Blackburn College’s Department of Music and Theatre has prepared an exciting slate of performances this fall, highlighting the talents of student musicians while inviting the community to share in the experience. faculty, and guest artists. From dynamic concerts on campus to a collaborative folk festival in Carlinville, a Grammy-nominated guest performance to a cherished holiday tradition, the fall 2025 lineup reflects both the strength of Blackburn’s Music Program and its commitment to enriching the cultural life of the region.
All events are free and open to the public.
Music Showcase – Friday, October 3 at 7:00 pm in Bothwell Auditorium
The Blackburn Music Showcase, Friday, October 3 at 7:00 pm in Bothwell Auditorium, will set the stage for the Music Program’s full 2024-2025 season. This performance displays a wide variety of choral, solo, and ensemble pieces that give the audience a sample of what music students and the Music Department will be working on for the next year. This season, audience members can expect a preview of the folk music theme of this year’s staged production, a glimpse of the beauty of Blackburn’s traditional lessons and carols service, Christmas at Blackburn, along with pieces that foreshadow our spring studio recital, and a look at the culmination of the choir’s work for the season in the choir concert.
Folk Festival – Saturday, October 18th at 11:00 am at Tom Thumb Park
This semester’s staged production is occurring in collaboration with the City of Carlinville on Saturday, October 18th at 11:00 am at Tom Thumb Park. This performance will feature students performing both traditional and modern folk music along with accompanying guests from the community. The event will feature folk art, poetry and food as well as music.
ISMTA Conference Performance – Friday, November 7th, at 4:30 pm in Bothwell Auditorium
Blackburn College is hosting this year’s Illinois State Music Teacher’s Association (ISMTA) conference. The featured performance of concert guest artist, Grammy-nominee South African pianist Petronel Malan, is free and open to the public. The performance will be on Friday, November 7th, at 4:30 pm in Bothwell Auditorium.
Christmas at Blackburn – Sunday, December 7th at either 2:00 pm or 7:00 pm in Clegg Chapel
Blackburn’s annual holiday tradition, Christmas at Blackburn, is a beautiful ‘lessons and carols’ service that includes many of the most beloved hymns of Christmas sung by the Blackburn College, and Community choirs. The Rev. Dr. Carter Aikin presides over the service, which also includes congregational singing, scripture read by members of the Blackburn and greater Carlinville community, and prayers. This year, for the first time, there will be two times available to attend this concert. Join us Sunday, December 7th at either 2:00 pm or 7:00 pm in Clegg Chapel in Hudson Hall for this warm expression of love and joy going into the holiday season.