Stanford Live to Present 50+ Artists Across Music, Dance & Theater in 2026/27 Season

Stanford Live has unveiled the lineup for its 2026–2027 season, an expansive exploration of America’s evolving story—honoring the nation’s 250th anniversary while spotlighting the next generation of artists. With the guitar serving as a unifying thread throughout, the season features more than 50 artists from around the world spanning music, dance, theater, and multidisciplinary performance.

 

 

Season tickets for the 2026–2027 season are available for Stanford Live members beginning May 7, 2026, and to the general public on June 2, 2026 at live.stanford.edu. Stanford Live Members enjoy the benefits of early access through presales, as well as waived ticket fees, reserved parking, and other opportunities designed to enhance your experience. Membership also offers opportunities to deepen connections with artists and the creative process through post-performance receptions, special events, and more.

 

All performances will take place at Bing Concert Hall, The Studio, Memorial Auditorium, and Memorial Church on the Stanford University campus in Stanford, CA. Programs are subject to change. For pricing, availability, and added shows, visit live.stanford.edu.

 

*** HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2026–2027 SEASON ***

 

Creatives of the Future Generation

The season spotlights a bold cohort of the next generation of artists who are redefining the future of live performance. With an emphasis on collaboration and storytelling, these performances provide an exciting glimpse into the next wave of creative visionaries. Highlights include Jontavious Willis (October 23, 2026); Pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason in performance with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra (November 8, 2026); Renée Qin and Ania Filochowska (February 4, 2027); Njioma Grevious (February 5, 2027); Jaemin Han (March 10, 2027); Eric Lu (April 4, 2027); Lucas and Arthur Jussen (May 2, 2027), Sheku Kanneh-Mason and Benjamin Grosvenor (May 5, 2027); and more!

America 250

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, the 2026–2027 season invites audiences to reflect on the many voices that have shaped—and continue to shape—the nation’s cultural story. Many of the composers and performers featured this season first arrived in America from elsewhere, later becoming U.S. citizens and chose this country as their creative home. Their work carries echoes of the places they came from while also being shaped by the landscapes, communities, and histories they encountered in America. The season explores the stories behind their works, reveals how their roots inform their voices, and traces how their creative paths have intersected with the evolving rhythms of American life—grounded, but continuously evolving. By highlighting these artists and the stories behind their work, the season celebrates the rich and layered narrative of America. Highlights include Kronos Quartet with Mahsa and Marjan Vahdat (October 11, 2026); Rob Kapilow’s What Makes it Great?: The Music of Lerner and Loewe (October 25, 2026); ArcoStrum (December 4, 2026); Rihab Chaieb: Nomad – the Eternal Wanderer (February 24, 2027); Eric Lu (April 4, 2027); Lucas and Arthur Jussen (May 2, 2027); and more.

The Guitar Celebration

The Guitar Celebration shines a spotlight on one of the most iconic instruments in American music. Featured across a range of performances throughout the season, the guitar serves as both instrument and symbol, reflecting the rich musical traditions that have shaped the nation’s cultural landscape. Highlights include Julian Lage Quartet (October 21, 2026); Los Vega Son Jarocho (October 24, 2026); Yasmin Williams (November 7, 2026); Stanley Clarke and Hiromi with the PUBLIQuartet (March 13, 2027); Miloš (April 1, 2027); Jack West with Walter Strauss (April 3, 2027); and more!

Honoring Philip Glass and Allen Ginsberg

Honoring two towering cultural figures, Let The Poets Speak: A Celebration of Philip Glass and Allen Ginsberg (October 30, 2026) celebrates the timeless interplay between words and music and features performances by longtime Glass interpreter pianist Timo Andres, theater artist Taylor Mac, and members of the San Francisco Girls Chorus.

Direct from The Fringe

Continuing on from its highly successful Edinburgh Festival Fringe series in the 2025–2026 season, Stanford Live brings more Fringe shows to The Studio with two bold, boundary-pushing performances that have captivated audiences at Fringe Festivals around the world — Bob Marley: How Reggae Changed the World Featuring Duane Forrest (November 11–14, 2026) and 300 Paintings by Sam Kissajukian (March 3–6, 2027).

Dance and Circus

The 2026–2027 season offers a striking range of dance-driven storytelling featuring The Surge: An Ode to Sinéad O’Connor by Sonya Tayeh (January 30, 2027), a new work featuring a cast of 10 women, with 500 years of collective wisdom who explores the power of experience and connects physically to O’Connor’s legacy; I AM by Camille A. Brown & Dancers (March 17, 2027), an ongoing exploration of Black joy through multiple dance forms of the African diaspora; and Gravity & Other Myths’ Ten Thousand Hours (April 22, 2027), the acclaimed Australian circus company’s investigation into the discipline and dedication required to achieve extraordinary physical feats.

