The Needham Bank Great Hall Concert Series has 4 concerts a year at Powers Hall in Needham Town Hall. We are now entering our tenth season of performances!
The Needham Bank Great Hall Concert Series is brought to you thanks to the efforts of The Great Hall Performance Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation pledged to continue the good work of its predecessor, Citizens for the Preservation of Town Hall. Our philanthropic mission continues to focus on historic preservation, building a vibrant community, and local economic development. We als
o seek to highlight and support the excellent performing arts programs in the Needham Public Schools. The GHPF works closely with the Needham Town Manager, the local business community, allied arts organizations, and the Schools to provide outstanding but affordable concerts in our beautifully-restored Town Hall. As part of this effort, Needham students are involved in all facets of concert series planning, production, and performance. Furthermore, a large donation from the proceeds of each season is contributed annually to the Needham Schools’ Fine and Performing Arts program. Each season features a renowned, world-class artist from the pop, folk, classical, and jazz genres. Join our mailing list to stay informed to stay informed about our concerts and plans. If you are interested in volunteering to help out, we would be happy to have you.
08/26/2025
Check your mailboxes! The over-sized postcard for the 2025-2026 season of the Needham Bank Great Hall Concert Series has arrived.
World-Class Music In Your Backyard!
• Seth Rudetsky & Andrea McArdle – September 20, 2025
• Orleans – November 1, 2025
• Cantata Singers – March 14, 2026
• Eileen Ivers – May 2, 2026
Get a season subscription to all four shows (without ticket processing fees) or buy individual tickets at https://tinyurl.com/mpksnzvb
Concerts are held in Needham Town Hall, and beginning this year, will start at 7:30pm.
The “New” Broadway is in Needham! Seth Rudetsky and Andrea McArdle to Star in a One-Night-Only Event
Acclaimed SiriusXM radio host Seth Rudetsky is bringing his Broadway concert series from New York to Needham!
On Saturday, September 20, the Needham Bank Great Hall Concert Series will feature Rudetsky and Tony Award nominee Andrea McArdle, who became world famous at the age of 13 when she created the title role in ‘Annie’. The not-to-be-missed concert at the Needham Town Hall will be filled with intimate, funny, behind-the-scenes stories mixed with incredible performances.
Andrea McArdle’s Broadway career includes many thrilling musical moments – singing the beautiful “It Might As Well Be Spring” in ‘State Fair’, the title song from ‘Beauty And The Beast’ as Belle, and “I Dreamed A Dream” as Fantine in ‘Les Misérables’, where she and Rudetsky first worked together. She is also known for performing classic songs as the young Judy Garland in the TV film ‘Rainbow’.
Rudetsky, who spent many years on Broadway as a pianist and conductor, is now the afternoon deejay on the SiriusXM Broadway channel, as well as the host of ‘Seth Speaks’. He’s performed his show, ‘Deconstructing Broadway’ in London, Boston and Los Angeles (with Barbra Streisand in the audience). He co-wrote and co-starred in ‘Disaster!’ on Broadway which was licensed by Music Theater International. Learn more and watch his videos at SethRudetsky.com.
“We are excited to treat our audiences to these two world-class performers,” said Michael Greis, Co-President of The Great Hall Performance Foundation. “This is a must for anyone who was inspired to join a local performance of ‘Annie’ because of Andrea McArdle, or who regularly listens to Seth Rudetsky, or who simply loves Broadway. We’re encouraging audience members to buy tickets early before they sell out.”
Tickets for this program, as well as subscriptions for the entire 2025-2026 season, are available at https://tinyurl.com/e6mbsway . All concerts will start at 7:30 pm. For more information, individuals can also call 781-355-6076.
About the Great Hall Concert Series: World-Class Music In Your Backyard!
The Needham Bank Great Hall Concert Series is brought to music lovers by The Great Hall Performance Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Its mission is to provide great music close to home, while supporting economic development, music education, and the building of a vibrant local community. To learn more about this Needham treasure, whose sponsors include title sponsor Needham Bank, Louise Condon Realty, Plum Street Advisors, and NEC Solar, see greathallperformance.org.
Seth Rudetsky’s latest newsletter mentioned him coming to the Needham Bank Great Hall Concert Series on September 20th with Andrea McArdle.
“Saturday, Sept. 20th, I’m in Needham, Mass. with one of my idols since 1977… the incredible Andrea McArdle! Here is one of her most brilliant performances below when she was only 18 years old. It was the day after she graduated high school! Listen to when the audience applauds her in the MIDDLE of the song because she sounds so incredible!” WATCH!!!!" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTz8WuTmBpI
If you live on a well traveled road in Needham, can we borrow a piece your lawn?
