Concordia University Irvine - The Arts

07/10/2026

Our new performing arts center is nearly complete!

07/04/2026

In celebration of America's 250th year of independence, the Concordia Symphony Orchestra presented an extraordinary concert in the elegant East Room of the Richard Nixon Presidential Library.

The concert broke the all-time attendance record for that venue, and the enthusiastic audience offered six standing ovations at different moments. The concert featured Xiangdong Kong, internationally-celebrated pianist, and Concordia alumnus, Emily Valenzuela. Music by James Reese Europe, Gershwin, Golden Age of Broadway songs, Copland, and John Williams.

Thank you especially to all of the students, faculty, and alumni who made this special engagement concert possible.

Concert Program: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BPBYlk9FwveextxClRK3jObhwUqALM2OgrVBy6J5ITQ/edit?usp=sharing

Full concert video: https://youtu.be/oZ6ZCAnGuzc?si=QNytDXRie8UaY_Yj

USA250 ConcertCONCORDIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRAJEFF HELD, music direct...

06/29/2026

We are still reflecting on the outstanding performance of these young musicians on Thursday! Their time and dedication did not go unnoticed during our annual Chamber Music Festival!

Check back here tomorrow to see what some of our staff and students’ favorite parts of this year’s Chamber Music Festival were!

06/17/2026

We are thrilled to announce a spectacular evening of music! 🎶 Join our very own Concordia Symphony Orchestra, in partnership with the Richard Nixon Foundation and USA 250 Orange County, for a special USA 250 Concert. Under the direction of conductor Jeff Held, this 75-minute performance will feature incredible guest soloists: renowned pianist Xiangdong Kong and award-winning soprano Emily Valenzuela.

- Tuesday, June 30, at 7:00 pm
- East Room of the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
- Free Admission

06/14/2026

Happy Flag Day! Enjoy this recent recording of 'Battle hymn of the Republic' from Concordia's Carnegie Hall Debut.

The Battle Hymn of the RepublicCarnegie Hall, 2026Recording court...

06/05/2026

Our Concordia University Irvine musicians took over NYC for the USA 250 Tour, and what an unforgettable trip it was! From taking the stage at the legendary Carnegie Hall to impromptu cello performances in Central Park and a post-concert reception cruise under the city lights, these moments will last a lifetime. 🗽🛥️ We even found time for some sightseeing, including a stop at American Girl Place, while exploring the city that never sleeps! We are so proud of our talented students across the choir, handbell, and orchestra ensembles for bringing their joy and dedication to the East Coast.

05/28/2026

The Concordia Handbell Summer Camp is a week long, fun filled experience for kids grades 5 - 9. No handbell or music experience is required to attend. Registration includes daily lunches, five days full of music activities and learning, snacks, a mini golf outing, a closing concert for the family, and so much more!

Optional overnight option available for additional fee. Overnight includes dorm accommodations, meals, and 24/7 faculty supervision.

Register by June 20 at: https://www.simpletix.com/e/handbell-summer-camp-2026-tickets-260079

05/16/2026

📸 🏙️ Postcards from Carnegie Hall and New York City!

Photo 1: Concordia University Irvine performs at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in New York City.

Photo 2: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, the origin of Bach Vespers in the United States, hosted our "American Hymns and Anthems" concert. The concert can be viewed at https://bit.ly/4ukdtVm

Photo 3: Choir members walk off after their traditional song-in-the-round, "Thou Shalt Know Him."

Photo 4: Grace Leininger recites poetry by Robert Burns on the Concordia Takes Central Park Literary Walk.

Photo 5: "Cellicordia" at the Belvedere Fountain.

Photo 6: Following our grand performance, the musicians celebrated on a cruise boat with a grand view of the city skyline.

Photo 7: Dr. Christian Guebert '10, took the podium to lead his major new work, Inscriptions. The piece, in 8 movements, musically depicted inscriptions found on bells that ring throughout the world.

Thanks for your support of our wonderful musicians and ensemble directors!