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2026-2027SeasoN

DEAR FRIENDS,

It is my honor to share some exciting news about the future of Zoellner Arts Center.

A longtime collaborator, partner, and Lehigh alumnus has made a meaningful commitment to both our present and our future by endowing the Executive Director position. I am proud to now serve as the Marc Falato ’87 Executive Director of Zoellner Arts Center. This support for the arts at Lehigh University represents something deeper. It is a belief in this place, in this work, and in what we can continue to build together.

That work continues to grow through purposeful partnerships.

Our collaboration with the Carnegie Hall Weill Music Institute through Well-Being Concerts and the Lullaby Project has allowed us to expand our Arts & Wellness initiatives across campus and the Lehigh Valley. We are building a system in which the arts are not an extra but an essential civic infrastructure of how a community cares for itself.

Mark Wilson

At the same time, we remain committed to artistic excellence through the world-class artists we bring to our stage. The season opens with a generational voice in Graham Nash, followed by the sharp, observant wit of David Sedaris, and the unmistakable presence of LeAnn Rimes. We welcome Andy Grammer, whose music brings joy and meets audiences exactly where they are, lifting them just a bit higher.

If you ever wanted to run away with the circus, you will have three opportunities to see this art form with Cirque Alfonse, Minty Fresh Circus, and Gravity & Other Myths. The National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine is a remarkable ensemble whose music reminds us that even in turbulent times, there are moments of beauty, reflection, and restoration.

Family programming remains central to who we are. This season, Pete the Cat is a highlight of our Family Series as we start a Choose-What-YouPay model because we believe access to the arts is for all. When you come to Zoellner, you also help us make a difference in supporting 10,000+ K-12 students who attend our School Shows, bringing curriculum to life for children across the Lehigh Valley.

In celebration of America’s 250th founding, the Lehigh University Music Department finds all the right notes performing compositions by Sousa, Joplin, Bernstein, and more. The Department of Theatre explores powerful themes of agency, freedom, and reinvention through four contemporary plays.

Remember, it is always a good time to visit LUAG (pg. 15), Lehigh University’s free public museum, while you are on campus.

When I think about this season, I don’t just think about performances. I think about how we bring the world to the Lehigh Valley…how we bring joy to our community…how we connect our beautiful campus to the rest of the Greater Lehigh Valley. You are all welcome to experience the arts with us.

And I am grateful that you are part of it.

Mark Fitzgerald Wilson

Marc Falato ’87 Executive Director of Zoellner Arts Center

Zoellner Arts Center is now closely aligned with the Lehigh University Art Galleries and University Libraries under a new Vice Provost for Arts and Libraries, further elevating the arts and maximizing impact on our community.

Marc Falato ’87 &

2026 FALL EVENTS

KEY: PRESENTING SERIES | MUSIC DEPT | DEPT OF THEATRE

Tickets ON SALE THU JUN 18

LUVME

Thomas Piercy and Friends!

DAVID SEDARIS FRI OCT 2

SEASON AT A GLANCE

HELL'S KITCHEN FUNK ORCHESTRA Eclecticism SAT SEP 5

PAUL SALERNI BIENNIAL ART SONG RECITAL Dashon Burton in Concert! SUN SEP 20

GRAHAM NASH THU SEP 24

CIRQUE ALFONSE La Noce SAT OCT 3

OUTLANDER IN CONCERT SUN OCT 11

WU FEI AND ABIGAIL WASHBURN FRI OCT 16

FREQUENCY STRING QUARTET An American Quartet SUN OCT 18

ONE VISION OF QUEEN Feat. MARC MARTEL

CHORAL ARTS The Human Connection

VOCES8 Let's Fly Away SUN NOV 1

THE HOUSE THAT WILL NOT STAND NOV 6 - 14

JAZZ REPERTORY ORCHESTRA Three Afro-Cuban Moods SAT NOV 7

ACADEMY OF VOCAL ARTS Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore (The Elixir of Love) SUN NOV 22

MICHAEL FEINSTEIN

Coming Home: The Holiday Celebration with special guest Mandy Gonzalez SUN NOV 29

CHORAL ARTS Christmas Vespers In Packer Memorial Church

CHERISH THE LADIES A Celtic Christmas SUN DEC 20

THE NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA OF UKRAINE Beethoven Symphony No. 5 TUE FEB 2

FAMILY

2027 SPRING EVENTS

JAZZ FACULTY The Great American Songbook FRI FEB 5

MINTY FRESH CIRCUS SAT FEB 6

DARIN LEWIS, COMPOSER & CONDUCTOR There is truth in light FRI FEB 12

DOLCE TREBLE CHOIR Raise Your Voice In Lamberton Hall THU MAR 4

SUBSCRIBERS CAN ACCESS THE

SEATS NOW AND SAVE UP TO 20%! See page 40.

