2024-25 Performance Calendar
The performing arts are about more than stage presence. They’re about honoring our Creator. Join us for music and theatre performances all year long! Visit tickets.bethel.edu for ticket information.
In the Music and Performing Arts Department at Bethel, we’ve developed majors and minors that allow students to sharpen their individual skills and follow their passions.
We think that there’s no better preparation for a career in the arts than working with peers in ensembles, meeting one-on-one with professors to fine-tune technical skills, or stepping onto the stage for competition and performance.
After all the private lessons, long hours in practice rooms, and rehearsals, students in the program leave ready for a lifetime of sharing their gifts. It’s about taking our faith in Christ and integrating it into everything we learn, into everything we do, so we can accomplish incredible things—in our careers, in our communities, and in our world.
We invite you into the nuturing ground of our classrooms for the 2024-25 school year. In the following pages you will find information about our upcoming performances and have the opportunity to witness our gifted students exercising their God-given talents as we seek to honor our Creator and encourage your souls.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
October 18-20; 25-27
Glenn Morehouse Olson, Director Black Box Theatre
General Admission - $20, $15, $10
This dramatization of C.S. Lewis’s classic work faithfully recreates the magic and mystery of Aslan, the great lion, his struggle with the White Witch, and the adventures of four children who inadvertently wander from an old wardrobe into the exciting, never-to-be-forgotten Narnia. This story of love, faith, courage, and giving, with its triumph of good over evil, is a true celebration of life.
Wind Symphony Fall Concert
Friday, October 18 - 8 p.m.
Steven Thompson, Conductor
Benson Great Hall
Adults $15; Seniors $10; Students Free
The Bethel Wind Symphony, directed by Dr. Steven Thompson, presents an evening of great works for band including Gillingham’s Beside Still Waters, Tichelli’s Loch Lomond, Camphouse’s Fantasia on “Black Is the Color of My True Love’s Hair,” and Henry Fillmore’s toe-tapping march, The Klaxon!
Great Hall Choral Arts Festival
Concert with Jocelyn Hagen
Thursday, October 24 - 7:30 p.m.
Bethel Choir & Guest High School Choirs
Benson Great Hall
Adults $15; Seniors $10; Students Free
Bethel’s 7th Annual Great Hall Choral Arts Festival, entitled Creating, Communicating, Cultivating, welcomes Twin Cities-based composer and performer Jocelyn Hagen. The festival culminates with an evening concert featuring individual performances by participating high school choirs and the Bethel Choir directed by Dr. Merrin Guice Gill.
Chamber Orchestra
Fall Concert
Friday, October 25 - 7:30 p.m.
Angela Waterman Hanson, Conductor
Benson Great Hall
Adults $15; Seniors $10; Students Free
Dr. Angela Hanson leads the Bethel Chamber Orchestra in their first performance together. The orchestra opens the year performing works by Pyotr Tchaikovsky–“Elegy” from Serenade for Strings, George Frederic Handel–
Concerto Grosso No. 1, Edward Elgar–Elegy, Myroslav Skoryk–Melody, and Edvard Grieg–Two Lyric Pieces.
Bethel’s 68th Annual Festival of Christmas
December 5-7
Benson Great Hall | Reserved Seating $23, $20 (Thu); $28, $25 (Fri/Sat)
Celebrate the joy of the season at Bethel’s 68th Festival of Christmas! This beloved tradition features inspiring performances, stirring music, and the gospel promise of a long-awaited Savior. Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with choral and instrumental carols, beautiful decorations, and festive spirit. Bring your family and friends to experience this hope-filled community celebration!
Lucia Chorum & Royal Register Fall Concert
Sunday, November 3 - 3 p.m.
Brad Beale, Conductor
Elizabeth Allison, Collaborative Pianist
Benson Great Hall
Adults $15; Seniors $10; Students Free Brad Beale conducts Bethel’s Lucia Chorum and Royal Regsiter choirs as they present a captivating collection of selections composed for men’s and women’s voices.
Jazz Orchestras Fall Concert
Friday, November, 8 - 7:30 p.m.
Jason Harms, Conductor
Benson Great Hall
Adults $15; Seniors $10; Students Free
Swing hard, swing often with the 10:20 and 5:40 Bethel Jazz Orchestras. Sit back, relax, and delight in an evening of great jazz standards highlighted by professional guest artists and outstanding Bethel student soloists.
Philharmonic Orchestra Fall Concert
Tuesday, November 19 - 7:30 p.m.
Angela Waterman Hanson, Conductor
Benson Great Hall
Adults $15; Seniors $10; Students Free Bethel’s 60-plus member community orchestra will perform Tchaikovsky–Symphony No. 5, Glinka–Overture to Ruslan and Ludmilla, and Borodin–In the Steppes of Central Asia. Hanson and Alastair Brown join forces to perform Pablo de Sarasate’s Duo for 2 Violins and Orchestra: Navarra, Op. 33.