Classical Series

The Classical Series brings together some of the world’s most celebrated orchestras, chamber ensembles, and soloists for a season of extraordinary musical storytelling. Highlights include: Sounds of California with Simone Porter and Blake Pouliot (October 4, 2026); Raphaël Feuillâtre: Latin Passions (November 4, 2026); Orpheus Chamber Orchestra with Pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason (November 8, 2026); Rachel Willis-Sørensen Vocal Recital (November 18, 2026); Balourdet Quartet & Terra String Quartet (January 24, 2027); Njioma Grevious Piano Recital (February 5, 2027); Rihab Chaieb: Nomad – the Eternal Wanderer (February 24, 2027); Jaemin Han Cello Recital (March 10, 2027); Romance Through Time: An Evening with Miloš (April 1, 2027); Gilles Vonsattel Piano Recital (April 18, 2027); Sheku Kanneh-Mason and Benjamin Grosvenor Recital (May 5, 2027).

Summer@Live

Summer@Live is Stanford Live’s summer season at the Frost Amphitheater. From April through October, the series presents an eclectic lineup of concert performances set against the beautiful outdoor grounds of Frost. Upcoming events include BTS World Tour ‘Arirang’ in Stanford (May 16, 17, & 19, 2026) at the Stanford Stadium; Paul Simon: A Quiet Celebration (June 3 & 4, 2026); San Francisco Symphony presents two programs—A Midsummer Night’s Dream, conducted by Nicholas Ellis and featuring violinist Geneva Lewis (July 16, 2026) and James Bond Forever, conducted by Steven Reineke and featuring Tony Award-winning vocalist Lena Hall (July 23, 2026); An Evening with Goose (August 15, 2026); Brandi Carlile (September 19, 2026); and more! Additional performances will be added throughout the season—visit the Stanford Live website for the latest updates and announcements.

Hysterical! Comedy Series

Hysterical! brings sharp wit and personal storytelling to Stanford Live. The 2026–2027 season features W. Kamau Bell’s Who’s With Me? (October 1, 2026); Mary Lynn Rajskub (November 6, 2026); and Nick Thune (January 15, 2027).

Holidays at Stanford Live Series

The Holidays at Stanford Live series brings several seasonal celebrations including The Hot Club of San Francisco (December 3, 2026); ArcoStrum (December 4, 2026); Canadian Brass (December 9); A Chanticleer Christmas (December 10, 2026); and A Christmas Show with Camila Fernández (December 13, 2026).

The Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra & Chorale

The Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra & Chorale continues the longstanding partnership with Stanford Live. The performances—taking place on November 11, 2026, February 7 and April 11, 2027—showcases historically informed performances of Baroque and Classical repertoire on period instruments, bringing audiences closer to the sound world composers originally imagined.

The Drs. Ben and A. Jess Shenson Recital Series

As part of its ongoing commitment to artistic excellence and mentorship, Stanford Live presents two distinguished vocal recitals with accompanying masterclasses at Bing Concert Hall during the 2026–27 season. Acclaimed soprano Rachel Willis-Sørensen performs on Wednesday, November 18, 2026 and leads a masterclass on Thursday, November 19, 2026, followed by mezzo-soprano Rihab Chaieb‘s recital on February 24, 2027 and masterclass on February 25, 2027. These rare opportunities invite audiences to witness world-class artists working closely with student singers, offering insight into the interpretive and technical craft of vocal performance.

The St. Lawrence Legacy Series

The St. Lawrence Legacy Series continues to celebrate the extraordinary artistry and enduring influence of the St. Lawrence String Quartet, Stanford University’s ensemble-in-residence. The Legacy Series—featuring Kronos Quartet with Mahsa and Marjan Vahdat (October 11, 2026); Balourdet Quartet & Terra String Quartet (January 24, 2027); and The Verona Quartet (May 9, 2027)—highlights a blend of masterworks from the classical repertoire alongside contemporary compositions and innovative collaborations.

The K-12 Student Matinees Program

Stanford Live is dedicated to expanding access to the arts within our community, offering opportunities that foster deep engagement, learning, and discovery. The K-12 Student Matinees program on the Stanford campus is open to all Bay Area schools and teachers. Student Matinees for the 2026–2027 season include Kodo (January 21, 2027), International Guitar Night (February 22, 2027), I AM by Camille. A Brown & Dancers (March 18, 2027), and The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain (April 26, 2027). Additional K-12 programs include teacher workshops at Stanford Live’s campus venues, and in-school activities designed to spark creativity and inspire a lifelong connection to the arts.

Free to the Public Masterclasses

Stanford Live offers masterclasses for Stanford students with artists featured throughout the season, creating rare opportunities for learning and artistic growth. Select masterclasses are free and open to the public. Public masterclasses for the 2026–2027 season include:

Vocal Masterclasses

Rachel Willis-Sørensen, soprano (November 17, 2026)

Rihab Chaieb, mezzo-soprano (February 25, 2027)

Piano Masterclasses

Isata Kanneh-Mason (November 9, 2026)

Gilles Vonsattel (April 19, 2027)

Benjamin Grosvenor (May 4, 2027)

Cello Masterclass and Cello Choir Workshop

Sheku Kanneh-Mason (May 4, 2027)

Visit live.stanford.edu for additional sessions added throughout the season.

Free to the Public Guitar Workshops