Dedicated to fostering a lifelong love of music, UChicago’s vibrant Performance Program provides UChicago students from all backgrounds and academic programs with an exceptional environment for artistic inspiration and musical growth. Involving more than 700 musicians across campus and offering over 100 concerts each year, the Department's ensembles and programs form a vital component of undergraduate and graduate student life at the University.
The ensembles and programs strive to develop each student's individual proficiency and musical understanding to the highest degree possible. For more information about performance opportunities, including how to join, visit the pages below. You can also find upcoming concerts and events in the department on our Calendar.
2020-21 Academic Year
All ensembles and programs will begin remotely for the 2020-21 academic year. The Music Department will continue to monitor circumstances, and we hope to incorporate in-person engagement as soon as conditions allow.
Performance Program Directors are preparing robust and exciting offerings for the upcoming quarter, when most of our engagement will take place virtually. Activities will include group meetings during rehearsal time for repertoire/subject study, guest artist presentations, and related discussions; individual and group recording projects; and frequent opportunities for one-on-one engagement with the Performance Program Directors and Artists-in-Residence. These activities will make our in-person rehearsals and performances even more special when we are able to gather again!
Musicians interested in participating in the large instrumental ensembles, large choral ensembles, and the Chamber Music, Vocal Studies, and Piano Programs for the first time are required to audition. Visit the 2020 Auditions page for more information.
The Early Music Ensemble, Middle East Music Ensemble, South Asian Music Ensemble, and Afro-Cuban Folkloric Ensemble do not require auditions. Instead, interested musicians should attend the digital open house for the appropriate ensemble during Week 2 of the quarter. Visit each individual ensemble page for more information and to sign up for the open house.