Lawrence University Announces 2026-27 Performing Arts Series Season

Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra

Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026 | 2:30 p.m.
Lawrence Memorial Chapel

The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra opens the season with a performance showcasing one of the nation's premier orchestras and Wisconsin's largest cultural institution.

Since its founding in 1959, the MSO has built a national reputation for artistic excellence, innovative programming, and community engagement. The orchestra's 72 full-time professional musicians perform more than 125 concerts each season throughout Wisconsin, spanning classical, pops, family, education, and community performances.

The MSO has presented world and American premieres by leading contemporary composers including John Adams, Philip Glass, and Roberto Sierra, while also becoming the first American orchestra to offer live recordings on iTunes. Beyond the concert hall, the orchestra reaches thousands of young people and families annually through its education and outreach initiatives.

Fred Sturm Jazz Celebration Weekend

November 6 - 7, 2026

Christie Dashiell

Friday, Nov. 6, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.
Lawrence Memorial Chapel

Kicking off the Fred Sturm Jazz Celebration Weekend, GRAMMY-nominated vocalist, composer, and educator Christie Dashiell brings her distinctive blend of jazz, rhythm and blues, gospel, and soul to Lawrence Memorial Chapel as part of the Fred Sturm Jazz Celebration Weekend. Born in Washington, D.C., and raised in North Carolina, Dashiell is known for her improvisational artistry and rich vocal tone. A graduate of Howard University and the Manhattan School of Music, she first gained national attention performing with Howard University's acclaimed vocal jazz ensemble Afro-Blue, which appeared on NBC's The Sing-Off. Her sophomore album, Journey In Black, earned a GRAMMY nomination for Best Jazz Vocal Album and was praised by DownBeat Magazine as a "masterpiece." The recording explores themes of freedom, legacy, grief, and joy while drawing from multiple traditions within Black American music.

Billy Childs Jazz Chamber Ensemble

Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.
Lawrence Memorial Chapel

The Fred Sturm Jazz Celebration Weekend continues with the Billy Childs Jazz Chamber Ensemble. Pianist and composer Billy Childs is recognized as one of the foremost American composers of his generation, seamlessly blending jazz traditions with contemporary classical influences. Throughout his career, Childs has received 17 GRAMMY nominations and six GRAMMY Awards, including Best Instrumental Jazz Album honors for Winds of Change and Rebirth. Childs has also received a Guggenheim Fellowship, a Doris Duke Performing Artist Award, and honors from the American Academy of Arts and Letters. His work as a composer, performer, and arts advocate has established him as one of the most influential voices in contemporary jazz.

Kings Return

Saturday, Feb. 6, 2027 | 7:30 p.m.
Lawrence Memorial Chapel

Acclaimed vocal quartet Kings Return will bring its genre-blending a cappella sound to Lawrence Memorial Chapel. The Dallas-based ensemble first gained widespread attention through viral stairwell performance videos showcasing their lush harmonies and effortless blend. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Take 6 and Boyz II Men, Kings Return incorporates elements of R&B, jazz, gospel, pop, and classical music into its performances. Comprised of Vaughn Faison, Gabe Kunda, JE McKissic, and Jamall Williams, the quartet has built an international following through both live performances and online audiences captivated by the group's rich vocal textures and musical versatility.

Dreamers' Circus

Monday, April 5, 2027 | 8 p.m.
Stansbury Theatre

Dreamers' Circus, one of the Nordic region's most acclaimed contemporary folk ensembles, will perform at Stansbury Theatre. Blending Nordic folk traditions with classical lyricism, jazz improvisation, and pop influences, the Copenhagen-based trio has earned international recognition for its adventurous and genre-defying sound. The ensemble features Nikolaj Busk on piano and accordion, Rune Tonsgaard Sørensen on violin, and Ale Carr on cittern. Since its formation, Dreamers' Circus has released seven albums, toured internationally, and received major honors from the Danish Arts Foundation. Their latest album, Handed On, reflects on musical heritage while showcasing the trio's inventive and dynamic approach to acoustic music.

The Westerlies

Friday, April 30, 2027 | 7:30 p.m.
Lawrence Memorial Chapel

The season concludes with a performance by The Westerlies, the GRAMMY-nominated brass quartet praised for blending jazz, classical, and folk traditions. Described by The New York Times as "an arty quartet…mixing ideas from jazz, new classical, and Appalachian folk," The Westerlies have performed everywhere from Carnegie Hall to Coachella while redefining expectations for brass chamber music. The ensemble, Riley Mulherkar and Chloe Rowlands on trumpet and Andy Clausen and Addison Maye-Saxon on trombone, has released 10 critically acclaimed albums and collaborated with artists including Caroline Shaw, Bill Frisell, and Nico Muhly. This performance is also part of Lawrence University's New Music Series.