3 Live Music Events in New Paltz This October - Don't Miss This |
From jazz to contemporary piano to choral excellence — SUNY New Paltz's fall concert series delivers three nights of world-class music across three weeks |
October in the Hudson Valley means crisp air, falling leaves, and a concert calendar that rivals any city in the state. SUNY New Paltz's School of Fine & Performing Arts has announced three major live music events for October 2026, each offering a distinct musical experience — from the smooth sounds of the Faculty Jazz Ensemble to the innovative compositions of Davenport Artist-in-Residence Nahre Sol to the soaring harmonies of the choral ensemble concert "Draw On, Sweet Night."
Here's everything you need to know about all three shows.
Faculty Jazz Ensemble
When: Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 7:30 PM
The Faculty Jazz Ensemble brings together SUNY New Paltz's most accomplished music professors for an evening of improvisation, swing, and sophisticated arrangements. The ensemble has built a loyal following over the years, drawing on the deep jazz tradition that thrives across campus stages. Expect a mix of classic standards and original compositions performed by musicians who teach the next generation of artists by day and take the stage by night.
Venue website: SUNY New Paltz Facilities
Davenport Artist-in-Residence: Nahre Sol
When: Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Nahre Sol is not your typical classical pianist. The South Korean-born, New York-based composer and YouTuber (with over 500,000 subscribers) has built a career at the intersection of classical training, improvisation, jazz, minimalism, and contemporary music. As the 2026 Davenport Artist-in-Residence, Sol will perform original works and collaborate with SUNY New Paltz students in a concert celebrating creativity and the boundaries between genres.
Sol's music defies easy categorization — she draws from the avant-garde, traditional Western forms, and digital culture to create something entirely her own. Her YouTube channel has made her a global voice in music education, but her live performances are where her compositional genius truly shines. This is a rare opportunity to hear a artist who is reshaping what classical music can be.
Artist website: Nahre Sol Official Site
Draw On, Sweet Night: Choral Ensembles
When: Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at 7:30 PM
SUNY New Paltz's choral ensembles take the stage for "Draw On, Sweet Night," a concert titled after the famous Renaissance madrigal by John Wilbye. The program showcases the vocal excellence of the college's choral program, featuring works spanning centuries of choral tradition — from early music to contemporary compositions.
Note that this concert takes place at Christ Episcopal Church in Poughkeepsie, not on the New Paltz campus, and tickets are available at the door only (cash and check accepted). It's a short 20-minute drive from New Paltz and worth the trip for anyone who appreciates the power of the human voice in harmony.
Venue website: Christ Episcopal Church Poughkeepsie
Ticket Information
All three concerts are part of SUNY New Paltz's Fall 2026 Concert Series. Tickets can be purchased online through the Glitnir Ticketing system or at the door (cash, check, and credit cards accepted unless noted). SUNY New Paltz students receive free admission to all concerts with a valid student ID.
The Parker Theatre Box Office (located adjacent to Starbucks on Southside Loop) will be open during regular hours for in-person ticket purchases. For questions, call 845-257-3880 or email boxoffice@newpaltz.edu.
Why This Matters
Live music in the Hudson Valley isn't just entertainment — it's a vital part of the region's cultural fabric. These three concerts represent the kind of artistic excellence that makes the Hudson Valley a destination for the arts, and they're happening right here in our backyard. Whether you're a lifelong classical music fan or someone who's never stepped inside a concert hall, October 2026 offers three distinct entry points into the world of live performance.
Mark your calendars. Get your tickets. And let the music fill the crisp autumn air.
Sources: SUNY New Paltz School of Fine & Performing Arts, official event pages, and venue websites. All information verified as of September 2026. |







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