Robert Hitchcock
The Marybelle and Sebastian P. Musco Center for the Arts is celebrating a major milestone with the announcement of its 2026—27 season — marking 10 years of bringing world-class performances and artistic experiences to Chapman University and Orange County audiences.
Running from August through March, the anniversary season features the return of audience favorites, acclaimed international artists and special community events, all anchored by the “10th Anniversary Jubilee!” on Sept. 19. The one-night celebration will bring together returning professional artists, Chapman alumni and current students in a performance honoring Musco Center’s first decade and the promise of what’s to come.
A Legacy of Artistic Vision and Generosity
The Musco Center for the Arts was made possible through the vision and generosity of Marybelle and Sebastian “Paul” Musco. Marybelle’s longstanding passion for the arts, particularly dance, and Paul’s deep love of opera helped shape the center’s artistic vision. Ten years later, the Musco Center remains one of the most enduring expressions of their commitment to the arts and a legacy at Chapman University.
“For ten years, Musco Center has been a defining part of the Chapman experience, a stunning venue where extraordinary artistry, deep community connection, and unforgettable moments have taken root and flourished,” said Anne Hogan, Ph.D., dean of the College of Performing Arts and the Musco Center for the Arts. “This anniversary season honors all that we have built together while looking ahead with excitement to everything still to come.”
Celebrated Artists and Alumni Return to the Stage
The season includes performances from celebrated artists and ensembles across music, dance and theatre, including gospel legends the Blind Boys of Alabama, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Gaby Moreno, Dobro guitar virtuoso Jerry Douglas, and acclaimed mariachi ensemble Mariachi Los Camperos. Chapman alumnus and Metropolitan Opera tenor Ben Bliss ’08 also returns to the Musco stage in October.
Contemporary Dance Series Continues to Grow
A cornerstone of the anniversary season is the continued expansion of the Marybelle Musco Contemporary Dance Series, featuring internationally recognized companies, each celebrated for pushing the boundaries of contemporary dance, including BalletX, Compagnie Hervé Koubi and Alonzo King LINES Ballet.
Community Events Extend Beyond the Stage
The season also extends beyond the concert hall with free and family-friendly community events on the Bette and Wylie Aitken Arts Plaza, including Pacific Symphony’s Symphony in the Cities free summer outdoor concert series, and the return of Heartbeat of Mexico, a Chapman hosted festival celebrating Mexican and Mexican-American culture.
Tickets and Season Packages On Sale June 26
Tickets and season packages for the 2026—27 season go on sale June 26, with audiences able to customize their own “My Musco” package based on their artistic interests.
For more information, a list of all events, and tickets, visit Musco Center for the Arts.