JAZZ REPERTORY ORCHESTRA Hollywood Jazz FRI MAR 5

LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO SAT MAR 6

NEW YORK JAZZ REPERTORY ORCHESTRA Hard Bop SAT APR 10

LEANN RIMES SUN APR 18

WHITHER WANDER WE APR 16 - 24

CHORAL ARTS

Choral Fantasy FRI MAY 7 SAT MAY 8 P.33 WIND ENSEMBLE Lauds! SUN MAY 9 P.25

NEIL BERG'S 50 YEARS OF ROCK 'N ROLL FRI MAY 21

CANTUS Wanting Memories: A Tribute to Music and Memory FRI FEB 19

P.20

MAGIC SCHOOL BUS Lost in the Solar System SUN FEB 21

FEB 26 - MAR 6 P.30

PHILHARMONIC Concerto Marathon! FRI FEB 26 SAT FEB 27

MICHAEL JORGENSEN, VIOLIN & STEVE BECK, PIANO Suite italienne SUN MAR 7

PALAVER STRINGS Songbook with Vuyo Sotashe & Chris Pattishall FRI MAR 12

CHOIR, DOLCE AND GLEE CLUB

Solitude, Multitude, Gratitude FRI APR 2 SAT APR 3

GRAVITY AND OTHER MYTHS Ten Thousand Hours FRI APR 9

PILOBOLUS Trips FRI APR 23

SPRING STUDENT JAZZ CONCERT SUN APR 25

PHILHARMONIC Fifty Years of Star Wars! FRI APR 30 SAT MAY 1*

SYMPHONIC BAND Bell, Book & Candle SUN MAY 2

FAMILY SERIES

FAMILY SERIES SHOWS

ABLAYE

DAVID GONZALEZ MADDOG AND MEBULLYING AND THE POWER OF KINDNESS THU NOV 5

LAYER

JOSEPH KEKUKU AND THE VOICE OF THE STEEL GUITAR MON APR 26

MAGIC

JANET'S

PRESENTING SERIES

THU SEP 24

7:00pm

GRAHAM NASH

LIVE ON TOUR 2026

“Graham Nash proved why he is a two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee. With his career spanning sixty years, his songs are just as relevant today as they were decades ago… The man has nothing to prove, yet he does it every time he sets foot on stage.”

–North Coast Music Beat (2025)

Graham Nash will perform a career-spanning retrospective of his six decades of contributions to contemporary music. Joined by Todd Caldwell (keyboards), Adam Minkoff (bass, drums, guitar, and vocals), and Zack Djanikian (guitar, bass, drums, and vocals), Nash will guide the audience through a musical journey that highlights his years with The Hollies, Crosby Stills & Nash, CSNY, and his beloved solo work.

Price $90/$80/$70 (VIP options available online only)

Price includes $1.00 donation to charity of artist's choice.

SAT SEP 26

7:30pm

ONE VISION OF QUEEN Featuring MAR C MARTEL

We Will Rock You, Another One Bites the Dust, We Are the Champions—these aren't just hits; they are the DNA of rock and roll. For decades, the sheer power and fouroctave range of Freddie Mercury have been considered impossible to replicate. Then came Marc Martel.

If you missed One Vision of Queen’s previous sold-out, standing-ovation performance at Zoellner due to the snowstorm, now is your chance to witness the "uncanny" phenomenon that has the rock world buzzing. This isn't just a tribute; it’s a vocal resurrection so precise that Martel was tapped to provide the singing voice for Rami Malek’s Oscar-winning performance in the biopic Bohemian Rhapsody. Original Queen drummer Roger Taylor said, "That voice. You listen, close your eyes, and you think it’s Freddie."

Price: $59/$49

“Marc Martel is a vocal doppelganger for the Queen frontman Freddie Mercury.” —NY Times

Price $65/$55 FRI OCT 2 7:30pm

DAVID SEDARIS

Experience the razor-sharp wit and unmatched observational brilliance of David Sedaris, one of America’s pre-eminent humor writers, beloved for his personal essays and short stories. A master of satire and a perennial New York Times bestselling author, Sedaris has captivated millions with iconic works like Me Talk Pretty One Day, Calypso, and his latest #1 hit, Happy-Go-Lucky. With over 16 million copies in print and translations in 32 languages, his influence on the literary world is undeniable—his work was even named among the New York Public Library’s most important books of the last 125 years.

This is a unique opportunity to see the best-selling humorist in an intimate setting. As always, Sedaris will offer a selection of all-new readings and recollections, along with a Q&A session and book signing. Books will be available for sale at the event.

Price $45/$35 SAT OCT 3 7:30pm

CIRQUE ALFONSE LA NOCE

You’ve never been to a wedding like this before! La Noce d’Alfonse is a celebration of love in all its forms — as tender as it is delightfully kitschy. It’s a freak show of the heart where caustic humor, circus performance, and live music collide in a whirlwind of festive poetry. Each night, a bold — and sometimes risqué — procession unfolds a series of acrobatic, love-infused tableaux, honoring the union of one lucky couple from the audience. Rooted in a 1970s aesthetic and fueled by constant crowd interaction, the show joyfully overflows with outrageous twists and turns. It bears all the hallmarks of Cirque Alfonse: irreverence, daring, poetry, and live music. So put on your finest outfit — we’re counting on you to catch the bouquet!

SUN APR 18

6:00pm

With a voice that has defined an era and a spirit that continues to evolve, LeAnn Rimes remains a singular force—bridging genres, generations, and global audiences with every new chapter.

Rimes is an international multi-platinumselling, acclaimed singer and ASCAP award-winning songwriter. She has sold more than 48 million units globally, won two Grammy® Awards, 12 Billboard Music Awards, two World Music Awards, three Academy of Country Music Awards, two Country Music Association Awards, and one Dove Award. At 14, Rimes won "Best New Artist" making her the youngest solo artist to take home a Grammy® Award, and at 15, she became the first country artist to win "Artist of the Year" at the Billboard Music Awards.

Out of the 63 singles she has released throughout her expansive career, Rimes' ballad How Do I Live holds the record as Billboard's Hot 100 all-time #1 hit by a female artist and currently ranks #6 on Billboard's Greatest of All Time: Hot 100 Songs List. Fifteen of her multi-genre singles are Top 10 hits, including "Can't Fight the Moonlight," which went #1 in 11 countries. She currently stars and sings in the hit ABC Hulu series 911 Nashville.

