Music has always played a central role at Mount Holyoke College. All incoming students learn to sing the Alma Mater with the Glee Club, the Family and Friends concerts are a highlight for visitors to our campus each Fall, while no commencement is complete without the Baccalaureate Concert. Over our almost two centuries of history, the music department has developed unique musical traditions that are now central to campus life.
Signature Events
These signature events are the highlight of an ensemble's annual calendar and celebrate through music, the many facets of life at the college.
Family and Friends Weekend Concert
All family members and friends are invited to come to a fun and engaging rehearsal to sing together and learn a combined piece the morning of the concert.
Holiday Vespers
A cherished tradition at Mount Holyoke celebrating light and togetherness on a cold December night.
The Big Broadcast!
A re-creation of a live 1940's radio show directed by Mark Gionfriddo featuring the Mount Holyoke College Big Band, Vocal Jazz, and Chamber Jazz Ensembles.
African Opera Series
Mount Holyoke College and Five College students collaborate with professional musicians and choreographers in operatic adaptations of African Mythology.
Sonic Vanguard
Sonic Vanguard is a speaker series at Mount Holyoke College that explores the work of some of the most active creators and scholars of music today.
Mellon NAIS Series
The series explores performance practice issues regarding the world’s first opera fully sung in Chickasaw, Jerod Impichchaachaacha’ Tate’s Shell Shaker.
Special Events
Singaporean composer in residence at MHC.
Hoh Chung Shih, a leading composer and music educator, came to Mount Holyoke for a week's residency and the world premiere of his new experimental work.
Metamorphonics 2016
A multimedia extravaganza that included live electronic sound, film, dance and interactive video
MHC Orchestra Presents "Dark River" Opera
“Dark River: The Fannie Lou Hamer Story” offers an operatic treatment of dramatic events in the life of a 1960s civil rights activist.
Musical Transformations
Pianist Sara Davis Buechner joined the Mount Holyoke Symphony Orchestra to explore a program on the theme of transformations.
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