performances
Harvard celebrates milestones in classical music. This year, the Harvard University Choir and Harvard Baroque Chamber Orchestra will be performing the 300th anniversary of J.S. Bach’s 1724 Chorale-Cantata Cycle. This concert will feature Bach’s timeless music with a mix of instrumental and vocal arrangements. This will resonate in the beautiful Memorial Church sanctuary. Harvard also recently held a concert in honor of Gustav Holst’s 150th birthday featuring music from his works.
Student-Led Ensembles That Shape Harvard’s Musical Culture
Harvard has student-run ensembles where students from all fields bring new life to old and new music.
Harvard-Radcliffe Orchestra (HRO)
The Harvard-Radcliffe Orchestra (HRO) is one of the oldest in the country and has a reputation for great performances of classical and contemporary music. With two concerts a semester in Sanders Theatre, HRO performs pieces that challenge the musicians and the audience. Also, it’s all student-run so it’s a true representation of the students’ love and dedication to classical music. Continue reading this article to learn about the best live Music performances, student events and concerts at Harvard University.
Kuumba Singers of Harvard College
Founded in 1970 the Kuumba Singers of Harvard College celebrates Black creativity and spirituality through music. This ensemble is known for its performances of African-American spirituals, gospel and other music from the African diaspora. Kuumba’s concerts also combine song with poetry, dance and theater. They do so to create a culturally rich experience that celebrates diversity and community.
Mozart Society Orchestra (MSO)
The Mozart Society Orchestra (MSO) is another student-run group that does both the classics and the obscure. Friendly and community oriented, the MSO plays baroque, classical and romantic music. Also, their concerts are a relaxed but intense space for musicians and audience alike. To find out about best live Music performances, students events and concerts at Harvard University, read this article.
Harvard Choruses: Tradition and Innovation in Vocal Music
Harvard’s choral groups balance tradition with innovation, singing everything from ancient to modern.
Harvard Glee Club
The Harvard Glee Club is an all-male ensemble with over 100 years of history. It also specializes in men’s choral music and touring internationally. They have a smaller acappella subset called Glee Club Lite that performs on campus. Known for preserving men’s choral music, the Glee Club’s concerts often mix traditional and contemporary works, so their concerts are a Harvard musical institution.
Harvard-Radcliffe Collegium Musicum
The Harvard-Radcliffe Collegium Musicum is a mixed-voice choir known for its bold programming and great singing. This group sings all kinds of choral music, from baroque masterpieces to world premieres by living composers. Collegium’s commitment to new music makes it a vibrant ensemble that represents both Harvard’s choral tradition and its forward thinking. Care to know more about best live Music performances, students events and concerts at Harvard University? Then, read this article.
Radcliffe Choral Society
The Radcliffe Choral Society is one of the top soprano and alto choruses in the country. Also, it focuses on treble choral literature, from the Renaissance to the present. Furthermore, they are known for promoting women’s choral music. Also, they have a long touring history, performing across the U.S. and internationally.
Unique Concert Experiences Across Harvard’s Campus
In addition to the main concert series there are many other places across Harvard that host music.
University Choir’s Evensong and Compline Services
Harvard’s University Choir sings Evensong and Compline services throughout the year in Appleton Chapel. Evensong is a quiet evening service with choral music. Also, Compline is a shorter candlelit service with choral and instrumental music. Both are free and open to the public and a great way to enjoy sacred music in a beautiful space. Also, find out about best live Music performances, students events and concerts at Harvard University by reading this article.
Jazz Nights at the Harvard Art Museums
For jazz lovers, Jazz Nights at the Harvard Art Museums are the place to be to unwind and enjoy live jazz. Held in the museum’s courtyard these events create a cozy atmosphere to mingle and music in a more low-key setting. Each event brings together Harvard students and professional jazz musicians. Hence, it’s a must attend for jazz fans.
Student-Led Concerts and Pop-Ups
Student groups on campus also put on smaller, more informal concerts. For example, Harvard College Opera does student-led productions of operas, adding to the campus music scene. Pop-up performances by student jazz bands or acapella groups can be found in unexpected places around Harvard Yard. Furthermore, these are a fun part of daily campus life.
Conclusion
Harvard’s music isn’t just about going to concerts. It’s about being part of a community of students, faculty and the wider public. Harvard’s concerts and performances offer an accessible and eclectic look at music across genres, cultures and time periods. From student-led operas to Christmas carol services, Harvard’s music is for classical music fans, experimental music lovers and casual listeners alike.
Harvard’s campus always has something musically enriching to offer. Whether you’re in the mood for an intimate chamber performance, a powerful choral concert, or a vibrant jazz night.