Hillsdale College Announces October Fine Arts Events
Upcoming events include an art exhibit, an orchestra concert, and a guest performance by the Pacifica Quartet.
HILLSDALE, Mich. — Hillsdale College will hold a variety of fine arts events in October, which are open to members of our local community. Upcoming events include an exhibit of paintings by Emeritus Professor of Art Sam Knecht, a Hillsdale College Symphony Orchestra Concert, and a guest performance by the Pacifica Quartet.
All events are free and open to the public, but some require ticket reservations. To reserve tickets, contact the Hillsdale College Box Office at [email protected] or 517-607-2848.
Without further ado, here are October’s events. See you there!
Choral Evensong Services
6 p.m. | Sundays, Oct. 19 and 26 | Christ Chapel
Join the Hillsdale College Choral Scholars for a celebration of Choral Evensong. This centuries-old service features Scripture, choral anthems, and prayers.
Friday, Oct. 17: ‘Looking for Light: Paintings by Sam Knecht’ Exhibit Opens
6 p.m. | Daughtrey Art Gallery (Fine Arts Building)
Emeritus Professor of Art Sam Knecht presents recent landscapes and non-commissioned “character portraits.” Scenic works range from Hillsdale to the Upper Peninsula to Italy. The exhibit features paintings in watercolor, oil, and egg tempera. Also included will be some works from his beginnings as an artist. All are welcome to attend an opening reception at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17, in the Daughtrey Art Gallery. The exhibit will be on display in the gallery through Friday, Nov. 21. For gallery hours, click here.
Saturday, Oct. 18: Pacifica Quartet Guest Masterclass
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Conrad Recital Hall (Howard Music Building)
Members of the Pacifica Quartet will teach a masterclass to several Hillsdale College students. All are invited to watch and learn.
Saturday, Oct. 18: Pacifica Quartet
8 p.m. | Markel Auditorium (Fine Arts Building)
Hillsdale College welcomes the Pacifica Quartet as part of the College’s Professional Artists Series. With a career spanning three decades, the multiple Grammy Award-winning Pacifica Quartet has achieved international recognition as one of the finest chamber ensembles performing today. The Quartet is known for its virtuosity, exuberant performance style, and often daring repertory choices. Ticket reservations are required.
Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025: Ivo Kaltchev Guest Piano Recital
3 p.m. | McNamara Rehearsal Hall (Howard Music Building)
A magical music journey celebrating Debussy’s unique and revolutionary influence on the arts in the 20th and 21st centuries.
Monday, Oct. 20: Ivo Kaltchev Guest Masterclass
7 p.m. | Conrad Recital Hall (Howard Music Building)
Ivo Kaltchev will teach a piano masterclass to several Hillsdale College students. All are invited to watch and learn.
Hillsdale College Symphony Orchestra Fall Parents Weekend Concert
8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25 | 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26 | Christ Chapel
This opening concert of the 75th season features repertoire from the late Romantic and early modern periods. James A Holleman, music director. Ticket reservations are required.
Friday, Oct. 31: Joy String Quartet Halloween Concert
Noon to 12:30 p.m. | Plaster Auditorium (Searle Center)
Hillsdale students, faculty, and community visitors of all ages are invited to enjoy this free, informal, Halloween-themed concert. Hillsdale’s Joy String Quartet will perform standard chamber repertoire, a mix of spooky music, and other surprises. Costumes are welcomed, and everyone receives a treat.
For more information about upcoming fine arts events, click here. To download the 2025-2026 Fine Arts Calendar, click here. For more information about the fine arts at Hillsdale College, click here.
For photos from Hillsdale College fine arts events, click here. For photos of Hillsdale College, click here. For a high-resolution copy of the Hillsdale College clocktower logo, click here.