Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts
The Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts
School of Music Events
Experience an exciting season of music and performance at the Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts. The 2026–2027 season brings together outstanding WIU performers, guest artists, ensembles, and special events for audiences of all ages.
From the annual Holiday Festival of Choirs to the powerful sounds of Carmina Burana, each performance offers a unique opportunity to experience the talent and creativity of Western Illinois University and its musical partners.
Explore the featured performances below, or view the complete season schedule to find a show and plan your visit.
Celebration Concert
7:30 PM
Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts
The Celebration Concert will be the first Music performance in the new Goldfarb Center, offering students, alumni, faculty, community members, and guests an opportunity to experience the highly anticipated facility while celebrating the continued legacy of music at WIU. The concert will feature performances by the four major Music ensembles: the WIU Wind Ensemble, University Singers, Jazz Studio Orchestra, and Symphony Orchestra, presenting a diverse "collage" of musical styles along with WIU Music Alumni. This is a non-ticketed, general admission event.
Free Admission
Reservations required. Call the box office at 309-298-2900 or reserve online.
31st Holiday Festival of Choirs
7:30 PM
Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts
Celebrate the holiday season with the 31st Holiday Festival of Choirs, featuring outstanding vocal ensembles from Western Illinois University and area schools.
Western Illinois University
Singers and Chamber Singers
Dr. Brian J. Winnie, conductor
Dr. Po-Chuan Chiang, collaborative pianist
Western Illinois University
Concert Choir
Dr. Jason Hawkins, conductor
Dr. Po-Chuan Chiang, collaborative pianist
Macomb High School Concert Choir
and Madrigal Singers
Melanie Butcher, conductor
Galesburg High School Gold Vocal
Jazz Ensemble
Lucy Rieke, conductor
Holiday Festival Children's
Choir
Ethan Ivey, conductor
Matthew Porter, collaborative pianist
$10 General Admission
WIU Students Free (Reserve in Advance)
Reservations required. Call the box office at 309-298-2900 or reserve online.
POWERFUL. PRIMAL. UNFORGETTABLE.
CARMINA BURANA
3:00 PM
Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts, Western Illinois University
Carl Orff's thrilling masterpiece.
FATE. FORTUNE. FIRE.
Performed by the WIU Choirs, Wind Ensemble, and guests.
O Fortune, like the moon, you are changeable
Special Guests
Nicholas Miguel
Melissa Jean Chavez
Alfonzo Cooper Jr., soloists
All Musical Shows
Explore the complete schedule of musical performances at the Goldfarb Center.
Celebration Concert
Friday, October 23, 2026 | 7:30 PM | Great Hall
31st Holiday Festival of Choirs
Saturday, December 12, 2026 | 7:30 PM | Great Hall
Showcase of Bands
Friday, February 19, 2027 | 7:30 PM
Saturday, February 20, 2027 | 1:00 PM
President's Concert — Carmina Burana
Saturday, May 1, 2027 | 3:00 PM | Great Hall
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