Price: $79/$69

*This concert was previously scheduled for October 10

SUN OCT 11 6:00pm

Do you ever feel as if everything is pointing you towards something…space, time, history?

For longtime “Outlander” fans, these words feel like home. As the global phenomenon reaches its conclusion in 2026, its heart continues to beat on stage with Outlander in Concert. The officially licensed live concert experience was created in collaboration with its showrunner Matthew B. Roberts and original Emmy Awardwinning composer Bear McCreary.

Like the stones of Craigh na Dun that carried Claire through time to Jamie, this symphonic experience guides audiences through love and loss, past and future, Scotland and beyond. The iconic score by Bear McCreary takes center stage, performed live by an orchestra, while the series’ most stirring moments unfold on a cinema sized screen.

Outlander in Concert celebrates the show’s rich heritage, its timeless characters, and the sweeping landscapes that made us fall in love. Premiering in Scotland, the heart and home of “Outlander,” Echoes of The Highlands will fill the air, reminding us that this is not the end… but just the beginning.

Through time. Through love. Through music.

Price $55/$49

FRI OCT 16 7:30pm

WU FEI & ABIGAIL WASHBURN

It might feel a bit strange to use the words “rockstar” and “guzheng” in the same sentence, but if anyone can take this 2,000-year-old Chinese stringed instrument and crank it up to 11, it would be Wu Fei. She is single-handedly responsible for bringing this once-elitist court instrument out of the palaces of the Qin dynasty and into the streets, using it in entirely unexpected and captivating ways. And matching her string for string and note for note is Abigail Washburn, a banjo virtuoso (and wife of fellow picker Béla Fleck) and TED Fellow who happens to also be fluent in both the language and culture of China. These two remarkable musicians come together for an evening of musical storytelling that crosses continents to find common ground.

Price $29

SUN NOV 1 4:00pm

VOCES8 LET'S FLY AWAY

Taking its title from the exuberant final invitation of Come Fly with Me, Let’s Fly Away is a celebration of the extraordinary breadth and versatility of the human voice. Spanning over five centuries of music, the program moves freely between sacred polyphony, romantic choral writing, contemporary song, jazz standards, folk melodies and pop classics.

From the radiant sonorities of William Byrd, Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina and Anton Bruckner to the searching lyricism of Arvo Pärt, Caroline Shaw and Paul Smith, and from the timeless sophistication of Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart to the warmth of Ben Folds, Bobby McFerrin and Simon & Garfunkel, this program offers a kaleidoscopic journey through VOCES8’s famed mixed repertoire.

Price: $45/$35

SUN NOV 8 6:00pm

ANDY GRAMMER ONE MAN SHOW

Experience an intimate high-energy evening with multi-platinum artist Andy Grammer. Stripped to its core, this one-man show blends acoustic performance, spoken word, storytelling, and real-time audience connection into something deeply personal and undeniably uplifting. With only a piano, a guitar, and a room full of voices, Andy turns the stage into a shared experience: moving effortlessly between chart-topping hits, new songs, and the stories behind them. Raw, funny, and fully present, it’s an invitation into the heart of the music.

Inspiring fans around the world, he has over 3 billion global streams and a social media following of nearly 5 million. His catalog consists of numerous hits, including the 5X platinum single Honey, I’m Good; the 2X platinum singles Keep Your Head Up, Fresh Eyes, and Don’t Give Up On Me; the platinum singles Good To Be Alive (Hallelujah) and Fine By Me; and the gold albums Andy Grammer (2011) and Magazines Or Novels (2014). When Don’t Give Up On Me became the soundtrack for ESPN’s 13th annual V Week for Cancer Research, he garnered a Sports Emmy for Outstanding Music Direction and a Clio Award.

Price $75/$65

FUN Family

SUN NOV 15

12:15pm Pre-Show with The Kellyn Foundation Sponsored by Marcie & Glenn Yarnis '80

1:00pm PETE THE CAT (admission charge)

2:00pm Post-Show Fun with our many Community Partners

3:30pm That's a Wrap! FREE

Join us for our Family Day!

Experience a fun time with your young ones! Visit our community partners—PBS39, Just Born, Crayola, and many more—on hand with FREE activities, treats and giveaways! Be on the lookout for a food truck, an Instagrammable Spot, Ziggy the Zoellner Zebra and a Family Series Sneak Peek! Check our website for more details.

1:00pm | Baker Hall

For Pete the Cat, life is an adventure no matter where you wind up. So the minute the groovy blue cat meets The Biddles, he gets the whole family rocking. That is, except for young Jimmy Biddle, the most organized second grader on planet Earth. But when Jimmy draws a blank in art class during the last week of school, it turns out Pete is the perfect pal to help him out. Together, they set out on a mission to help Jimmy conquer second grade art, and along the way, they both learn a little something new about inspiration. Join Jimmy and Pete on an adventure of friendship, all the way to Paris and back in a VW Bus!

CHOOSE-WHAT-YOU-PAY

$5/$10/$15

Run time 60 min. approx. (no intermission)

ACADEMY OF VOCAL ARTS

GAETANO DONIZETTI'S L’ELISIR D’AMORE (THE ELIXIR OF LOVE)

With its sumptuous arias and lighthearted comedy, L’elisir d’amore remains one of the most popular Donizetti works in the opera repertoire. With no money, no confidence, and no hope of winning the hand of the alluring hotel owner Adina, the young waiter Nemorino entrusts his chance of romance to a quack salesman and a dubious bottle of...magic elixir.

The Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia trains young artists with tremendous potential as international opera soloists. These singers share their talent, training and unique gifts on our concert stage.

Price $20

EXPLORE. REFLECT. CONNECT.

