Oberlin Conservatory

🎭 Oberlin Music Theater at Playhouse Square! As part of Oberlin’s partnership with Great Lakes Theater, the Music Theater Department brings The World Goes ’Round to Playhouse Square’s Hanna Theatre on May 16 & 17. The vibrant revue celebrates the iconic songbook of the multi–Tony Award-winning team Kander and Ebb, whose work moves from sharp humor to reflection, longing, and joy. “The World Goes ’Round offers a spectrum of commentaries on the human experience… their songs embody a yearning for a better life,” says director Alex Sanchez. 🗓 Saturday, May 16 | 7:30 p.m. 🗓 Sunday, May 17 | 3:00 p.m. 🎟 In-person only | Tickets required 👉 Learn more at the link in our bio. #OberlinConservatory #MusicTheater #PlayhouseSquare #GreatLakesTheater #LiveTheater

Bravo to violinist Christoforos Petridis ’27 on a remarkable spring of competition success. 🎶 In January, Christoforos won the Senior Division of the New Albany Symphony Orchestra Student Concerto Competition, then performed as soloist with NASO at the McCoy Center in New Albany, Ohio, in March. This month, he added another honor: the Audience Choice Award at the Tuesday Musical Annual Scholarship Competition in Akron, Ohio. A third-year majoring in violin performance, Christoforos studies in the studio of Professor Sibbi Bernhardsson. We are proud to see his artistry recognized on stages across the region.

The voices. The harmonies. Finney Chapel is absolutely filled with it. Oberlin Gospel Choir did not miss. 🙌🎶

Back to Hawkins, Indiana: 1983 ⚡️🎸 A little throwback to Oberlin Music Theater’s production of Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical — complete with big hair, synths, Demogorgons, and all the campy 1980s chaos we could ask for. Still not over this cast, these costumes, or the energy in Birenbaum. 🎭✨ STRANGER SINGS!: THE PARODY MUSICAL is presented by special arrangement with Creative Licensing, LLC.

Congratulations to ZaRiah on winning the Grand Prize at the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition. ✨ The New Haven-based woodwind quintet took home the top honor of $15,000 and also earned the Senior Wind Division Gold Medal, which carries a $5,000 award and a Double Gold Tour. The ensemble features four Oberlin Conservatory alumni alongside oboist Jamison Hillian. ZaRiah consists of Ben Smith ’24 (flute), Jamison Hillian (oboe), Katelyn Poetker ’23 (clarinet), AJ Neubert ’23 (bassoon), and Oved Rico ’22 (horn). The achievement carries rare historical weight: ZaRiah is the first woodwind quintet to win the Fischoff Grand Prize since Quintet Attacca in 2002. The win also continues a remarkable recent run for Oberlin at the competition, following the Poiesis Quartet’s Grand Prize win in 2023. Named after Azariah’s Café, the beloved on-campus gathering place where many of their musical friendships took shape as students, ZaRiah is a testament to what Oberlin-trained musicians carry with them into the world. We are so proud of them all. 📸: Jonah Murdoch

The Conservatory wishes you good luck on your finals, Obies! 📚🎶 It’s hard to believe the semester is coming to a close. Thank you to the students, faculty, and guests that made for another extraordinary year of music! Keep an eye out for upcoming commencement and reunion events and performances! 📷: Tanya Rosen-Jones

Oberlin Conservatory remembers Michel Debost, an internationally celebrated flutist, master teacher, and beloved professor. A former principal flutist of the Orchestre de Paris and a leading artist of his generation, he brought a lifetime of musical excellence to Oberlin, where he mentored and shaped generations of musicians. His legacy continues through the many artists he inspired at Oberlin and beyond. Read more at the link in our bio.

How many pianos can we fit on one stage? Come find out. The Grand Piano Extravaganza is back Friday, May 22—bringing Conservatory piano faculty and graduating seniors together for a night of big sound and shared energy. A special part of Commencement Weekend—and not something you hear every day. Tickets and details at the link in bio.

First Year Showcase is at 7:00PM on Friday in Warner Concert Hall!! Presenting the OMT Class of 2029 in their first public performance as a class!! Join us for “The New World”, featuring scenes from Chess, Once, [title of show], Batboy, Falsettoland, Next to Normal, Ghost, and Side Show! Admission is free, and no tickets are required! #OberlinMusicTheater #OMT #OberlinConservatory

The Music Theater Ensemble Concert is at 7:00PM on Thursday in Warner Concert Hall!! Join the Oberlin’s Music Theater Ensemble in their debut concert! Conducted by Dale Rieling, the program features music from Rent, Closer Than Ever, Brigadoon, Sweeney Todd, Sweet Charity, Sunday in the Park With George, Oklahoma, and Les Misérables! Admission is free, and no tickets are required! #OberlinMusicTheater #OMT #OberlinConservatory

Bravo to violinist Alexander McDowell ’29 on his feature with "From the Top" last week. We’re proud to see his musicianship recognized and shared so widely. Selected for an in-studio recording and interview in Boston, Alex also participated in a live panel on artistry, access, and inclusion, bringing his musicianship and perspective to a national stage. Missed the episode? Listen and learn more at the link in our bio.

🎉ART HOP PRE-PARTY / May 8, 5:30–7:30 Kick off THIS FRIDAY night at the Allen! • Music from the Sonny Rollins Jazz Ensemble • OCircus & aerial performances • Free food, drink, and more • *Circus Chic* costumes encouraged! Get inspired by our exhibition on June Leaf for a chance to win merchandise 🎨Then head over to the annual Art Hop event showcasing students’ work across campus. Everyone is invited to this FREE end-of-semester celebration! 🔗AMAM.OBERLIN.EDU/ARTHOP — Image description: Blurred in the foreground, the silhouette of someone playing the saxophone fills the right side of the photo. Behind the player, a banner of a colorful painting sits between two columns.