Princeton University Concerts

Princeton University Concerts
Name	Princeton University Concerts
Genre	Classical music, Chamber music, Jazz, World music
Location	Princeton, New Jersey
Venue	Richardson Auditorium, Taplin Auditorium, Princeton University Chapel
Founded	1894
Founder	Edward Dickinson
Artistic director	Marna Seltzer
Website	https://concerts.princeton.edu

Princeton University Concerts. Founded in 1894, it is one of the oldest continuous concert series in the United States, dedicated to presenting world-class chamber music and solo performances. Operating under the auspices of Princeton University, the series has established a reputation for artistic excellence and innovative programming that connects performers with the academic community and the public. Its mission extends beyond performance to include significant educational outreach, fostering deep engagement with the musical arts.

History

The series was initiated in 1894 by Professor Edward Dickinson of the University of Michigan, who was then a visiting lecturer at Princeton. Early seasons featured prominent ensembles like the Kneisel Quartet, helping to establish a tradition of chamber music at the university. Throughout the 20th century, it grew under the guidance of figures like W. Barksdale Maynard and later directors, consistently attracting leading artists such as the Budapest String Quartet, which had a historic multi-decade residency. The series has evolved from its roots in the Gilded Age to embrace a wider array of musical styles while maintaining its core commitment to intimate, artistically profound performances.

Programming

The annual season typically includes a core series of chamber music concerts, often featuring celebrated groups like the Emerson String Quartet and the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. A distinct "Early Music" series highlights performances on period instruments by ensembles such as The Tallis Scholars and Apollo's Fire. The "PUC Live!" strand incorporates jazz, world music, and contemporary works, with artists like Brad Mehldau and the Kronos Quartet. Special projects, such as multi-concert residencies and thematic festivals exploring connections between music and disciplines like neuroscience or literature, are also hallmarks of its innovative calendar.

Venues

The primary home is Richardson Auditorium in Alexander Hall, renowned for its superb acoustics and historic Victorian architecture. Smaller, more intimate recitals and debut performances are often held in Taplin Auditorium within Fine Hall. Occpecial large-scale events, such as performances of Bach's Mass in B minor, utilize the majestic Princeton University Chapel. The series has also presented concerts in other campus spaces like the Lewis Center for the Arts and, for community events, local venues in Princeton borough.

Educational and community engagement

A cornerstone of its mission is the "Performers in the Schools" program, which sends artists like the Brentano String Quartet into local public schools for workshops and assemblies. The "Concert Classics" course, offered for Princeton University credit, allows students to attend concerts and engage directly with artists. Pre-concert lectures, often featuring faculty from the Department of Music, and open rehearsals provide deeper context. Community initiatives include subsidized ticket programs for students and seniors, and partnerships with organizations like the Princeton Public Library and Arts Council of Princeton.

Notable performers and premieres

The roster of past performers reads as a who's who of musical history, including Mstislav Rostropovich, Rudolf Serkin, the Juilliard String Quartet, and Jessye Norman. Jazz legends such as Ella Fitzgerald and Dave Brubeck have graced its stage. The series has commissioned and premiered numerous works, including pieces by Milton Babbitt, Steve Reich, and Joan Tower. Recent seasons have featured acclaimed artists like Yuja Wang, the Danish String Quartet, and Roomful of Teeth, continuing the tradition of showcasing both established and emerging talent.

Administration and funding

The series is an office within the Lewis Center for the Arts at Princeton University. Its staff, led by the artistic director, oversees all artistic planning, marketing, and educational activities. Funding is derived from a combination of ticket sales, generous contributions from the Friends of Princeton University Concerts membership group, grants from organizations like the National Endowment for the Arts, and endowment support. This financial model ensures the series remains accessible and can fulfill its ambitious artistic and educational goals without relying solely on university operating funds.

Category:Princeton University Category:Music organizations based in New Jersey Category:Concert series in the United States