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
36th 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 35 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.
53rd Annual Spring Oratorio
Saturday, April 17, 2027
7:00 PM, Music Center at STRATHMORE
Verdi - REQUIEM
A sublime evening of profound music!
Recognized as one of the most celebrated and profound works in western music, Verdi's Requiem is beloved throughout the world.
Join us for beautiful evening of music performed by the critically acclaimed USNA Glee Club, world-class soloists, and professional orchestra!
U.S. Naval Academy Glee Club
The Washington Festival Orchestra
Joined by a special cameo appearance that will blow... your... mind...
An absolute don't miss evening!
TICKETS
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!
2026 Performances
Friday, October 30, 2026
USNA Chapel
7:00 PM
Friday, October 30, 2026
USNA Chapel
10:00 PM
Saturday, October 31, 2025
USNA Chapel
7:00 PM
A USNA shuttle will be running for all performances.
Pick up at the new NEX (693 Kinkaid Road) across the Severn on the Naval Station
Friday, running 5:00 pm - midnight.
Saturday, running from 5:00 pm -10:00 pm.
About the USNA Messiah Concert
Continuing a long-standing tradition, the USNA Glee Club combines with the Washington Festival 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.
2026 Concerts
Saturday, December 5, 2026
7:00 PM, USNA Chapel
Sunday, December 6, 2026
3:00 PM, USNA Chapel
TBA, soprano
TBA, mezzo
TBA, tenor
TBA, baritone
A USNA shuttle will be running for all performances.
Pick up at the "OLD" NEX (329 Kinkaid Road) across the Severn on the Naval Station
Saturday, running 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm.
Sunday, running from 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm.
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.
TBA
Friday, February 19, 2027
7:00 PM, USNA Mahan Hall
Saturday, February 20, 2027
7:00 PM, USNA Mahan Hall
Sunday, February 21, 2027
3:00 PM, USNA Mahan Hall
NOTE: There are only 3 performances! Be sure to get your tickets early!