Lehigh University Art Galleries (LUAG) is Lehigh’s free, public art museum for all! Since 1926, LUAG has been honoring Asa Packer's revolutionary belief that art is an essential part of a well-rounded education. The museum stewards a world-class collection of over 20,000 works of art, including 56 outdoor sculptures that have captured national attention – recently celebrated by Condé Nast Traveler as a destination worth the journey.

LUAG is committed to making art inclusive and accessible both in person and online. A cultural resource for the Lehigh Valley and beyond, the museum welcomes thousands of visitors each year to experience dynamic exhibitions, hands-on workshops, and meaningful art education for learners of all ages. LUAG is more than a gallery: it’s a dynamic community hub where perspectives widen, ideas grow, and conversations flourish.

As LUAG wraps up its Centennial celebration in 2026, you’re invited to experience the culmination of the museum’s 100thanniversary programming, including the Fall 2026 exhibition This Land: Reimagining the United States of America on its 250th Anniversary – and exciting programming that will continue throughout the academic year.

Follow along at LUAG.org and come visit!

MICHAEL FEINSTEIN

COMING HOME: THE HOLIDAY CELEBRATION WITH SPECIAL GUEST ARTIST MANDY GONZALEZ

4:00pm

Celebrate the season with the legendary Michael Feinstein for an extraordinary musical journey. In this captivating multimedia performance, the five-time Grammy nominee breathes new life into iconic holiday classics and timeless standards. From the nostalgia of White Christmas and The Christmas Song to the soaring spirit of You’ll Never Walk Alone and the playful Hanukkah in Santa Monica, Feinstein curates an unforgettable evening that captures the true essence of holiday magic.

With a career spanning three decades, Feinstein is a global musical force. Whether performing at Carnegie Hall, the White House, or the Sydney Opera House, his artistry as a performer and archivist has made him the preeminent ambassador of American music. Don't miss this rare opportunity to see a master at work. Join us for a night of festive joy that will leave you dreaming of a ‘Winter Wonderland’ long after the final note.

Price $65/$55

Mandy Gonzalez is an accomplished film, TV, and stage actor and author, celebrated for her versatile Broadway career. Notable for originating Nina Rosario in the Tony Award-winning musical In the Heights—earning her a Drama Desk Award—she also starred as Angelica Schuyler in Hamilton and Elphaba in Wicked. Most recently, she guest-starred as Norma Desmond in the Tony-winning revival of Sunset Blvd, and brought her concert, Everything I Know: Mandy Gonzalez sings Lin-Manuel Miranda, to Carnegie Hall to rave reviews.

THE NUTCRACKER

12:00pm

4:00pm SUN

The Pennsylvania Youth Ballet’s magical production of The Nutcracker, with a live orchestra performing Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece, is a holiday tradition for the whole family! Enjoy the beauty of dancing snowflakes, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and Clara’s dream come to life, with guest artists from the world’s finest ballet companies and a cast of nearly 100 dancers.

This joint production is a partnership between Zoellner Arts Center, the Lehigh University Music Department and Pennsylvania Youth Ballet.

4:00pm

Get ready to ignite your holiday spirit with the Grammynominated Irish-American supergroup, Cherish the Ladies. Since their sold-out debut in 1985, this powerhouse ensemble has evolved into one of the most beloved and "busiest Irish groups on the planet." This season, they bring their worldrenowned blend of tradition and spectacle to the stage for a holiday concert like no other. Experience an enchanted musical journey featuring: lively jigs and reels, beautiful melodies perfect for a winter’s night, and a festive mix of old and new tunes that capture the true soul of Christmas. As The Boston Globe said: “It is simply impossible to imagine an audience that wouldn’t enjoy what they do!” Whether you’re looking for a night of world-class virtuosity or a warm, "passionate and rambunctious" celebration with family, Cherish the Ladies delivers a masterclass in festive entertainment.

Price $45/$35

TUE FEB 2

7:00pm

THE NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA OF UKRAINE

VOLODYMYR SIRENKO, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR & CHIEF CONDUCTOR

SUBSCRIBE + SAVE!

UP TO 20%

See page 40 for details. Pricing on page 41+42.

Experience the power and prestige of one of Eastern Europe’s finest ensembles. Formed in 1918, the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine (NSOU) carries a storied legacy, having collaborated with legendary masters like Leopold Stokowski, Artur Rubinstein, and Mstislav Rostropovich. Under the baton of Artistic Director and Chief Conductor Volodymyr Sirenko, the NSOU has ascended to the global stage, earning international acclaim for its technical precision and emotional depth. From Carnegie Hall to the Sydney Opera House, the NSOU has captivated audiences across five continents. Whether performing timeless international masterpieces or premiering the works of great Ukrainian composers like Liatoshynskyi and Sylvestrov, every performance is a testament to their enduring artistry. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to witness a worldclass orchestra that blends century-old traditions with modern brilliance. Join us for an evening of symphonic grandeur that transcends borders. Repertoire: Mendelssohn Violin Concerto, Dmytro Udovychenko, soloist; Silvestrov Silent Music, and Beethoven Symphony No. 5.

Price $55/$45

FEB 6

7:00pm

Named in tribute to Harriet Araminta Tubman (whose childhood nickname was Minty), Minty Fresh Circus brings to the stage a raucous, playful reimagination of circus and dance, infused with African performance rituals, ceremonies, and cultural traditions.

Conceived by Monique Martin, Minty Fresh Circus is a U.S.-based circus show performed by an all-Black cast, with a majority-Black creative team, celebrating the healing power of Black music and movement. The acrobats perform a range of movement sourced from the African Diaspora, including percussive dance, ritual movement, Lindy, hip-hop, poppin’ and lockin’, jukin’, hand games, and physical theater. The central question this circus asks is: what does freedom feel and sound like if your only access to it is through your imagination?

