Community Engagement

The ultimate goals of the Performance Program’s Community Engagement are the following: 

• Eliminate pre-existing and pre-conceived barriers by cultivating trusting relationships among all stakeholders within the department, participating guest artists and the community 
• Design, curate and implement meaningful performances and residencies based on the the needs of the community space in which it is taking place; all activities seek to complement, not take away from the wonderful work that is already taking place in that specific community space  
• Provide an impactful platform for music students and guest artists to engage in the practice of being a citizen artist 
• Utilize often unexpected spaces for transformational musical experiences 

Community engagement opportunities within the Performance Program empower students and artists-in-residence to interact interdepartmentally on campus, in community spaces and along with people in the Hyde Park and surrounding neighborhoods, as citizen artists. Their community engagement activities provide a platform for their musical skills, talents and accolades to connect with and enrich the immediate and surrounding communities of the University of Chicago. 

—Salon Concerts at Montgomery Place  

UChicago Performance Program students perform on Saturday afternoons for the residents of Hyde Park’s Montgomery Place. 

—Lobby performances at UChicago Medicine facilities  

UChicago Performance Programs are invited to curate 1-2 hour long sets on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons designed to uplift, distract and brighten the days of those passing through the lobby on their way to their appointments. 

—Teaching artists at area schools  

Performance Program Faculty lead the curriculum design with student involvement in all parts of design and implementation in 6–8-week residency visits taking place twice per week. Read more about the Making Waves curriculum implemented by UChicago Performance Program faculty member, John Corkill.

The University’s Don Michael Randel Ensemble Residency provides a home for world-class musicians to engage with the campus and surrounding communities. Additional guest artists, including winners of the Concert Artists Guild International Competition, frequently come to campus to perform with University ensembles and provide workshops and coaching to student musicians. In addition to public performances, these artists engage in meaningful interactions with the community, including interactive performances for community music schools and youth ensembles, books talks and lecture performances.

Experience more than 100 concerts and musical events each season, including a variety of programs featuring our instrumental ensembles and orchestras, choirs and vocalists, and early music, world music, and jazz groups. All of our performances and events are free, and tickets are not required. Reserved seating may be requested for groups of 10 or more.

The Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company and the Department of Music join together each spring to showcase the legendary musicality and wit of William S. Gilbert and Sir Arthur Sullivan. Presenting fully-staged productions in Hyde Park since 1960, the Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company is devoted to the promotion and performance of the musical arts through the presentation of Gilbert and Sullivan’s delightful operatic oeuvre. Featuring the Department’s own Chamber Orchestra as the pit orchestra, recent productions have included Princess Ida, Iolanthe, and Patience.  

Upcoming production: Ruddigore, March 1-3, 2024 in Mandel Hall