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
30th 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 29 years, we have hosted 128 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, and the National Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China 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!
Special Artist (We can't say who it is yet - but this will be an incredible, high-energy event!)
Friday, October 15, 2021
7:00 PM, Alumni Hall
Check back on August 29th for the release of the artist information!
TBA
Friday, January 21, 2022
7:00 PM, Mahan Hall
TBA
48th Annual Spring Oratorio
Friday, April 22, 2022
7:00 PM, Alumni Hall
Mahler - Symphony No. 2
A sublime evening of profound music!
Mahler - recognized as the last great German symphonist, whose epic Symphony No. 2 is "an intense emotional workout which captures the full realm of human passion within its sprawling scope."
Performed by the critically acclaimed USNA Glee Club, the George Washington University Chorus, the Baltimore Choral Arts Society, 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!
2021 Performances
Friday, October 29, 2021
USNA Chapel
7:00 PM
Friday, October 29, 2021
USNA Chapel
10:00 PM
Saturday, October 30, 2021
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 soloists from the Metropolitan Opera Company 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.
2021 Concerts
TBA, soprano
TBA, mezzo
TBA, tenor
TBA, bass
Saturday, December 4, 2021
7:00 PM, USNA Chapel
Sunday, December 5, 2021
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.
2021-2022 - GREASE!
Friday, February 25, 2022
7:00 PM, USNA Mahan Hall
Saturday, February 26, 2022
7:00 PM, USNA Mahan Hall
Sunday, February 27, 2022
3:00 PM, USNA Mahan Hall
NOTE: There are only 3 performances this year! Be sure to get your tickets early!
