Cultural Events
2026-27 Cultural Events
Pianist Jose Raul Lopez
7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, 2026
Christiansen Recital Hall, Hvidsten Hall of Music
Pianist Jose Raul Lopez, known for his performances of Romantic, Classical, and contemporary works, as well as his advocacy for forgotten Cuban and Spanish composers.
Vocal Jazz Artist Laila Biali
7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29, 2027
Memorial Auditorium
Laila Biali, renowned Canadian jazz singer, songwriter, pianist, and CBC Music national radio host celebrated for blending jazz and pop in her performances and recordings.
Percussionist Horacio 'El Negro' Hernandez
7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 10, 2027 Memorial Auditorium
Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez, Cuban drummer and percussionist acclaimed for fusing Afro-Cuban rhythms with jazz, rock, and pop.
Ticket Information
Tickets: $24 general admission, $22 senior citizens, $10 students under 18
Phone: 218.299.4366
Orders received more than seven days in advance will be filled by mail. If order is received less than seven days in advance, the tickets will be held at the door. Doors open 45 minutes prior to each performance. Tickets will also be available at the door. Groups of 10 or more receive a 10% discount. Sorry, no refunds or exchanges.
Concordia faculty and staff and their immediate family members and Concordia students are admitted free with ID at the door; no advance tickets are required.
Accessibility: Individuals who require accommodations for special needs should contact Cultural Events at 218.299.4366 at least two weeks prior to the event. Wheelchair accessible seating is available. Hearing assistance, Braille or large-print programs are available with advance notice.
100th Annual Concordia Christmas Concert: “Child of Promise, Shine Through Us”
Moorhead Concerts:
- Friday, Dec. 4, 20256
- Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026
- Sunday, Dec. 6, 2026
Moorhead Christmas Concert tickets go on sale at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, online at ConcordiaChristmas.com.
Minneapolis Concerts:
- Thursday, Dec. 10, 202
The Lorentzsen Center honors the life, work, and legacy of Norman M. Lorentzsen, renowned philanthropist, former CEO of Burlington Northern, alumnus of Concordia College, and former member and chair of its Board of Regents.
Lectures
Centennial Scholars Lectures
Centennial Scholars Lectures are awarded each year to faculty to support activity in their own academic disciplines. The 2025-26 Centennial Scholars Lectures will be presented by:
"Developing a Protocol for Culturing Neurons and Oligodendrocytes from Zebrafish"
Student lab members: Cayley Borrud, Annika Griffith, Riham Jameel, Anusheh Shreonty
Mentors: Harshana De Silva Feelixge, Laboratory Coordinator, and Dr. Krys Strand, Associate Professor of Biology
4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025
Integrated Science Center 260
Integrated Science Center 260
"The Fall and Rise of a Richardson’s Ground Squirrel Population: Using Translocation as a Supplement to Recovery"
Dr. Joseph Whittaker, Associate Professor of Biology, with these students:
Maria C. Ramstad, Environmental and Sustainability Studies and Communication Studies
Caitlin E. Haasser, Biology and Psychology
Peter J. Weinzierl, Biology and Environmental and Sustainability Studies
7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025
Integrated Science Center 260
7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025
Integrated Science Center 260
Criminal Justice Guest Lecture
The community is invited to attend this free event, which will explore the challenges and responsibilities of pursuing justice today and the vital role of education, ethics, and civic engagement in shaping tomorrow’s leaders. This also marks the launch of Concordia’s new criminal justice program, developed in partnership with Minnesota State Community and Technical College in Moorhead to prepare students for careers in law enforcement, public service, and community engagement. This event is sponsored in part by the James E. Leahy Freedom Lecture Endowment. For information, contact Dr. Leila Zakhirova at lzakhiro@cord.edu or visit ConcordiaCollege.edu/WrigleyEvent.
“Justice and Leadership in a Changing World: A Public Address and Conversation with North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley”
7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025
Centrum, Knutson Campus Center
Werth Lecture Series
“Driving Chemical Reactions with Light-Activated Nana Materials”
Renee Frontiera, Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota
7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025
Barry Auditorium, Grant Center
“From Chinese Major to Chemistry Professor: Intersections of Science, Advocacy, and Outreach”
Renee Frontiera, Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota
3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, 2025
Barry Auditorium, Grant Center
Alwin C. Carus and M. Elisabeth Carus Lecture
The Carus Lecture in Philosophy is presented in recognition of the charitable trusts established by the Carus family, who held lifelong interests in philosophy, science, and religion.
“Carus Lecture in the Philosophy of Law: Sustaining Institutions: Faith and Practice”
Peter Hatinen ’96 and Eric Wolff ’95
7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025
Centrum, Knutson Campus Center
Fuglestad Lecture
The Fuglestad Lectureship was established in 1982 in memory of R.E. “Ed” Fuglestad, who served the Concordia College biology department for 43 years. For information on the 2025-26 Fuglestad Lecture, contact Dr. John Flaspohler at flaspohl@cord.edu.
“Cultivating a Career: From Seeds of Inspiration to a Harvest of Discovery”
Dr. Beronda Montgomery, Professor of Biology, Grinnell College
7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025
Centrum, Knutson Campus Center
Nornes Lecture
The Nornes Lectureship in Neuroscience realizes the vision of Dr. Howard O. Nornes ’53 and was created through generous gifts from the Howard ’53 and Sonia (Nelsen) ’58, and the LaVern ’54 and Lois (Austin) ’56 Nornes families for the benefit of Concordia students, staff, and faculty, along with the broader community. For information on the 2025-26 Nornes Lecture, contact Dr. Krys Strand at strand@cord.edu or visit CobberNeuro.org.
“The cerebellum under stress: alterations in the cerebellar CRF system following chronic alcohol exposure”
Dr. Chloe Erikson and Dr. Marisa Roberto, Scripps Research
7 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Centrum, Knutson Campus Center
Grose Lecture
The annual Grose Lecture is named after Ingebrikt Fretheim Grose, Concordia’s first president (1891-1893). He was trained as a classicist, and the purpose of the lecture is to foster the work of classicists who are advancing through the early and middle stages of their careers and to bring to Concordia cutting-edge research and the newest ideas in the field. For information on the 2025-26 Grose Lecture, contact Dr. Heather Waddell at hwaddell@cord.edu.
Campus Events
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Monday, Jan. 19, 2026 | Concordia College honors civil rights leader Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a day of featured speakers and breakout sessions exploring issues of racial and economic justice in the United States. Learn more at ConcordiaCollege.edu/MLK.
17th Annual URSCA Symposium
Wednesday, April 15, 2026 | The URSCA Symposium, also known as the Celebration of Student Scholars (COSS), is an annual multidisciplinary event that showcases and celebrates undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative works carried out by Concordia students under the guidance of a mentor. Guests are invited to join the campus community in attending student presentations, poster sessions, and art exhibitions at this symposium. Learn more at ConcordiaCollege.edu/COSS.
Community Events
One Book, One Community
7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22 | Weld Hall, MSUM
Author Ian Port "The Birth of Loud". More info:
The History of Guitars: A Lecture Concert
7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27 | Knutson Campus Center Centrum
More info: markus.krueger@hcsmuseum.org
All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.