Run Time: 60 min. approx. (no intermission) CHOOSE-WHAT-YOU-PAY

$10/$15/$20

7:30pm CANTUS WANTING MEMORIES: A TRIBUTE TO MUSIC AND MEMORY

Why is it that we can recall the lyrics and melody of a song from our childhood, but we struggle to find our keys in the morning, or find ourselves unable to remember peoples’ names? Time and age can cause organized memories to gradually become a maze of fragments, but music often remains the one thing that helps us to remember who we are.

In Wanting Memories, Cantus explores the unique and enduring relationship between music and memory in all of our lives. Through selections that include timeless tunes like Over the Rainbow and What a Wonderful World and anchored by Ysaÿe M. Barnwell’s Wanting Memories, this performance traverses the realms of nostalgia and family, loss and love, grief, laughter, fear and hope.

Price $25

MAGIC SCHOOL BUS

LOST IN THE SOLAR SYSTEM

Hop on the Magic School Bus for a ride in this new musical adaptation based on the original book series published by Scholastic. When the class gets lost on the way to the planetarium, Ms. Frizzle saves the day by blasting into outer space for an epic interplanetary field trip! But when rivalries, both old and new, threaten to tear the students apart, our young heroes must learn to pull together or risk getting forever lost in the solar system.

Run Time: 60 min. approx. (no intermission)

SAT MAR 6

7:30pm

LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO

Graceland was Paul Simon’s comeback album, and the secret to its success on the road to winning the Grammy for Album of the Year was the vocal ensemble Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Dubbed by the late Nelson Mandela as South Africa’s “Cultural Ambassadors to the World,” they share a joy and excitement that breaks down barriers and unites everyone through the universal language of music. The group performs isicathamiya – a traditional music that originated with black mine workers in South Africa. During apartheid, the group chose to write peaceful music with messages of hope and joy. Over its long history, the group has recorded with Stevie Wonder, Dolly Parton, Sarah McLachlan, Josh Groban, Emmylou Harris, Melissa Etheridge and many others.

Price $45/$35

FRI

MAR 12

7:30pm

PALAVER STRINGS

SONGBOOK WITH VUYO SOTASHE & CHRIS PATTISHALL

Discover why the GRAMMY®-nominated Palaver Strings is hailed as one of New England’s most innovative and dynamic chamber ensembles. Since 2014, this musician-led collective has shattered the traditional "orchestra" mold, replacing the rigid podium with a collaborative, democratic spirit that brings raw energy and fresh perspectives to every performance. From bold world premieres to timeless classics, their repertoire features worldrenowned collaborators. The ensemble’s elite artistry has been showcased at world-class venues such as Carnegie Hall and Tanglewood. More than just a concert, a Palaver performance is a mission-driven experience. Celebrated for their "artivism," the ensemble curates programs that amplify underrepresented voices and address social justice, ensuring that every note played resonates with the world we live in today.

Price $35

APR 9

7:30pm

GRAVITY AND OTHER MYTHS

TEN THOUSAND HOURS

Everybody is a master of something. Blink, step, jump, balance, flip, fly. This is an ode to the countless hours needed to achieve great things. A tribute to the dedication required to realize our physical ambitions. An acknowledgment of the backstory, often more spectacular than the finished product. Eight acrobats and one musician investigate physical skill: how we obtain it, how we perfect it, and how it can transform our lives. Through highlighting the nuance of high-level acrobatics, audiences experience a heightened appreciation of the countless hours required to master the skills they are witnessing. Set to a driving, dynamic, and intricate musical score using percussion/drums live on-stage, Ten Thousand Hours is a revelry of the distinct physical language that defines GOM and a celebration of the pursuit of mastery. This is a love letter to our bodies and the amazing things they let us do every day.

Price $45/$35

PILOBOLUS

7:30pm

Pilobolus returns to arts center with Trips, a seamless journey through gravity-defying feats and emotional landscapes. Each dance work flows into the next with explosive athleticism, physical poetry, and sly humor, bringing you on a journey to infinite realities. From the skies to the soul to galaxies beyond, Trips isn’t just a series of works—it’s a single, shifting experience led by an intergalactic captain on a voyage through Pilobolus.

Price: $45/$35

SAT MAY 1 1:00pm

FIFTY YEARS OF STAR WARS CONCERT! LEHIGH UNIVERSITY PHILHARMONIC

In collaboration with the Lehigh University Music Department, the Philharmonic Orchestra celebrates the incredible achievements of the legendary John Williams whose work spans half a century and includes nine epic scores from the Star Wars saga! Kyle Wernke, director.

$5/$10/$15

Run Time: 60 min. approx. (no intermission)

FRI MAY 21

7:30pm

Get ready for a high-octane journey through the half-century that changed music forever! Award-winning composer and producer Neil Berg brings the often-unknown stories of rock and roll to life in an electrifying showcase featuring Broadway’s brightest stars and powerhouse rock vocalists. This isn't just a concert—it’s a time machine with better hair and louder guitars. From the trailblazing icons of the 1940s to the neon-soaked hits of the MTV era, you’ll experience the evolution of sound through the songs that defined generations. It’s a setlist of legends — relive the magic of Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and Aretha Franklin. Feel the stadium energy of Led Zeppelin, Journey, and Aerosmith, and celebrate the songwriting genius of Carole King, Billy Joel, and Bruce Springsteen. From Motown soul to Disco fever and New Wave cool, no stone is left unturned. This is the definitive celebration of the music that rocked the world.