Gioacchino Rossini
February 6-9, 2025
Merrin Guice Gill, Artistic Director
Glenn Morehouse Olson, Director
Steven Thompson, Conductor
Benson Great Hall | Reserved Seating
$25, $15, $10
Experience the enchanting world of Rossini’s Cinderella! This delightful reinterpretation of the classic tale blends humor, romance, and unforgettable melodies. Follow the resilient and kind-hearted Angelina (known to her stepfather and stepsisters as Cinderella), a young woman mistreated by her stepfamily, as she navigates love and self-discovery with the help of her magical mentor, Alidoro.
With sparkling arias, witty dialogue, and a heartwarming message about kindness and perseverance, Cinderella captivates audiences of all ages. Don’t miss this timeless operatic gem, where love triumphs over adversity and dreams come true. Join us for a magical evening filled with laughter, tears, and the joy of music!
Concerto/Aria Competition Recital
Thursday, February 27 - 7:30 p.m.
Benson Great Hall Free
Bethel’s talented student musicians compete for prize awards and the opportunity to perform with the Festival Orchestra at our Classics in the Great Hall performance in May.
Bethel Choir & Royal Singers at Carnegie Hall - New York, NY
Sunday, March 16 - 7 p.m.
Merrin Guice Gill, Conductor
Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage, Carnegie Hall
Ticket Information: dciny.org/see-a-show
The Bethel Choir and Royal Singers will perform in Carnegie Hall under the direction of Dr. Merrin Guice Gill and Dr. Irene Messoloras. The music of Ola Gjeilo will be featured. Check website above for additional information and to purchase tickets.
Chamber Orchestra Spring Concert
Friday, March 21 - 7:30 p.m.
Angela Waterman Hanson, Conductor
Benson Great Hall
Adults $15; Seniors $10; Students Free
Wind Symphony Spring Tour Home Concert
Saturday, March 22 - 7:30 p.m.
Steven Thompson, Conductor
Benson Great Hall
Adults $15; Seniors $10; Students Free
“The Peaceable Kingdom”
Bethel Choir Spring Concert
Friday, March 28 - 7:30 p.m.
Merrin Guice Gill, Conductor
Emily Urban, Collaborative Pianist
Benson Great Hall
Adults $15; Seniors $10; Students Free
Lucia Chorum & Royal Register Spring Concert
Friday, April 4 - 7:30 p.m.
Brad Beale, Conductor
Elizabeth Allison, Collaborative Pianist
Benson Great Hall
Adults $15; Seniors $10; Students Free
Dr. Steven B. Thompson
Alumni Band Concert
Saturday, April 5 - 7:30 p.m.
Steven Thompson, Conductor
Benson Great Hall
Free Admission
Dr. Steven Thompson has served as Bethel’s Director of Instrumental Studies and the Wind Symphony since 2002. He will retire this May after a career of music teaching spanning back to 1976. An alumni band comprised of players from Bethel as well as Dr. Thompson’s previous teaching positions will perform along with the Bethel Wind Symphony. Reception to follow.
Philharmonic Orchestra
Spring Concert
Saturday, April 26 - 7:30 p.m.
Angela Waterman Hanson, Conductor
Benson Great Hall
Adults $15; Seniors $10; Students Free
Jazz in the Great Hall
Friday, May 2 - 7:30 p.m.
Jason Harms, Conductor
Benson Great Hall
Adults $15; Seniors $10; Students $5
Join us for an enchanting evening with our jazz orchestra, featuring timeless jazz standards and swinging vocal solos. Celebrate the rich traditions of jazz with us—an unforgettable night of music awaits!
Handbell Ensemble
Spring Concert
Sunday, May 4 - 3 p.m.
Debra Garvey, Conductor
Benson Great Hall
Adults $15; Seniors $10; Students Free
Musical Theater Scenes Show
Saturday, May 17 - 7:30 p.m.
Benson Great Hall
Adults $15; Seniors $10; Students Free
Join us for a spectacular evening showcasing iconic scenes from beloved musicals. From heartfelt ballads to high-energy dance numbers, our talented cast brings the best of Broadway to life. Perfect for musical lovers of all ages! Grab your tickets now and let the show begin!
Classics in the Great Hall Friday, May 9 - 7:30 p.m. Benson Great Hall General Admission $20, $15, $5
Join us for our culminating concert of the year featuring Antonín Dvořák’s majestic Te Deum based on the 4th century prayer which begins, “We praise Thee, O God: We acknowledge Thee to be the Lord,” performed by our Festival Choir, Orchestra, and Soloists.
In addition to Dvořák’s masterpiece, our Concerto/Aria Competition winners and the Bethel Wind Symphony conducted by Steven Thompson will be featured.
The evening will conclude with Jonathan Veenker’s moving Let This Mind Be in You, based on passages from Philippians, Colossians, the Gospel of John, and interwoven with the beloved hymn text, “May the Mind of Christ, My Savior.” Performed by the Festival Choir and Orchestra.
We invite you to help us celebrate the distinguished 37-year career of this faithful servant to Bethel and his Lord.
tickets.bethel.edu
Phone
651.638.6333 (2-5 p.m., M-F)
Ticket Ofce (2-5 p.m., M-F)
Lundquist Community Life Center Lobby
Questions?
