Concert Season 2021–2022
Duke University Chapel enriches the aesthetic landscape of Duke and Durham through its annual series of choral concerts, organ recitals, and other artistic events.
Find below a listing of concerts in the Duke Chapel Music 2021–2022 season. Through the generous support of our partners and the friends of Duke Chapel, many of these concerts are free and open to the public. Events requiring tickets are indicated below. Tickets can be purchased at the Duke University Box Office. To receive updates on Chapel Music concerts and programs, sign up for our email newsletter.
Duke University continues to prioritize the health and safety of our extended community. Masks are required on the Duke campus in all indoor locations and strongly recommended in outdoor settings with a gathering of people. We strongly encourage all individuals to be fully vaccinated before attending performances. Duke University will adhere to all university, local, and state regulations, which are subject to change on short notice depending on public health conditions. For more information, please see the university's Public Health Measures. For updates about concerts, check back here.
We also add our voices to the glad refrain of those who have gone before us, singing our way into a future filled with hope.
Dean Luke A. Powery and Dr. Zebulon M. Highben
Welcome from the Dean and the Director of Music
It has been a long eighteen months since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, which suspended regular musical activities at Duke Chapel and around the world. Yet throughout those difficult months, the church’s song continued through livestreamed worship services, “virtual” concerts, and pre-recorded choral anthems. We are grateful to everyone who engaged with us and stayed connected throughout that difficult season.
Of course the pandemic is not over. But even in the midst of ongoing challenges, we are pleased that the church’s song is embodied once more. In-person worship services have resumed. The weekly rhythm of choral rehearsals is beginning. And a robust schedule of concerts and recitals is planned for the year ahead, from beloved favorites like Handel’s Messiah and the Organ Recital Series to new offerings such as Contemplative Vespers and Guest Artist Concerts.
Our programming this year is best summarized by the paradoxical theme of our Spring Oratorio concert, Remember and Rejoice. We create space to mourn and to remember. But we also add our voices to the glad refrain of those who have gone before us, singing our way into a future filled with hope.
The Rev. Dr. Luke A. Powery
Dean of Duke University Chapel
Dr. Zebulon M. Highben
Director of Chapel Music
Handel's Messiah
Duke Chapel Choir
Soloists: Emily Oehrtman, Rianne Gebhardt, Kay'mon Murrah, and Zaikuan Song
Mallarmé Chamber Players
Christopher Jacobson, continuo
Zebulon Highben, conductor
[SOLD OUT] Saturday, December 4, 2021 | 2:00 p.m.
[SOLD OUT] Sunday, December 5, 2021 | 4:00 p.m.
[TICKETS AVAILABLE] Presentation of virtual performance: December 12–26
In consideration of current public health protocols, this year’s Messiah will be abbreviated to approximately 90 minutes, including the Christmas portion plus selected movements from Parts II and III. Seating capacity will be limited. The concert will not be livestreamed, but a recording of the performance will be available online beginning Sunday, December 12. Tickets may be purchased for the live performances, or at a discount for the broadcast-only.
This event is ticketed. Beginning October 26 at 11:00 a.m., tickets will be sold by the Duke Box Office.
Organ Recital Series
Robert Parkins, director
Andrew Scanlon
Sunday, November 7, 2021 | 5:00 p.m.
Scott Dettra
Saturday, January 29, 2022 | 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 30, 2022 | 5:00 p.m.
Christopher Jacobson
Sunday, February 20, 2022 | 5:00 p.m.
Robert Parkins
Sunday, March 20, 2022 | 5:00 p.m.
Bach Cantata Series
Philip Cave, director
Music of Celebration
Sunday, September 19, 2021 | 5:00 p.m.
Giving Thanks: Music of Thanksgiving
Sunday, November 21, 2021 | 5:00 p.m.
A Cantata for the New Year
Sunday, January 2, 2022 | 11:00 a.m.
Bach Motets
Friday, March 18, 2022 | 8:00 p.m. in Baldwin Auditorium
Spring Oratorio: Remember and Rejoice
Duke Chapel Choir
Duke Chapel Vespers Ensemble
Duke Chapel Evensong Singers
Mallarmé Chamber Players
Sunday, April 3, 2022 | 4:00 p.m.
This event is ticketed. Click here to purchase tickets.
Poetry in Music
Duke Chapel Evensong Singers
Christopher Jacobson, conductor
Sunday, February 27, 2022 | 4:00 p.m.
Holy Saturday Concert
Duke Chapel Vespers Ensemble
Philip Cave, conductor
Saturday, April 16, 2022 | 4:00 p.m. in Duke Divinity School's Goodson Chapel
J. Samuel Hammond Carillon Recital Series
Joseph Fala, Duke Chapel Carillonneur
Sunday, September 26, 2021 | 5:00 p.m.
John Hammond, CGNA
Sunday, May 1, 2022 | 5:00 p.m.
Magnificat
Magnificat, vocal ensemble
Philip Cave, director
Free tickets are required for the two concerts. Sign up here for tickets.
Music of Protest and Rebellion
Wednesday, March 16, 2022 | 7:30 p.m. in Duke Chapel
Choral Vespers Service
Thursday, March 17, 2022 | 7:00 p.m. in Duke Chapel
Bach Motets
Friday, March 18, 2022 | 8:00 p.m. in Baldwin Auditorium
Guest Artists
The St. Olaf Choir
Sunday, June 5, 2022 | 8:00 p.m. (rescheduled from February 7)
This event is ticketed. Tickets will be sold at tickets.duke.edu.
Psalms in Dialogue: (Be)Holding the Broken Pieces
Duke Chapel Choir, Makoto Fujimura, Ellen Davis, Andrew Nemr, Ekklesia Contemporary Ballet, Paiter van Yperen, and Christopher Jacobson
Online premiere: Sunday, October 3, 2021 | 5:00 p.m.
Grant Us Peace
Ciompi Quartet
Duke Chapel Schola Cantorum
Christopher Jacobson, organ and piano
Zebulon M. Highben, conductor
Saturday, September 11, 2021 | 7:30 p.m.
