About Princeton University Concerts
Princeton University Concerts’ mission is to educate, challenge, inspire, and unite audiences through the presentation of exceptional classical musicians.
Building on a tradition that goes back more than a century, PUC celebrates the transformative power of music, one of civilization’s highest achievements. As part of one of the world’s foremost centers of learning, PUC embraces Princeton’s mission to connect all students to the Arts, while providing a public gateway to audiences from all over the region to experience the Arts at Princeton.
Through innovative programs presented in an intimate setting, PUC challenges conventions, overcomes stereotypes, removes barriers and creates artistic liaisons, affirming its commitment to make classical music accessible to all.
Our Vision
We aim to be recognized internationally for creating and presenting classical music performances that enrich the lives of the widest possible audience.
We work to integrate fully into the University community and to impact every Princeton student by demonstrating that intellectual and spiritual growth occur in a concert hall as they do in a classroom, laboratory, and chapel. PUC nurtures and sustains in all attendees a life-long love of live performance and seeks to make classical music relevant to all.
Situated midway between two of the world’s great art music centers – New York and Philadelphia – Princeton University Concerts is where the world’s leading classical musicians aspire to perform, and where audiences are enriched and changed by their engagement with PUC.
A Brief History
Since 1894, the music of history’s most revered composers has been performed by the world’s most celebrated artists at Princeton University including contralto Marian Anderson, violinist Isaac Stern, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, the Budapest String Quartet, and pianist Dame Myra Hess. Today, an extraordinary roster of musicians make their Princeton debuts each season and join this pantheon. Among them are some of the most highly regarded artists of our time; young musicians on the cusp of sensational careers; and riveting performers pioneering new forms of expression. Recently this has included conductor Gustavo Dudamel (2018-19 artist-in-residence), pianist Daniil Trifonov, violinist Patricia Kopatchinskaja, vocalist Bobby McFerrin, opera star Joyce DiDonato, jazz legend Brad Mehldau, the Ébène String Quartet, and many others.
Our Promise
We will continue to make history by commissioning new work and blazing new trails while delivering an experience more intimate, more personal and more moving than anywhere else.
What’s more, these transporting performances take place in our own world-class venue, Richardson Auditorium. It’s all part of Princeton University Concerts’ devotion to history in the music making.
