The United States Naval Academy Department of Musical Activities is proud to present the following annual Signature Series performances:
About the Distinguished Artists Series
31st Season!
Launched with the opening of Alumni Hall in 1991, the USNA Distinguished Artist Series has presented the world’s finest classical and cultural performers to the Academy with an eclectic mix of Opera, Ballet, Orchestra, and diverse national ensembles as part of a comprehensive program developed by the Naval Academy’s Senior Leadership to enrich the education of midshipmen through exposure and involvement with fine arts.
Over the past 30 years, we have hosted 130 world-class performances to include the National Ensemble of Republic of Guinea, Bamberg Symphony, Danish National Radio Symphony, Bolshoi Symphony, Kirov Orchestra of St. Petersburg, Central Ballet of China, Moscow Virtuosi, Stuttgart Philharmonic, Georgian State Dance Company, London City Opera, Ballet de L’Opera de Bordeaux, Vienna Symphony Orchestra, Shanghai Ballet, Venice Baroque Orchestra, L’Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Krasnoyarsk Dance Company of Siberia, Munich Symphony Orchestra, Russian National Ballet, Royal Drummers of Burundi, Hamburg Symphony, Ballet Folklórico de México, Royal Scots Dragoon Guards and Band of Coldstream Guards, Warsaw Philharmonic, Dublin Philharmonic, Orquestra de Sao Paulo, Virsky Ukrainian Dancers, Merchants of Bollywood, Hungarian State Folk Ensemble, German State Philharmonic, the National Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China, Trombone Shorty, and PENTATONIX to name only a few.
The existence of this flagship cultural program at the Naval Academy has long symbolized an institutional commitment to the educational role of the fine arts and the importance of cultural awareness – and we are thrilled to present our best season yet!
DELFEAYO MARSALIS QUINTET
Friday, October 14, 2022
7:00 PM, Mahan Hall
USNA is honored to welcome special guest artist: The DELFEAYO MARSALIS Quintet. As an acclaimed trombonist, composer, and producer, Delfeayo Marsalis has also dedicated his prolific career to music theatre and education. Along with the Marsalis family of musicians including his father Ellis, the artist was destined to a life in music.
Marsalis has toured internationally with jazz legends such as Ray Charles, Art Blakey, Max Roach, Elvin Jones and Slide Hampton, as well as leading his own groups.
At the age of 17, Marsalis began his career as a producer and has to date produced over 120 recordings garnering one Grammy award and several nominations.
Don't miss this special performance of world-class jazz!
49th Annual Spring Oratorio
Friday, April 21, 2023
7:00 PM, Alumni Hall
Orff - Carmina Burana
A sublime evening of profound music!
In 1936, Carl Orff set to music a series of poems from an anonymous 13th century manuscript that describes the exuberant and earthy celebration fate and fortune. Filled with humor and passion, Carmina Burana is one of the twentieth century’s most exciting and popular large-scale works for soloists, chorus, and symphony orchestra. This program continues a long tradition of great performances combining the professional artistry of the Annapolis Symphony with the Naval Academy’s own nationally acclaimed Glee Club.
Performed by the critically acclaimed USNA Glee Club and the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra.
Don't miss this one!
About the USNA Halloween Concerts
The USNA annual Halloween Concert is a spectacular event of music, light, drama, and dance. One of the most popular events on the Yard, this production is an experience you will not soon forget!
This electrifying concert features Monte Maxwell, Chapel Organist, with the multi-faceted talents of midshipmen in a presentation that has drawn record-breaking crowds into the Naval Academy Chapel.
A wide variety of music from multiple genres, including the famous Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, are featured in this concert celebrating the triumph of good over evil and All Saints’ Day. The incredible performances, special effects, and grand finale will leave you on the edge of your seat!
2022 Performances
Friday, October 28, 2022
USNA Chapel
7:00 PM - SOLD OUT!
Friday, October 28, 2021
USNA Chapel
10:00 PM - SOLD OUT!
Saturday, October 29, 2022
USNA Chapel
7:00 PM - SOLD OUT!
About the USNA Messiah Concert
Continuing a long-standing tradition, the USNA Glee Club combines with the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, and world-class soloists to present selections from Handel's beloved Messiah on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon conducted by Dr. Aaron Smith, USNA Director of Musical Activities. This beautifully elegant concert has been broadcast on public television stations both regionally and nationwide.
2022 Concerts
Danielle Talamantes, soprano
Catherine Daniel, mezzo
Matthew White, tenor
Morris Robinson, bass
Saturday, December 3, 2022
7:00 PM, USNA Chapel
Sunday, December 4, 2022
3:00 PM, USNA Chapel
About the Winter Musical
A highlight of each year is the USNA Glee Club Winter Musical. Produced in true Broadway style, it is a fully-staged, costumed, and choreographed production with live pit orchestra.
2022-2023 - INTO THE WOODS
Into the Woods isn’t the fairy tale most of us grew up knowing: Wicked Stepsisters aren’t "ugly" and the "beautiful" characters like Cinderella and Prince Charming aren’t always good. These fairy tale characters live in a very real world where good isn’t always rewarded nor are the good people always socially and morally exemplary. There is magic and mystery here but there are adult concepts of morality and the consequence of actions/responsibility to the community. The journey Into the Woods is fun, thought provoking and filled with beautiful, memorable Stephen Sondheim music and intelligent, witty James Lapine lyrics.
Friday, February 24, 2023
7:00 PM, USNA Mahan Hall
Saturday, February 25, 2023
7:00 PM, USNA Mahan Hall
Sunday, February 26, 2023
3:00 PM, USNA Mahan Hall
NOTE: There are only 3 performances this year! Be sure to get your tickets early!
