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
32nd 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!
An Evening with the Band of His Majesty's Royal Marines Plymouth and Friends
Friday, October 20, 2022
7:00 PM, Mahan Hall
USNA is honored to welcome special guest artist: Royal Marines Band.
RM Band Plymouth is based at HMS RALEIGH in Torpoint, Cornwall. The band undertakes a wide variety of ceremonial work of national importance, as well as fulfilling its main role of providing music for the ships and establishments of the Royal Navy. Presented in conjunction with the Musical Activities Department of the United States Navy Academy, this rare concert will also include the United States Naval Academy Band and musicians from the United States Military Academy and the United States Air Force Academy.
Don't miss this special performance from our friends across the pond!
50th Annual Spring Oratorio
Friday, April 19, 2024
8:00 PM, Music Center at STRATHMORE
Benjamin Britten's - WAR REQUIEM
A sublime evening of profound music!
Performed by the critically acclaimed USNA Glee Club, Baltimore Choral Arts Society, Peabody Children's Chorus, Naval Academy Band, Annapolis Symphony Orchestra string section, and Grammy-Award winning soloists.
An absolute don't miss evening!
Don't miss this one!
FREE (But Required) BUY TICKETS
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!
2023 Performances
Friday, October 27, 2023
USNA Chapel
7:00 PM
Friday, October 27, 2023
USNA Chapel
10:00 PM
Saturday, October 28, 2023
USNA Chapel
7:00 PM
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.
2023 Concerts
Raven McMillon, soprano
TBA, mezzo
Jamez McCorkle, tenor
Jarrett Ott, bass
Saturday, December 2, 2023
7:00 PM, USNA Chapel
Sunday, December 3, 2023
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
Due to contract restrictions, we cannot advertise the name of the show at this point - but please call the ticket office at (410) 293-8497 to learn more.
Friday, February 23, 2024
7:00 PM, USNA Mahan Hall
Saturday, February 24, 2024
7:00 PM, USNA Mahan Hall
Sunday, February 25, 2024
3:00 PM, USNA Mahan Hall
NOTE: There are only 3 performances this year! Be sure to get your tickets early!
