World-class stage. Intimate experiences.
Since its inception in 2010, the Arthur Zankel Music Center has been dedicated to cultivating artistic excellence and enriching cultural experiences for students, artists, audiences, and community partners. Home to Skidmore College's acclaimed Music department, the Center offers a robust schedule of programming throughout the academic year, and hosts prestigious summer programs such as the Skidmore Jazz Institute, now celebrating its 37th year. Our state-of-the-art facilities include the Helen Filene Ladd Concert Hall, which accommodates 600 attendees, and the intimate Elisabeth Luce Moore Hall, with 86 seats.
Named in honor of Arthur Zankel, a devoted Skidmore trustee and visionary philanthropist, the Center is a testament to his legacy of support and commitment to the arts. Our mission is to provide a vibrant and inclusive space for musical exploration and performance, fostering a diverse range of artistic expressions that honor the rich traditions of early music while reflecting the dynamic landscape of contemporary music.
Surround seats the audience onstage with the artist – where each note and whisper is shared in a collective resonance
For Sophia Subbayya Vastek, the piano has always been home. As a second-generation pianist and third-generation musician, she brings a reverence for her collective history alongside a boundless, exploratory spirit. Her intuitive playing style—rooted in tenderness, improvisation, and classical training—has evolved into a dynamic, cinematic sound that shifts effortlessly across musical worlds. With a gentle yet impactful approach, her music has been described as “passionate and profoundly tender” (Second Inversion) and filled with “serene strokes and lyrical beauty” (Brooklyn Rail).
Celebrating 15 Years of Music and Connection
Marking 15 years since the opening of the Arthur Zankel Music Center, this season focuses on innovative and diverse programming that fosters connection and understanding. The schedule highlights performances and events designed to transcend traditional concerts, offering opportunities to explore new sounds and cultural perspectives.
The season features a wide array of highlights, including Skidmore Professor Evan Mack's compositions performed by world-class opera singers, the genre-defying artistry of Melanie Charles and her Make Jazz Trill Again ethos, and the return of the SURROUND series which seats the audience onstage with the artist. Other standout events include the Ukrainian Classical Voice Project’s moving celebration of Ukraine song and dance, an evening of reimagined Chinese chamber music, and the 20th-anniversary Skidmore String Festival, headlined by the renowned Sphinx Virtuosi string orchestra. This season offers a rich tapestry of performances that inspire and unite. Join us!
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Our story
What makes a public music venue on a college campus so special? Get to know us and our unique position as a multi-service and interdisciplinary arts venue.
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What to expect
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A liberal arts tradition
From classes to ensembles, lessons, and events, Skidmore's Music program is rich with opportunities to explore and express creativity through musical study.
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