The Needham Bank Great Hall Concert Series brings “World-Class Music In Your Backyard!", and we are looking for homeowners who will show their support on their front yards. Please send us a direct message if we can place a sign on your lawn on the Saturday before each concert, and take it down the day after, 4 times a year.
We are going to have an exciting 2025/2026 Season:
• Seth Rudetsky & Andrea McArdle – September 20, 2025
• Orleans – November 1, 2025
• Cantata Singers – March 14, 2026
• Eileen Ivers – May 2, 2026
For more information about the performers and to order season tickets go to https://tinyurl.com/2pb9ct59 . Tickets to individual shows are also on sale.
* UPDATE * 2025/2026 Season of the Needham Bank Great Hall Concert Series * UPDATE *
New this season, all concerts will begin a half hour earlier, at 7:30pm.
There has been a date change in the upcoming season. The Cantata Singers will now be the appearing on March 14, 2026 (not March 7th).
Performers will be:
• Seth Rudetsky & Andrea McArdle – September 20, 2025
• Orleans – November 1, 2025
• Cantata Singers – March 14, 2026
• Eileen Ivers – May 2, 2026
For more information about the performers and to order season tickets go to https://tinyurl.com/4nmywjcv . Tickets to individual shows will go on sale in mid-August.
The Needham Bank Great Hall Concert Series is going to have an exciting 2025-2026 season!
Become a season ticket subscriber to guarantee yourself a seat at each of these world-class shows and get a great value – season tickets are priced the same as last year, plus subscribers will not pay ticket processing fees. (Single concert tickets go on sale in August and will be subject to ticket fees applied at checkout.) Purchase season tickets at https://tinyurl.com/5n89b9sh .
This is a fantastic lineup that is sure to fill Needham Town Hall:
• Seth Rudetsky and Andrea McArdle – September 20, 2025
Sirius XM Radio Star Seth Rudetsky and host of the Broadway Concert Series will be performing with Andrea McArdle, who originated the title role in 'Annie'.
• Orleans – November 1, 2025
Orleans is the classic American band known for their hits “Still The One,” “Dance With Me” and “Love Takes Time”.
• Cantata Singers – March 14, 2026
The Cantata Singers, directed by Noah Horn, will be performing Bach's "St John Passion" with a full orchestra and chorus.
• Eileen Ivers – May 2, 2026
Eileen Ivers is one of America’s preeminent Irish fiddlers and a Grammy-winner.
The Great Hall Performance Foundation is very excited to announce the 2025-2026 Season of the Needham Bank Great Hall Concert Series!
Become a season ticket subscriber to guarantee yourself a seat at each of these performances, and get a great value – the season tickets have not increased in price, plus subscribers will not pay ticket processing fees. (Single concert tickets will go on sale at a later date and will be subject to ticket fees applied at checkout.) Purchase season tickets at https://tinyurl.com/3wx6p7mx .
This is a world-class lineup that is sure to fill Needham Town Hall:
• Seth Rudetsky and Andrea McArdle – September 20, 2025
Seth Rudetsky is a pianist, raconteur, and host of a Sirius XM radio show, and is well-known for his Broadway concert series featuring its biggest stars. He will be joined by Andrea McArdle, who originated the title role in 'Annie', and went on to appear in some of the most iconic shows in musical theater history. Together, they promise a night of Broadway magic.
• Orleans – November 1, 2025
Orleans is recognized for their legendary radio hits in the 1970's, including “Still The One,” “Dance With Me” and “Love Takes Time,” which still resonate with audiences of all ages. Co-Founder Lance Hoppen and longtime bandmates Lane Hoppen and Fly Amero along with Nashville veterans Brady Spencer and Tom Lane continually demonstrate musical depth and a true mastery of live performance.
• Cantata Singers – March 14, 2026
Cantata Singers is a vibrant cultural mainstay in Boston and the surrounding areas, which promotes the rich heritage of choral music inspired by the musical genius of Johann Sebastian Bach alongside more modern works. The choir, soloists, and orchestra will be performing "St John Passion", which premiered 300 years ago.
• Eileen Ivers – May 2, 2026
Eileen Ivers is one of America’s preeminent Irish fiddlers and a Grammy-winner. She pushes traditional fiddling boundaries from a folk music staple to a fiercely fresh, powerfully beautiful, intensely driving world stage experience.
This is a season you don't want to miss, so order your season tickets now.
The Needham High School Select Chorus & Strings warming up with Orion Chamber Orchestra for tonight’s concert at Needham Town Hall. The audience is in for a wonderful treat with all these talented musicians!
Come see Orion Chamber Orchestra TONIGHT at Needham Town Hall. The doors to the Great Hall open at 7pm for the 8pm show.
