Signature Events
The United States Naval Academy Department of Musical Activities is proud to present the following annual Signature Series performances:
About the Distinguished Artists Series
34th 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 34 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.
52nd Annual Spring Oratorio
Saturday, April 18, 2026
8:00 PM, Music Center at STRATHMORE
Christopher Tin - THE DROP THAT CONTAINED THE SEA
A sublime evening of profound music!
Water is one of the most powerful forces in the world. It creates life and brings about death, and it has the power to shape the face of the earth. Water means different things to different cultures, and I wanted to explore this in The Drop That Contained the Sea. Each piece is inspired by water in a different form, arranged in the order that water flows through the world: melting snow, mountain streams, rivers, the ocean, and so forth. And like Calling All Dawns, the end flows back into the beginning, reflecting the endless nature of the water cycle. Each of the 10 pieces is also sung in a different language, exploring a different vocal tradition: Bulgarian women's choirs, Mongolian throat singing, and Portuguese fado, to name just a few.
- Christopher Tin
Join us for beautiful evening of music performed by the critically acclaimed USNA Men’s and Women’s Glee Clubs and a world-class professional orchestra!
U.S. Naval Academy Glee Club
The Washington Festival Orchestra
An absolute don't miss evening!
About the USNA All Saints' Day / 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!
2025 Performances
Friday, October 31, 2025 - SOLD OUT!
USNA Chapel
7:00 PM
Friday, October 31, 2025
USNA Chapel
10:00 PM
Saturday, November 1, 2025 - SOLD OUT!
USNA Chapel
7:00 PM
A USNA shuttle will be running for all performances.
Pick up at the new NEX (693 Kinkaid Road) across the Severn on the Naval Station
Friday, running 5:00 pm - midnight.
Saturday, running from 5:00 pm -10:00 pm.
About the USNA Messiah Concert
Continuing a long-standing tradition, the USNA Glee Club combines with the Washington Festival 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.
2025 Concerts
Saturday, December 6, 2025
7:00 PM, USNA Chapel
Sunday, December 7, 2025
3:00 PM, USNA Chapel
Sarah Coburn, soprano
Stephanie Blythe, mezzo
Travon Walker, tenor
Christopher Humbert, baritone
A USNA shuttle will be running for all performances.
Pick up at the "OLD" NEX (329 Kinkaid Road) across the Severn on the Naval Station
Saturday, running 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm.
Sunday, running from 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm.
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.
The Sound of Music
Friday, February 20, 2026 - SOLD OUT!
7:00 PM, USNA Mahan Hall
Saturday, February 21, 2026 - SOLD OUT!
7:00 PM, USNA Mahan Hall
Sunday, February 22, 2026 - SOLD OUT!
3:00 PM, USNA Mahan Hall
NOTE: There are only 3 performances! Be sure to get your tickets early!
