Sponsored Content

5 world-renowned performers headline Secrest Artists Series

September signals the start of a brand-new performance season at Wake Forest University.

Sponsored by
Images from the artists in the 2025-25 Secrest Series.

Events often include pre-concert talks or residency activities.

Photos courtesy Wake Forest University, credit DarioAcosta-Horiz, Petra Hajska, and Lorenzo Di Nozzi

The Secrest Artists Series returns this September with a dynamic 2025-26 lineup, bringing internationally acclaimed artists to the halls of Wake Forest University.

Free for students, faculty, and staff, and available to the public at modest prices, these powerful performances are part cultural education, part awe-inspiring entertainment.

🌍 Season opener: Soweto Gospel Choir

The multi-Grammy® and Emmy Award®-winning Soweto Gospel Choir will open with their “PEACE” tour on Thursday, September 25, at 7:30 p.m.

This joyful, family-friendly program blends South African freedom songs and traditional spirituals with the uplifting music of Aretha Franklin, Harry Belafonte, Peter Gabriel, Kate Bush, Leon Cohen, and so many more.

🎼 Full performance schedule

Christian McBride & Brad Mehldau | Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025 | Brendle Recital Hall

  • Two of the most respected artists in contemporary jazz bring sophistication and swing to this collaborative evening.

Raphaël Feuillâtre | Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025 | Brendle Recital Hall

  • The new face of classical guitar: Recently ranked 2nd among the world’s most listened-to classical music artists on Apple Classical.

J’Nai Bridges | Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026 | Brendle Recital Hall

  • A two-time Grammy® Award-winning artist, hailed by the New York Times as a “plush-voiced mezzo-soprano.”

Pavel Haas Quartet | Thursday, Mar. 19, 2026 | Brendle Recital Hall

  • One of the world’s foremost chamber ensembles, combining richness, rapport, and infectious passion.

🎟️ Pick your tix

Community tickets range from $10 to $30, depending on your chosen performance.

Ready to be moved?

Start choosing your series

More from WStoday
Over the next 10 days, we’re launching a reader-driven campaign to sustain what we do best.
Maybe it’s the cozy weather or the colorful scenery in the Twin City. All we know is that the vibes are right.
Plan your meals with ease this holiday season and order ahead at one of these eight restaurants and bakeries.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
No need to travel across the globe for this elite competition. We’ve got the routes laid out for you to take on this endurance race.
Uncover the untold stories of the Twin City and Forsyth County at the MUSE WS.
Including gifts for significant others, retirees, holiday parties, young people, and gifts that ship fast.
Enjoy the ultimate Halloween excitement — from exploring Old Salem’s spooky vibes to showing off your best costume for a chance to win a prize.
From “coffee, coffee, coffee” to chilaquiles and everything in between, here are a few ways to pay homage to “Gilmore Girls” in Winston-Salem this autumn.
Show some love to your fave businesses in Winston-Salem.