Musicians Ronald Lowry, Peter Zazofsky and Randall Hodgkinson, with guests Irina Muresanu and Noriko Futagami, will be performing classical music by Handel, Vivaldi, Beethoven, Dvorak, and other composers. The Needham High School Select Chorus and Strings, directed by Jonathan VanderWoude, will be opening the show and playing some pieces with the Ensemble.
Tomorrow night at 8pm, the three members of the Orion Chamber Ensemble and two guest artists will be performing at Needham Town Hall. Violinist Peter Zazofsky (a Needham resident), cellist Ronald Lowry, and pianist Randall Hodgkinson, with violinist Irina Muresanu and violist Noriko Futagami are preparing a program that will delight long-time chamber music fans and those who want explore this genre of music. Each of the musicians regularly perform with other acclaimed groups and teach at prestigious music schools.
Needham Concert Society artistic director Ronald Lowry is principal cellist of the Boston Pop Esplanade Orchestra and the Boston Ballet Orchestra, and performs frequently with the Boston Symphony. He has presented solo recitals at Jordan Hall and at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and he has been a guest artist with the Boston Chamber Music Society, the New England Conservatory, and the Muir String Quartet. Mr. Lowry teaches at the New England Conservatory Preparatory School, Walnut Hill School for the Arts, and the Rivers School Conservatory.
Pianist Randall Hodgkinson has performed as a soloist with major orchestras. He is an artist member of the Boston Chamber Music Society, and also performs the four-hand and two-piano repertoire with his wife, Leslie Amper. Mr. Hodgkinson is a faculty member of the New England Conservatory, Wellesley College, and the Longy School of Music of Bard College in Cambridge. As a young artist, he won the International American Music Competition and the Tanglewood Music Center’s Cabot Award.
Violinist Peter Zazofsky has appeared as soloist with many great orchestras, including the Boston Symphony, the Berlin Philharmonic, Amsterdam Concertgebouw, and the Philadelphia Orchestra. As first violinist of the Muir String Quartet, Mr. Zazofsky is proud to have performed many complete cycles of the Beethoven quartets and to have promoted new works by American composers. He is a faculty member at Boston University and also teaches at New England Conservatory Preparatory School.
Romanian violinist Irina Muresanu is known for her elegant and passionate performances that stretch the boundaries of classical music, and as a compelling interpreter of contemporary music. As a faculty member of the University of Maryland, she has documented worldwide variations in violin technique, and she is engaged in development of AI technology for use in violin instruction. Ms. Muresanu plays an 1849 Giuseppe Rocca violin with an Étienne Pajeot bow.
Violist Noriko Futagami performs with the Radius Ensemble, Boston Musica Viva, Emmanuel Music, Cantata Singers, and Winsor Music. She is principal violist for Boston Philharmonic Orchestra and section violist with Rhode Island Philharmonic and Portland Symphony Orchestra. Ms. Futagami performs regularly with the Boston Modern Orchestra Project, Odyssey Opera Orchestra, the Monadnock Festival Orchestra, Boston Pops, Boston Ballet, and Boston Landmarks Orchestras. She is a faculty member at Brown University.
Just back from their tour of Italy, the Needham High School Select Chorus and Strings, directed by Jonathan VanderWoude, will be performing several pieces with Orion Chamber Ensemble on May 3rd at 8pm at Needham Town Hall. These accomplished student musicians also recently won gold metals in state competitions. Don’t miss this last concert in the Needham Band Great Hall Concert Series 2024/2025 season!
The Great Hall Performance Foundation, Inc. supports the excellent music programs in the Needham Public Schools, including showcasing student musicians and making an annual donation to the Fine and Performing Arts Department.
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Needham Bank Great Hall Concert Series posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Contact The Business
Send a message to Needham Bank Great Hall Concert Series:
The Needham Bank Great Hall Concert Series is brought to you by The Great Hall Performance Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation pledged to continue the good work of its predecessor, Citizens for the Preservation of Town Hall.
The GHPF works closely with the Needham Town Manager, the local business community, allied arts organizations, and educational programs to provide outstanding but affordable concerts in our beautifully restored Town Hall. We also seek to highlight and support the excellent performing arts programs in the Needham Public Schools. As part of this effort, Needham students are involved in all facets of concert series planning, production, and performance. Furthermore, an annual donation from the proceeds of each season is contributed to the Needham Public Schools’ Fine and Performing Arts Department.
We are now entering our eighth season of performances! Each season features world-class artists from pop, folk, classical, and jazz genres. Join our mailing list and friend our page to stay informed about our concerts and plans. And if you are interested in volunteering to help out, we would be happy to have you. Please contact us via email at [email protected] or by mail at Great Hall Performance Foundation, PO Box 920063, Needham, MA 02492.
Gloria Greis, Co-President ~ Michael Greis, Co-President
Susan Jarvis, Treasurer ~ Margie Brodsky, Secretary ~ Gil Brodsky, Assistant Secretary