Price: $49/$39

AUGUST

FRI

7:30pm LUVME

THOMAS PIERCY AND FRIENDS!

Experience the sound world of Thomas Piercy, clarinetist and hichiriki player based in Tokyo and NYC. With more than 300 works written especially for him, Piercy brings an electrifying mix of tradition, collaboration, and innovation to the stage. Darin Lewis, director.

Price $10

SEPTEMBER

SAT 5

8:00pm

HELL’S KITCHEN FUNK ORCHESTRA ECLECTICISM

Join us for the CD release concert of the new Hell’s Kitchen album, Eclecticism. Bill Warfield, director.

Price $18

LEHIGH UNIVERSITY MUSIC DEPARTMENT

3:00pm

BIENNIAL ART SONG RECITAL

DASHON BURTON IN CONCERT

Hailed by The Boston Globe as “alight with the spirit of the music,” bass-baritone Dashon Burton is known for performances that move fluidly between the worlds of Bach, spirituals, contemporary music, and the concert repertoire of the great orchestral tradition. A three-time GRAMMY Award winner, Burton has built an international career as a concert soloist, collaborative musician, and educator.

Price $18

OCTOBER

4:00pm

The Frequency String Quartet, Lehigh University’s faculty ensemble, presents four essential American voices in one afternoon. Experience the soulful, Bach-meets-jazz counterpoint of Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson’s Calvary Quartet; the brooding, film-noir shadows of Copland’s Two Pieces; the tender, bluesy grace of Gershwin’s Lullaby; and the radiant, rhythmic journey from dark to light of Kevin Puts’ Credo.

Price $18

8:00pm

Price $18 SAT 24

8:00pm

Lehigh Choral Arts presents The Human Connection, a concert exploring the ways we are united through shared human experiences across cultures and communities. Featuring all ensembles in the Lehigh Choral Arts program: Choral Union, University Choir, Dolce, and Glee Club. Sarah Frook Gallo, director; Liz Olson, assistant director.

NOVEMBER

SAT 7

8:00pm

JAZZ REPERTORY ORCHESTRA

THREE AFRO-CUBAN MOODS

The Lehigh University Jazz Repertory Orchestra will play music by the late Chico O’Farill as well as selections by Guest Artist, Lincoln Center Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra director and 6-time Grammy Award-winning composer and pianist, Arturo O’Farill. Bill Warfield, director.

Price $15

FRI 13

7:30pm

SAT 14

7:30pm

PHILHARMONIC

AMERICA AT 250

Lehigh’s Philharmonic Orchestra celebrates 250 years of America with some lesser-known works by American composers, including Leonard Bernstein’s haunting Symphony No. 1, Jeremiah. Kyle Wernke, director.

Price $18

DECEMBER

FRI 4

8:00pm STUDENT JAZZ CONCERT

JAZZ ORCHESTRA, BIG BAND & JAZZ COMBOS

Ensembles comprised of talented Lehigh students and faculty jazz musicians present their fall concert. Bill Warfield, director.

Price $12

SAT 5

7:30pm WIND ENSEMBLE

CELEBRATING AMERICA'S 250TH

The Wind Ensemble celebrates America's founding with a concert featuring music spanning our 250-year history. Work by Sousa, Williams, Hanson, Joplin and more!

Darin Lewis, director.

Price $12

SUN 6

4:00pm 8:00pm

FREE

CHORAL ARTS

CHRISTMAS VESPERS IN PACKER MEMORIAL CHURCH

Lehigh University Choral Arts presents its annual Christmas gift to the community. Sarah Frook Gallo, director; Liz Olson, assistant director.

Free; No tickets required. Early arrival suggested.

FEBRUARY

FRI 5

8:00pm JAZZ FACULTY

THE GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK

Music of America’s great composers: Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Harold Arlen, as well as Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Laura Nyro, and more. Bill Warfield, director.

Price $15

7:30pm

DARIN LEWIS, COMPOSER & CONDUCTOR

FACULTY RECITAL: THERE IS TRUTH IN LIGHT

Faculty member Darin Lewis presents an evening of music for strings. This concert includes Lewis' Elegie for Viola, Suite Strings, as well as several premieres, including Whatsoever things are true and There is truth in light

Price $18

PHILHARMONIC

CONCERTO MARATHON!

The student soloists of the Lehigh University Philharmonic Orchestra take the stage once again in our annual Concerto Marathon! Kyle Wernke, director.

Price $12

This concert is being held in Lamberton Hall located at 690 Taylor Street on Lehigh's campus.

Join the Dolce Treble Choir and the university’s Gender, Leadership, and Empowerment Center for Raise Your Voice, a fundraiser concert featuring a diverse array of clubs and ensembles from across the Lehigh University community. This special event celebrates the power of creative art to unite and uplift while also supporting the mission to promote gender equity.

FREE; No tickets required

Please note: Free parking is not available for this event.

FRI

5

8:00pm

JAZZ REPERTORY ORCHESTRA

HOLLYWOOD JAZZ

The Jazz Repertory Orchestra perform arrangements by Lehigh’s jazz students and faculty. Bill Warfield, director.

Price $15

SUN 7

3:00pm

MICHAEL JORGENSEN, VIOLIN & STEVE BECK, PIANO

FACULTY RECITAL: SUITE ITALIENNE

Celebrate the enduring elegance and soaring lyricism of the Italian violin tradition. This program explores the vibrant spirit of Italy through the centuries, featuring the architectural beauty of early Baroque composer Isabella Leonarda’s Sonata Duodecima; the sweeping, passionate intensity of Ottorino Respighi’s Violin Sonata; and the witty, neoclassical charm of Stravinsky’s Suite italienne. Join violinist Michael Jorgensen and pianist Steven Beck for a journey through sun-drenched masterworks of the Italian style.

