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
33rd 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.
51st Annual Spring Oratorio
Friday, April 11, 2025
8:00 PM, Music Center at STRATHMORE
Karl Jenkins - THE ARMED MAN: A Mass For Peace
Eric Whitacre - DEEP FIELD
A sublime evening of profound music!
Deep Field – written by contemporary American composer Eric Whitacre, is based upon images received by the Hubble Space Telescope. Over 10 days in December 1995, the Hubble Space Telescope recorded a series of images in a small area of the constellation Ursa Major. The Hubble Deep Field, as the region is now known, contains traces of around 3,000 distinct galaxies, among the oldest and most distant yet observed, projecting the early universe. “My goal was to see just how far I could stretch the concept of time and expectation while bringing the audience along on the journey,” Whitacre notes. Deep Field seeks the active involvement of its audience, inviting listeners to ‘play’ music through a pre-downloaded smartphone app. Deployed in the score’s closing pages it is intended to “create a delicate, shimmering sound in the concert hall, extending the music onstage into the audience.” Stunning imagery is projected as the music takes you on a journey to the far reaches of our universe - it is truly out of this world!
Join us for beautiful evening of music performed by the critically acclaimed USNA Men’s and Women’s Glee Clubs and a world-class professional orchestra!
U.S. Naval Academy Glee Club
An absolute don't miss evening!
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!
2024 Performances
Friday, October 25, 2024
USNA Chapel
7:00 PM
Friday, October 25, 2024
USNA Chapel
10:00 PM
Saturday, October 26, 2024
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.
2024 Concerts
Saturday, December 7, 2024
7:00 PM, USNA Chapel
Sunday, December 8, 2024
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.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee!
Friday, February 21, 2025
7:00 PM, USNA Mahan Hall
Saturday, February 22, 2025
7:00 PM, USNA Mahan Hall
Sunday, February 23, 2025
3:00 PM, USNA Mahan Hall
NOTE: There are only 3 performances! Be sure to get your tickets early!
