UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State School of Music has announced the return of its "Rhapsody Series" — a free concert series that brings faculty artistry to the community in dynamic, themed recitals.
Like a rhapsody itself, each performance is woven from a central idea, expressed through an array of voices, styles and stories. Concerts take place on select Sundays at 4 p.m. in the School of Music Recital Hall.
Each recital lasts about an hour without intermission, creating an immersive listening experience that highlights Penn State faculty and their collaborators. Admission is free.
Fall 2025
The 2025–26 season begins on Sept. 7 with "Then and Now," a joyful program presented by the voice faculty and pianist Parker Konkle. Each singer will pair a piece meaningful to them at the start of their career with one that represents their present artistic journey. Rachel Copeland, Dawn Pierce, Norman Spivey and Ted Christopher share their stories through music and reminiscence, offering audiences a glimpse into the personal side of teaching and performance.
On Sept. 21, Lee Hinkle, percussion professor, and colleagues present "Percussive Treasure," a thrilling concert of groundbreaking works for percussion. Highlights include premieres by Brianna Wiegand and Connie Li, inspired by urban soundscapes in Philadelphia and Baltimore, as well as music by Penn State’s own Baljinder Sekhon. The program culminates in Joseph Schwantner’s "Fast Forward," an electrifying concerto for piano, double bass, percussion quartet and soloist.
The series continues Sept. 28 with "Tails and Tales," where horn professor Sarah Schouten and narrator Robert Hickey bring beloved nursery rhymes, Aesop’s fables and animal portraits to life. With music by Anthony Plog, Jeffrey Agrell, and Clark McAllister, this whimsical afternoon captures the joy of storytelling in sound.
On Oct. 12, the wind faculty and students present "No Strings Attached," a vibrant program ranging from Mozart’s "Harmoniemusik" to jazz-inspired trios and octets. This grand finale to Penn State’s "Woodwind Day" promises a kaleidoscope of colors, styles, and traditions — celebrating the rich heritage of wind music.
Nov. 2 offers "Wet Ink: New Music by Penn State Composers," a showcase of original works from the School of Music community. This one-of-a-kind program features art songs, chamber pieces and dynamic instrumental music created by faculty and performed by faculty — a celebration of creativity as it happens, while the ink is still fresh on the page.
On Nov. 9, "Confrontations with Fate" pairs two of the most dramatic piano quartets in the repertoire: Mozart’s stormy "G Minor Quartet" and Brahms’ passionate "C Minor Quartet." Performed by Juliette Greer (violin), Tim Deighton (viola), Ben Deighton (cello) and Katherine Benson (piano), these works explore the struggles of human emotion with intensity and lyricism.
Spring 2026
The spring semester opens Feb. 1 with "Three’s Company!" featuring violinist Max Zorin, cellist Julian Schwarz and pianist Marika Bournaki in a program of beloved piano trios brimming with vitality, elegance and energy.
On Feb. 8, pianist Melody Quah presents "Voices of Southeast Asia," pairing Godowsky’s "Java Suite" with newly commissioned works by Sidney Boquiren, Marisa Hartanto, Piyawat Louilarpprasert and Emily Koh. Supported by a College of Arts and Architecture Faculty Research Grant, this recital offers rare perspectives on migration, identity and tradition through contemporary Southeast Asian voices.
Feb. 22 brings "Resonant Images," a collaboration between double bassist Patricia Weitzel and pianist Seulki Yoo with video projections by Professor Curtis Craig. This imaginative recital blends music and visuals to create a multisensory journey across cultures and soundscapes, transforming the recital hall into a canvas for global storytelling.
On March 22, audiences will experience Stravinsky’s theatrical masterpiece, "The Soldier’s Tale," presented by trumpet professor George Carpten IV and faculty colleagues. This witty and poignant fable combines music, narration and staging to explore themes of temptation, ambition and destiny in a performance both timeless and fresh.
The season concludes March 29 with "Dialogue of Self and Soul," presented by oboist Andreas Oeste and collaborators. Featuring music by Brett William Dietz, Reena Esmail and André Jolivet, the program explores spirituality through sound, from protective charms to sacred chant, reflecting on the shared human search for meaning across cultures and traditions.