Price $18

APRIL

FRI 2

8:00pm

SAT

8:00pm

CHOIR, DOLCE AND GLEE CLUB

SOLITUDE, MULTITUDE, GRATITUDE

Singers from University Choir, Dolce, and Glee Club present Solitude, Multitude, Gratitude, a concert of choral music that explores how we connect with ourselves and with the wider world. Featuring Jennifer Lucy Cook’s They are Mother for choir and piano. Sarah Frook Gallo, director; Liz Olson, assistant director.

Price $15

8:00pm NEW YORK JAZZ

REPERTORY ORCHESTRA HARD BOP

Explore music by the African-American musicians from the working-class, blue-collar inner-city culture of the 1950s and 60s. Bill Warfield, director.

Price $15

JAZZ CONCERT

JAZZ ORCHESTRA, BIG BAND & JAZZ COMBOS

Lehigh University student and faculty jazz musicians join forces for their spring concert. Bill Warfield, director.

Price $12

PHILHARMONIC

FIFTY YEARS OF STAR WARS!

Across half a century and nine films, John Williams has created a musical tapestry that spans generations. The Lehigh University Philharmonic will be celebrating this incredible achievement with concerts devoted entirely to John Williams’ epic music from the Star Wars saga!

Kyle Wernke, director.

Price $18

SUN 2

3:00pm

FREE SYMPHONIC BAND

BELL, BOOK & CANDLE

The Lehigh Symphonic Band will share favorites from the big and small screens as well as Broadway and beyond. Something for everyone, and as always, there will be a march or two. Darin Lewis, director.

Free; No tickets required.

FRI 7 SAT 8

CHORAL ARTS

CHORAL FANTASY

8:00pm

The singers of Lehigh Choral Arts present Choral Fantasy, a concert celebrating the 200th anniversary of Beethoven’s death. Featuring professional orchestra, soloists and choir.

Sarah Frook Gallo, director; Liz Olson, assistant director.

Price $18

8:00pm

SUN 9

3:00pm WIND ENSEMBLE LAUDS!

Join the Wind Ensemble for a concert featuring works by Ron Nelson, a prominent and prolific composer for winds and brass. Repertoire to include: Rock Point Holiday, Courtly Airs and Dances, and Lauds (Praise High Day)

Darin Lewis, director.

Price $12

DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE

WITCH

BY JEN SILVERMAN

SEp 25, 26, 30, OCT 1 - 3 | 7:30pm • SEp 27 | 2pm

A dark comedy with teeth, WITCH reimagines a Jacobean tale through a sharp, contemporary lens. In a quiet village, a woman long labeled a witch is suddenly presented with an unexpected opportunity: power, freedom, and revenge, all at a cost. As desires surface and alliances shift, each character grapples with what they are willing to trade to get what they think they deserve. Funny, subversive, and unsettling, WITCH explores agency, morality, and the seductive nature of control. A dark comedy with teeth, WITCH reimagines a Jacobean tale through a sharp, contemporary lens. Jessie Dean, director.

Price $18

THE HOUSE THAT WILL NOT STAND

BY MARCUS GARDLEY

NOV 6, 7, 11 - 14 | 7:30pm • NOV 8 | 2pm

New Orleans, 1813. On the eve of the city passing from Spanish to American rule, the world as Beartrice Albans knows it is shifting. A wealthy free woman of color, she has navigated the complex system of plaçage to secure a life of luxury for her three daughters. But as the Louisiana heat rises and a regime change looms, the walls of her grand house begin to close in.

Marcus Gardley’s lush, lyrical drama is a haunting exploration of Black female agency, the cost of freedom, and the ghosts we inherit. This is a visceral battle for autonomy, centering the brilliance and defiance of Black womanhood in a world designed to contain it. Kashi Johnson, director.

Price $18

EURYDICE

BY SARAH RUHL

FEB 26, 27, mAR 3 - 6 | 7:30pm • FEB 28 | 2pm

In this lyrical and imaginative retelling of a classic myth, Eurydice shifts the focus to the woman at its center. As Eurydice journeys to the underworld, she reunites with her father and navigates the pull between memory and love. With inventive staging and a dreamlike world of language and sound, the play explores loss, longing, and the enduring bonds that shape us. Tender, whimsical, and quietly devastating, Eurydice invites us to consider what we hold onto, and what we must let go.

Sarah Ellis Morgan ’27, director.

Price $18

WHITHER WANDER WE

DEVISED BY LYAM B. GABEL & THE COMPANY

ApR 16, 17, 21 - 24 | 7:30pm • ApR 18 | 2pm

What happens when a band of queer and trans fairies arrives in a rural town and invites the community to reimagine A Midsummer Night’s Dream with them? Whither Wander We is a bold, devised work that blends Shakespeare’s text with local stories and immersive media. Created collaboratively with student artists, the piece explores transformation, belonging, and the possibility of new worlds emerging in unexpected places. Playful, provocative, and alive with imagination, this production celebrates theatre as a space for reinvention and collective dreaming. Lyam B. Gabel, director.

Price $18

This season, we’re reimagining our Family Series to be more accessible, flexible, and affordable for our community. From first-time theatergoers to seasoned visitors, our Family Series is designed to meet you exactly where you are.

FAMILY SERIES

Choose-What-You-Pay

We are excited to introduce a new pricing model that puts the power of choice in your hands. To ensure the arts remain accessible to all our neighbors in the Lehigh Valley, you decide the price of your tickets.

