From Bach to Big Band: A Month of Live Music Performances You Can’t Miss!

Arts

From Bach to Big Band: A Month of Live Music Performances You Can’t Miss!

There’s something for everyone this month, from Bach and Brahms to big band swing, funk, and jazz

April at American University will be filled with the sounds of music! From choral harmonies to big band energy and orchestral grandeur, April’s performances showcase the breadth and brilliance of AU’s music community. Whether you're a longtime music lover or a first-time concertgoer, there's a seat waiting for you at these unforgettable performances.  

Tickets are on sale now! Free for AU students with ID; $10 for alumni, staff, children (under 18), faculty, and senior citizens (55 and older); $15 general admission unless otherwise noted.

April 5 & 6AU Chamber Singers: Haydn's "Lord Nelson Mass"

AU Chamber Singers Haydn Mass for Troubled Times (Missa in Angustiis/Lord Nelson Massdirected by Dan Abraham; illustration of a fleet of ships with tattered sails

The AU Chamber Singers, under the direction of Daniel Abraham and fresh off their performance at President Alger’s inauguration, will perform Joseph Haydn's Mass for Troubled Times, commonly known as the "Lord Nelson Mass." This concert will also feature Bach's monumental motet Der Geist hilft and Arvo Pärt's stirring Salve Regina.

Dates and times: April 5 at 7:30 p.m. and April 6 at 3:00 p.m.
Location: Abramson Family Recital Hall, Katzen Arts Center
Reserve your seats now: Haydn tickets

April 11AU Chorus: Brahms' "Ein Deutsches Requiem"

Brahms: Ein Deutsches Requiem. American University Chorus. Casey Cook, Director

Join the AU Chorus, directed by Casey Cook, for a profound performance of Johannes Brahms' Ein Deutsches Requiem. Unlike traditional requiems that mourn the deceased, piece was composed to comfort the living. Pianists Barbara Wilkinson and Dana Scott will accompany the chorus in this moving rendition.

Dates and times: April 11 at 7:30 p.m.
Location: Abramson Family Recital Hall, Katzen Arts Center
Reserve your seats now: Brahms tickets

April 13AU Symphonic Band: Spring Concert

Wide angle and close-ups of the AU symphonic band performing

Under the baton of Matthew Brown, the AU Symphonic Band presents an eclectic mix of concert band selections, ranging from established classics to contemporary compositions. This concert promises a dynamic exploration of the concert band repertoire.

Date and time: April 13 at 3:00 p.m.
Location: Abramson Family Recital Hall, Katzen Arts Center
Reserve your seats now: Spring Concert tickets

April 25AU Jazz Orchestra and Jazz Combos: Some Spring Swing

AU Jazz Orchestras and Jazz Combos.

Swing into the season with the AU Jazz Orchestra and Jazz Combos, directed by Joshua Bayer. Enjoy an evening of big band swing, funk, and straight-ahead jazz from a variety of composers, showcasing the ensemble's versatility and energy.

Date and time: April 25 at 7:30 p.m.
Location: Abramson Family Recital Hall, Katzen Arts Center
Reserve your seats now: Some Spring Swing tickets

April 26 & 27AU Symphony Orchestra: Classical Collage

AU Symphony Orchestra: Classical Collage. Matthew Brown, Conductor; Tomer Ben-Ezer, Piano Soloist

Concluding Music Month, the AU Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Matthew Brown, presents Classical Collage, featuring a wide array of beloved classical works. The concert will highlight Tomer Ben-Ezer, winner of the 2025 Concerto and Aria Competition, as soloist.

Dates and times: April 26 at 7:30 p.m. and April 27 at 3:00 p.m.
Location: Abramson Family Recital Hall, Katzen Arts Center
Reserve your seats now: Classical Collage tickets

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