651.638.6333
ticket-ofce@bethel.edu
Benson Great Hall (Community Life Center)
Black Box Theatre (Clauson Center)
3900 Bethel Drive
Arden Hills, MN 55112
Learn more about all our performances:
bethel.edu/events/arts
• Tickets required for all events unless otherwise indicated.
• Group Discounts - Many performances ofer discounts for groups of 10 or more. Contact the Ticket Ofce for pricing and availability.
• All seating is general admission except for Festival of Christmas and Cinderella.
• Black Box Theatre - Enter the Lundquist Community Life Center and follow signs.
• Theatre patrons arriving later than 15 minutes before theatre performances may be unable to sit with their party.
• Free parking is available for all performances in the West Parking Lot.
• Directions to Bethel and campus maps may be found at maps.bethel.edu.
Bethel’s Department of Music and Performing Arts is known for its commitment to excellence in teaching and the outstanding performance opportunities students receive both on campus and of. The distinguished faculty guide students through programs in music education, applied performance, music composition, and performing arts. In addition to bachelor of music degrees, a bachelor of arts degree in music is ofered with emphases in vocal, instrumental, keyboard, or music composition. A minor in music is ofered as well as our new interdisciplinary performing arts minor incorporating coursework and performance opportunities in music, theatre, media production, and communication. It’s also possible to combine a performing arts program with another major— including business, biblical and theological studies, English, or pre-music therapy.
The Bethel Choir, Wind Symphony, and Chamber Orchestra tour extensively throughout the United States and abroad. These groups, along with Bethel’s other performance ensembles, perform together in Bethel’s annual Festival of Christmas, Jazz in the Great Hall, and Classics in the Great Hall concerts. The Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Register, Lucia Chorum, Jazz Orchestras, Handbell Ensemble, and string and wind chamber ensembles ofer additional performance opportunities.
Fully-staged musical theatre and opera productions are produced in Benson Great Hall during the January Interim session in alternating years and
annual theatre performances are presented in our black box theatre. Musical theatre and opera workshops provide additional acting and performance opportunities each spring.
Bethel’s performance facilities for both music and theatre include the 1,700-seat Benson Great Hall, which is recognized as one of the finest performance halls in the Upper Midwest. With its 67-rank Blackinton Organ, Benson Great Hall is one of the few concert halls in the Twin Cities with a pipe organ. Bethel’s Black Box Theatre seats 115-140 within a flexible space, allowing for diverse staging techniques and seating arrangements.
Bethel University is a leader in Christ-centered higher education, with 4,700+ students enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, seminary, and adult education programs. Based on 247 wooded acres in St. Paul, Minnesota—and drawing recent students from all 50 states and 22 countries— Bethel ofers bachelor’s and advanced degrees in over 100 areas of study. Educationally excellent classroom-based and online programs equip graduates to make exceptional contributions in life-long service to God and the world.
Each year the Department of Music and Performing Arts awards scholarships to high-potential students. If music is your passion and you desire to major in or be involved in music at Bethel, consider applying for Bethel’s music performance scholarships.
Extensive performance opportunities
Bethel provides extensive opportunity for all students—music majors and non-majors alike— in both large and small ensembles, including band, choirs, orchestra, jazz, handbells, opera, musicals, chamber ensembles, and more.
Renowned performance facilities
Bethel’s 1,700-seat Benson Great Hall, one of the finest concert halls in the Upper Midwest, attracts local and national performers to aid in your growth as a musician or actor.
National and international tours
Music ensembles tour within the U.S. and internationally giving you the opportunity to share God’s love and inspire others through performance.
Multi-disciplinary preparation
Because we’re a liberal arts institution, you’ll interact with a variety of disciplines, which prepares you for a multitude of careers. And with nearly 300 university students involved in ensembles, your experiences will be rich and diverse.
Talented faculty
Professors are passionate, innovative teachers, as well as talented artists in their own right. From private lessons to music theory classes, honoring God with our talents and discipline is at the core of what we do.
Music competitions
We sponsor two student competitions each year, ofering you top-level performance preparation and scholarship opportunities.
Excellent career placement
Nearly all of our recent music education grads who actively seek teaching positions have been placed in jobs throughout Minnesota and the nation.
Students prepare for professional careers in a variety of industries and graduate programs in fields ranging from performance to music therapy to education.
Our new media and performing arts minor allows you to follow your passion for performance while advancing your technical skills. Your classes and performing opportunities include a variety of subjects, including media production, communication, acting, musical theatre, and opera—so you’ll be equipped to not only tell meaningful stories, but produce them as well.
With the music performance endorsement, you’ll grow your creative abilities beyond your academic discipline. Our pre-music therapy program will prepare you for graduate coursework to become a registered music therapist.
Bethel is a private Christian university in St. Paul, Minnesota. We ofer face-to-face and online programs in more than 100 areas of study, where students find space to belong and become the people God calls them to be.
Learn more at bethel.edu/music
