Visual and Performing Arts - NMU Events and Announcements

Visual and Performing Arts

Join us for a fun and free night of Jazz! This is the first Jazz Concert of the Winter 2026 semester featuring the NMU Jazz Band, NMU Jazz Combo, and the NMU Wildcat Combo. See you in Reynolds Recital Hall at 7:30 pm on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

Visual and Performing Arts

NMU Music students take turns performing their repertoire throughout the semester! These recitals are open to friends, family, and the community and are a great opportunity for students to practice their performance skills.

Visual and Performing Arts

Join the CO/LAB Dance Company for a unique night of dance! This mixed bill performance features a first act of student and faculty choreography, followed by a second act world premiere contemporary ballet showcasing the music of legendary musician Johnny Cash. Set to some of his most popular tunes, enjoy vignettes illuminating the variations of human relationships and experiences through dance!

Approximate Run Time: 1 hr | 15 min Intermission

Visual and Performing Arts

Speaking Volumes: Transforming Hate (January 20 - March 21, 2026) 

Join us on Thursday, January 22, 5 pm – 7 pm – Talk by Curator Katie Knight, followed by the reception.

Speaking Volumes: Transforming Hate uses diverse media—sculpture, painting, photography, ceramics, printmaking, and more—to reflect, engage, and challenge. The artists in the exhibition confront the past and envision a more inclusive future through art. The exhibition was conceived by curator and NMU alum Katie Knight as a gesture of defiance against white supremacy. It began in Montana in 2004 when a former leader of the “Creativity Movement”—one of the most virulent hate groups in the country—turned over 4,000 copies of the group’s “bibles” to the Montana Human Rights Network. In an act of radical creativity and community healing, the Holter Museum of Art invited artists from across the nation to repurpose and transform these volumes into works of beauty, critique, and conversation. More information about the artists and artwork is available on the Speaking Volumes: Transforming Hate website.

Visual and Performing Arts

January 20 - March 21, 2026

Speaking Volumes: Transforming Hate uses diverse media—sculpture, painting, photography, ceramics, printmaking, and more—to reflect, engage, and challenge. The artists in the exhibition confront the past and envision a more inclusive future through art. The exhibition was conceived by curator and NMU alum Katie Knight as a gesture of defiance against white supremacy. It began in Montana in 2004 when a former leader of the “Creativity Movement”—one of the most virulent hate groups in the country—turned over 4,000 copies of the group’s “bibles” to the Montana Human Rights Network. In an act of radical creativity and community healing, the Holter Museum of Art invited artists from across the nation to repurpose and transform these volumes into works of beauty, critique, and conversation. More information about the artists and artwork is available on the Speaking Volumes: Transforming Hate website.

Monday, January 19, at 1 pm – A tour with Curator Katie Knight

Thursday, January 22, 5 pm – 7 pm – Talk by Curator Katie Knight, followed by the reception.

Visual and Performing Arts

NMU Piano students will share favorite pieces as you head into Finals Week. Choose a comfy auditorium seat, or bring a blanket to relax on the stage. Catch a piece or two, or stay for the entirety!

Visual and Performing Arts

December 4-6 and 11-13, 2025

Composer & Lyricist: Johnny Marks

The beloved holiday classic comes to life on stage!

Straight from the screen and onto the stage, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™: The Musical brings the timeless TV special to life in a magical production full of heart and holiday cheer. Featuring classic songs like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “A Holly Jolly Christmas,” this family favorite includes all your treasured characters—Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius, and of course, Rudolph himself.

Shunned for his glowing red nose, Rudolph sets off on a journey to find a place where he truly belongs. Along the way, he meets other misfits with stories like his own—and discovers that being different is exactly what makes him special. When a fierce snowstorm threatens Christmas, it’s Rudolph’s uniqueness that lights the way and saves the day.

This heartwarming holiday musical is a joyful celebration of acceptance, friendship, and the courage to be yourself. Perfect for audiences of all ages, Rudolph reminds us that sometimes, the things that set us apart are the very things that make us shine.

Bring this uplifting tale to your stage—and let the spirit of the season soar!

FOREST ROBERTS THEATRE

APPROXIMATE RUN TIME: 80MINS | 15min Intermission

Visual and Performing Arts

The Opera Theatre Workshop meets once a week to learn about opera! This semester, they will perform excerpts and scenes from Mozart's operas. Jacob Schmeltzer will accompany the solos, duets, and trios, and there will be a live string trio for ensemble pieces.

The operas featured include...
"Così fan tutte"
"The Magic Flute"
"Marriage of Figaro"

See you on Tuesday, November 11 at 7:30 PM for a free evening of opera!

Visual and Performing Arts

The NMU Orchestra (directed by Barbara Rhyneer) and the NMU Choirs (directed by Erin Colwtiz) present "Baroque to the Future" performing selections from the Baroque Era and works from the 21st century.

Special features of this concert include the Guitar Concerto in D Major by Vivaldi with Chirstopher Schoelen as soloist, Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus", and "Fields of Cloverland" (an anthem for U. P.) by Timothy DeMarte- arranged for choir and orchestra by Barbara Rhyneer.

The orchestra will also perform "Emerald Falcon" by Richard Meyer, a rock number "Lady Gaga Hit Mix", and a jazz bossa nova piece "From the Start" by Laufy and Spencer Steward, arranged by Michael Kamuf. Additional works by Handel include the British anthem "Zadok the Priest" and two movements from Concerto Grosso No. 4, Op. 3.

We look forward to seeing you at this exciting collaboration! 

Visual and Performing Arts

The Wildcat Winds are a new ensemble within the Department of Music, coordinated by NMU Director of Bands, Dr. Steven Riley. This ensemble provides a concert experience for instrumentalists in the Wildcat Marching Band and other students who may not be participating in Marching Band during the fall semester. Join us for their first concert on Monday, November 17th, in Reynolds Recital Hall at 7:30 PM!