The Henry and Leigh Bienen School of Music has announced its 2025-26 concert season, featuring a variety of international talent making their Northwestern University debuts. The season includes the return of several established series and performances by acclaimed artists.
The Skyline Piano Artist Series will commence in November for its 10th season, presenting five performances. Highlights include appearances by Jean Gimbel Lane Prize winner Leif Ove Andsnes and the upcoming 2025 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition winner.
In January and February 2026, the Winter Chamber Music Festival will feature ensembles such as the Dudok Quartet Amsterdam, Vertavo String Quartet, Dover Quartet, Isidore String Quartet, and Trio Seoul's debut.
Starting October 25, the Segovia Classical Guitar Series will showcase Grammy-winning lutenist Paul O’Dette with tenor Aaron Sheehan. The series will also include a farewell tour by Sérgio and Odair Assad celebrating their 60th anniversary. Xuefei Yang will make her series debut.
Jeffrey Siegel's Keyboard Conversations series returns for its 57th season with concerts exploring piano masterpieces' inspirations through performance and commentary.
Jazz guest artist concerts begin on October 4 with performances by Bienen alumnus Rufus Reid and trumpeter Marquis Hill bringing their ensembles to the stage.
Subscriptions for these events are available online at concertsatbienen.org or via phone at 847-467-4000. Single tickets go on sale July 7. Ticket office hours vary throughout the week and change during summer months starting June 14.
Series highlights include:
**Keyboard Conversations with Jeffrey Siegel**: Running from September 26, 2025 to May 8, 2026 at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall.
**Jazz Guest Artists**: Performances on October 4, 2025, and April 25, 2026 at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall.
**Segovia Classical Guitar Series**: From October 25, 2025 to May 9, 2026 at Galvin Recital Hall.
**Skyline Piano Artist Series**: Scheduled from November 7, 2025 to April 26, 2026 at Galvin Recital Hall.
**Winter Chamber Music Festival**: From January to February in Pick-Staiger Concert Hall.
Each series offers diverse programming that spans classical music genres including piano works by Beethoven and Chopin in Keyboard Conversations; jazz explorations with Rufus Reid; guitar virtuosity in Segovia Classical Guitar Series; notable pianists like Jeremy Denk in Skyline Piano Artist Series; and chamber music excellence during Winter Chamber Music Festival featuring renowned quartets like Dover Quartet.
For further information about specific concert dates or performers involved within each individual program lineup please refer directly towards Bienen School’s website where detailed descriptions have been provided regarding all scheduled activities throughout this forthcoming musical calendar year ahead!