Willamette features a variety of music and theatrical productions throughout the academic year. This includes a number of fall, winter and spring concerts by the University's 13 music ensembles and periodic guest performances sponsored by the Grace Goudy Distinguished Artists Series. Willamette is host to frequent performances by the Oregon Symphony, in Smith Auditorium. Willamette is home to the Salem Chamber Orchestra, which performs most of its concerts in the new Mary Stuart Rogers Music Center, one of the premier music halls in the west.
The Willamette Playhouse is home to Willamette Theatre, which produces four mainstage productions each year. Whether it is producing Greek drama or Shakespeare, the theatre program explores inventive new interpretations of well-written texts. The University also produces a range of musicals and dance concerts. These performances offer insight into interpreting human experience, and they are an important part of the liberal arts education.