• How it works: All seats for Family Series shows will have a choice of three prices: $5, $10, or $15 (with the exception of Minty Fresh Circus: $10/$15/$20).

• The Impact: When you choose to pay the highest listed price, you directly support access to the arts for thousands of neighbors throughout our community.

• The Perk: This season, Family Series events have reserved seating, so you can choose your seats as well as the price you pay! Forget the rigid rules of traditional theatre. Zoellner’s Family Series performances are relaxed and movement-encouraged.

• Non-Shushing Shows: We want to foster curiosity, not quiet it!

• Movers & Shakers Welcome: While seats are reserved, we have a dedicated area in the hall for those to move to if they feel the need to roam.

• Open Door Policy: Feel free to enter and exit the theatre whenever necessary.

• Relax Room: Need a breather? A quiet "Relax Room" is available for breaks at any time where we will simulcast the performance at a low volume.

• Sensory Support: Sensory kits are available upon request to ensure everyone stays comfortable. Personal sensory tools are always welcome into our theatres.

• Activities: Our partners, The Kellyn Foundation and Bright Horizons will provide pre- or post-show activities in the lobby with tips, treats, and activities.

NEW PERK FOR LEHIGH UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEES 50% OFF TICKETS

TAKE

CENTER STAGE:

Zoellner Arts Center is thrilled to unveil an exclusive new perk for Lehigh’s faculty and staff for the 2026-2027 Season. Whether you're looking for a night of world-class music or a thought-provoking theatrical performance, your seat is waiting!

Experience the best of the performing arts at half the price. Faculty and staff now receive a 50% discount on tickets for:

• Music Department concerts

• Department of Theatre productions

• Presenting Series performances

Well-being is about more than just physical health—it’s about inspiration, connection, and the vibrant culture that makes A Lehigh For Everyone possible.

DETAILS:

•Discounted tickets go on sale Thursday, June 18 at noon. Check your inbox for an exclusive promo code.

•Up to two (2) tickets per performance.

•Perk valid for current employees only; cannot be combined with other discounts, subscriptions, or Choose-What-You-Pay events.

EARN BE WELL POINTS!

As part of Lehigh’s employee wellness initiatives, Be Well participants can now earn points for attending events at the arts center. Lehigh's employee wellness initiatives provide incentives and rewards for making positive choices in every part of your life. Additional details will be shared soon via email.

ZOELLNER ARTS CENTER

MAKE AN IMPACT

PLEASE DONATE • BECOME A

GET YOUR TICKETS

LEHIGH EMPLOYEES

IN PERSON ONLINE

Zoellner Arts Center Ticket Services

420 East Packer Ave.

Bethlehem, PA 18015

www.zoellnerartscenter.org

email: inzactix@lehigh.edu

PHONE

610-758-2787 ext: 0

Box Office Hours: TUE 12-6pm, WED-FRI 12-5pm For ticketed events: 90 minutes prior to curtain. Check online for summer (May-Aug) and winter break (Dec – Jan) hours.

SEATING CHARTS

Get 50% OFF Tickets! ORCHESTRA A-G

SUBSCRIPTIONS AVAILABLE NOW!

TICKETS ON SALE TO THE PUBLIC THU JUN 18

Senior, student, group, and LVAIC discounts available.

PARKING IS FREE in the garage attached to the center for all Presenting/Family Series, Lehigh University Music Dept. and Dept. of Theatre events (excluding some weekday morning events, and Dolce in Lamberton Hall) Please note, there may be a parking charge for non-Zoellner sponsored events.

All programs and artists are subject to change. In the event of a cancellation or material change, we will make every effort to contact all ticket holders. We must reserve the right to make any changes whatsoever in the event owing to any unforeseen or unavoidable cause or to cancel the event for any reason beyond our control without being liable to pay any ticket holder compensation for damages other than a ticket of comparable value to an event (based on availability).

Prices separated by slashes indicate seating area locations differentiated by color. Please note, not all sections are available for all performances.

DIAMOND THEATER R

BAKER HALL ORCHESTRA D-G

TIER H-R

Zoellner is a fully accessible facility. Free assistive listening devices available. Check online for details.

Questions? Please contact the box office.

Baker Hall: All seats except ADA seating and those in row S are accessed by steps. Diamond Theater: All seats except ADA seating are accessed by steps.

Photo Credits: Andy Staples, Cedrick-Nöt, Christine Kreschollek, Courtesy of Sony Pictures Television, Darcy Grant, Halkin Mason, Holden & Arts Associates, Hub Willson, Linda Ganus, LU Dept. of Theatre, LU Music Dept., Marcus Smith, Mark Garvin, Nate Ryan, Ryan Hulvat, Sandra Mehl, Shannon Branman, Shervin Lainez, Simon McClure, Titilayo Ayangade

SUBSCRIBE + SAVE

LIKE 3 OR MORE EVENTS?

BECOME A SUBSCRIBER AND

SUBSCRIPTIONS OFFER

FLEXIBILITY & EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS

• SUBSCRIBE ANYTIME

•Subscribers save up to 20% & pay no per ticket service charges

• FREE and discount ticket offers via email

•Plans change? Exchange your tickets if you can’t make a show

• Early access for the best seats, including our Choose-What-You-Pay Family Series! Just add the shows to your subscription order.

•Invitation to Season Preview event with our executive director to learn about upcoming performances and 2 FREE Tickets to Neil Berg's 50 Years of Rock 'N Roll on May 21!

•Get tickets before they go on sale to the general public June 18 to SAVE EVEN MORE and get the best seats!

• MAKE AN IMPACT Your support makes a direct and tangible impact on the artistic programming and educational outreach to thousands, every year.