Arts and Entertainment | Concordia Courier | Student Newspaper

Is Taylor Swift's new album her next hit or biggest flop?

10/24/2025 - 3 minute read

As Taylor Swift’s new album continues to spark online discourse, many students are debating whether it will go up against other big artists. While some listeners are embracing this new direction, others are feeling extremely disappointed. From enthusiastic excitement to very harsh critiques, here's what students had to say.

Singers attending the OC Mayor's Prayer Breakfast

Concordia Choir brings joyous sounds to Mayor's Breakfast and upcoming Hymn Festival

9/19/2025 - 2 minute read

As fall approaches and students acclimate to the semester, members of the Music Department make their first public performances of the school year. With a season that ranges from hymns, orchestra tours, commercial projects, to handbells, the Music Department is preparing for another vibrant year of concert offerings to all students, faculty and audiences beyond Concordia.

Review: The passing of the arts in the play “Collected Stories”

9/19/2025 - 2 minute read

“Collected Stories” by Donald Margulies is a play about the complex relationship and interactions between a writing professor, Ruth, played by LouLou Schiavo, and her student Lisa, played by Abigail Elizondo. Ruth is an experienced short story writer, while Lisa is a young up-and-coming writer. “Collected Stories” focuses on the meeting of Ruth and Lisa, with both sharing stories they have written and life stories they’ve lived. Themes of mentorship across generations are prevalent throughout the whole show as it compares the young aspirations of Lisa and the learned wisdom of Ruth.

Concordia Orchestra and Choir head overseas

4/25/2025 - 3 minute read

Following graduation, the Concordia Symphony Orchestra and the Concordia Choir will embark upon an extensive tour to Japan and South Korea from May 7-17.

From psalms to songs: bringing Psalm 139 to the contemporary life

4/25/2025 - 2 minute read

Concordia’s campus is alive with the sound of music—specifically, the newest addition to the Center for Worship Leadership (CWL) Psalm Library, the song “Psalm 139 (That You Won’t Go).”

Senior Projects amplify the talents of Commercial Music Majors

3/28/2025 - 2 minute read

On Apr. 6, the BMC Alumni Plaza will turn into a concert venue, showcasing the work and talents of this year's seniors in the Commercial Music Program. As their capstone project, each of the six seniors will present a set of music, with the first performances beginning at 1 p.m.

Past students celebrate Night of Hope with live music

Night of Hope brings together music and worship

3/14/2025 - 1 minute read

On Fri., March 14, abbey west will be hosting the annual “Night of Hope,” from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Starting in 2011, this event will follow a tradition of over 10 years for a celebration of the arts and the hope we have in Jesus.

Brass and Bronze: A concert of horns and handbells

1/17/2025 - 2 minute read

The "Brass and Bronze" concert brings Concordia's handbells and brass musicians together on Jan. 19 in Santa Ana.

Concordia's Christmas concert "Come and See" features several of our musical ensembles including the Concordia Choir and the Master Chorale under the direction of Dr. Michael Busch.

“Come and See” Concordia’s musicians at Segerstrom Hall this Christmas

12/6/2024 - 3 minute read

Concordia’s annual Christmas concert is returning on Sun., Dec. 15 at 4 p.m. and 7:30 pm at the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. This year's concert is titled “Come and See” which shares the hope and joy that Christmas brings as people reflect upon the birth of Christ.

Jazz Ensembles Fall Concert features dedicated musicians and incredible directors

11/8/2024 - 3 minute read

The Concordia Jazz Ensemble’s Fall Concert is set to hit the stage on Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m. in the Borland-Manske Center Charlie and Ling Zhang Orchestra Hall. It is going to be an evening filled with dynamic performances and a variety of jazz styles, featuring the Concordia Jazz Combo and the Concordia Jazz Orchestra, led by Associate Professor and Director of Music Education, Christian Hauser and Adjunct Professor Len Montgomery. The ensembles will perform an eclectic range of pieces, each carefully selected and arranged to showcase the talents of Concordia’s jazz musicians.

Arts & Entertainment