Eastman Concerts & Events: November 2026
As the autumn air begins to cool, we invite you to seek warmth inside our historic concert halls for a range of beautiful performances. We are pleased to highlight some of the concerts and events taking place in November, featuring internationally accomplished faculty and guest artists alongside world-class student ensembles.
Most of the concerts listed are free and open to the public, and ticketed events may be booked through Eastman’s online box office or by calling 585-274-3000. Patrons are encouraged to purchase tickets as soon as possible to secure the best seats and savings.
Eastman Jazz Lab Band
Tuesday, Nov. 3 at 7:30 p.m. | Kodak Hall
Directed by Associate Professor of Jazz Trombone Marshall Gilkes, the Eastman Jazz Lab Band will present a free concert in Kodak Hall, showcasing the energy, creativity, and ensemble sound of Eastman’s jazz program.
Eastman Opera Theatre (Ticketed)
“Candide” 1974 Chelsea Version
Thursday, Nov. 5 – Sunday, Nov. 8 | Kilbourn Hall
Eastman Opera Theatre will present a bold take on Leonard Bernstein’s Candide as its fall 2026 production. Presenting the 1974 Chelsea Version, this one-act production will be sung in English and performed with chamber orchestra. The work features music by Bernstein, a book adapted from Voltaire by Hugh Wheeler, lyrics by Richard Wilbur, and additional lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and John Latouche. Due to sensitive subject matter involving violence and sexual innuendo, this opera is not recommended for children under 13.
EROI 2026 (Registration Required)
“Bach Reflected”
Sunday, Nov. 8 – Wednesday, Nov. 11 | Various Locations
With the aim of making Rochester, NY, a global center for organ performance, research, building, and preservation, the Eastman Rochester Organ Initiative’s biennial festival is one of the premier organ conferences in the world, featuring an unparalleled collection of new and historic instruments throughout Rochester. This year’s theme, Bach Reflected, features special guest Daniel Roth, including a concert launching University of Rochester Press’ new publication “Daniel Roth, Organist of Saint Sulpice,” as well as guest presenters Ludger Lohmann, Joel Speerstra, and Anne Laver.
Eastman Presents (Ticketed)
Ying Quartet: “Billy Childs and String Quartet Creativity”
Sunday, Nov. 8 at 3:00 p.m. | Hatch Recital Hall
Eastman’s quartet-in-residence, the Ying Quartet, will present a Ranlet Series program pairing jazz pianist Billy Childs’ Variation on a Rondo with Mozart’s String Quartet in C Major, K. 465, “Dissonance,” and Brahms’ String Quartet in C Minor, Op. 51, No. 1. This program is part of Eastman Explores America and features Eastman faculty.
Eastman Wind Orchestra
Monday, Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m. | Kodak Hall
Conducted by Mark Scatterday, with assistant conductors Zachary Griffin and Luca Peveroni, the Eastman Wind Orchestra will present a program of Bennett’s “Symphonic Songs,” Respighi’s “Huntingtower,” Yo Got’s “Fêtes lointaines,” and Barber’s “Commando March.”
Eastman Wind Ensemble, featuring Ian Schafer, guest conductor
Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 7:30 p.m. | Kodak Hall
The Eastman Wind Ensemble, featuring guest conductor Ian Schafer alongside conductor Mark Scatterday, will perform Bernstein’s “Profanation,” Revueltas’ “Sensemayá,” Higdon’s “Kelly’s Field,” and Stravinsky’s “Firebird Suite.”
Musica Nova
Friday, Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m. | Kilbourn Hall
Musica Nova, under Brad Lubman, will perform Birtwistle’s “Secret Theatre,” Karola Obermüller’s “Helical,” and David Dzubay’s “Labyrinth.” The program highlights Eastman’s commitment to contemporary music and adventurous ensemble performance.
Eastman School Symphony Orchestra
Monday, Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m. | Kodak Hall
Conducted by Neil Varon, the Eastman School Symphony Orchestra presents Mozart’s “Abduction” from the Seraglio Overture, Bartók’s “Hungarian Pictures,” and Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 1.
Eastman Philharmonia
Wednesday, November 18, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. | Kodak Hall
The Eastman Philharmonia, under the baton of Neil Varon, will perform Mozart’s Così fan tutte Overture, Mussorgsky’s “Night on Bald Mountain,” and Berlioz’s “Symphonie fantastique.”
Chamber Music Extravaganza: Guitar and Friends
Friday, Nov. 20 at 7:30 p.m. | Hatch Recital Hall
The fall semester Chamber Music Extravaganza will showcase Eastman guitar chamber music students in a free performance in Hatch Recital Hall.
Eastman Chorale
Sunday, Nov. 22 at 3:30 p.m. | Kilbourn Hall
Conducted by Donald Nally, with assistant conductor Liyao Yu, the Eastman Chorale will present works by MacMillan, Lasso, Vasks, Schütz, Ešenvalds, Brahms, and more. The program highlights a wide range of choral traditions, from Renaissance motets to contemporary works.
Click here to view the full 2026-27 Eastman Presents season and to purchase tickets.
For all other happenings at Eastman, visit our Events Calendar for the most up-to-date information.
Media Only: Lauren Sageer, Associate Director of Public Relations and Digital Content,
(585) 451-8492, lsageer@esm.rochester.edu
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About Eastman School of Music:
The Eastman School of Music was founded in 1921 by industrialist and philanthropist George Eastman (1854-1932), founder of Eastman Kodak Company. It was the first professional school of the University of Rochester. Mr. Eastman’s dream was that his school would provide a broad education in the liberal arts as well as superb musical training.
More than 900 students are enrolled in the Collegiate Division of the Eastman School of Music—about 500 undergraduates and 400 graduate students. They come from almost every state, and approximately 23 percent are from other countries. They are taught by a faculty comprising more than 170 highly regarded performers, composers, conductors, scholars, and educators. They are Pulitzer Prize winners, Grammy and EMMY Award winners, Guggenheim Fellows, ASCAP Award recipients, published authors, recording artists, and acclaimed musicians who have performed in the world’s greatest concert halls. Each year, Eastman’s students, faculty members, and guest artists present more than 1,000 concerts to the Rochester community and beyond. Additionally, over 1,700 community members, from young children through senior citizens, are enrolled in the Eastman Community Music School.
About the University of Rochester:
The University of Rochester is one of the nation’s leading private research universities, one of only 62-member institutions in the Association of American Universities. Located in Rochester, N.Y., the University gives undergraduates exceptional opportunities for interdisciplinary study and close collaboration with faculty through its unique cluster-based curriculum. Its College, School of Arts and Sciences, and Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences are complemented by the Eastman School of Music, Simon School of Business, Warner School of Education, Laboratory for Laser Energetics, School of Medicine and Dentistry, School of Nursing, Eastman Institute for Oral Health, and the Memorial Art Gallery.