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Founded in 1833, Oberlin is one of the nation’s top liberal arts colleges. Its Conservatory of Music and its art museum have secured Oberlin’s reputation for artistic excellence. For those who live within driving distance of Oberlin, it is a haven for the performing and visual arts and a citadel for the life of the mind.

Each year we present a range of intellectual voices and artistic and performance visionaries through the Artist Recital Series, Convocation Series, and our opera theater, theater, and dance productions. Additionally, the Allen Memorial Art Museum enriches the community’s educational and cultural life.

Review program offerings from the most recent academic year.

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A young violinist performing on stage with orchestra behind her.

Cooper International Competition

Thursday, July 18, 2019 to Friday, July 26, 2019

Oberlin Conservatory of Music and The Cleveland Orchestra present the annual Thomas and Evon Cooper International Competition at Oberlin. The 2019 violin competition is open to participants ages 13 to 18, who compete for the top prize of $20,000, with $10,000 and $5,000 awarded for second and third place, respectively.

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30 Years of the Jazz Studies Degree

Monday, April 15, 2019 to Wednesday, April 17, 2019

Join us as we commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Jazz Studies degree through conversations with key figures in jazz, fascinating films, and scintillating performances.

Alumni Conversations

Monday, September 17, 2018 to Thursday, May 30, 2019

Alumni Conversations support events that bring distinguished Oberlin alumni to campus for panel discussions, lectures, performances, career conversations, and more.

two alumnae siting in cushy chairs discussing their work

Artist Recital Series

Friday, September 21, 2018 to Wednesday, April 17, 2019

Since its inception in 1878, Oberlin’s Artist Recital Series has presented more than 1,000 of the world’s acclaimed and accomplished musicians, conductors, orchestras, chamber ensembles, and composers. These artists enhance the arts and culture of Oberlin and northeast Ohio. It is one of the oldest continuing concert series in the United States.

punch brothers band on Finney Chapel stage

Black History Month

Sunday, February 3, 2019 to Thursday, February 28, 2019

Black History Month at Oberlin, recognized since 1967, has helped to foster greater awareness of the history, politics, culture, and economics of the African diaspora. Our annual celebration features prominent civic and political leaders, scholars, and musicians of African descent, as well as events in arts, literature, and performance aesthetics that make our observance more enriching.

Commencement/Reunion Weekend

Friday, May 24, 2019 to Monday, May 27, 2019

Oberlin College’s annual Commencement/Reunion Weekend (CRW) celebrates the accomplishments of new graduates and welcomes alumni back to campus for four days of arts, social, intellectual, and musical events. CRW offers alumni in particular a chance to reminisce with former classmates, reconnect with former professors, revisit old haunts, and welcome new graduates to the alumni ranks.

Convocations

Tuesday, November 27, 2018 to Wednesday, November 28, 2018

The Oberlin Convocation Series, presented by the Finney Lecture Committee and the Office of the President, presents free, public discussions of cutting-edge issues by some of the country’s most prominent thinkers from an array of disciplines and professional fields.

Michelle Norris Convocation (photocredit: Yevhen Gulenko)

Global Issues Symposium

Friday, February 15, 2019 to Thursday, March 14, 2019

Oberlin College is pleased to host the fourth annual Global Issues Symposium. Organized by the International Studies Concentration Committee, the symposium brings renowned scholars, policy practitioners, and activists to campus to discuss crucial transnational issues with the college and community.

two soldiers cheking identification of two men at checkpoint

The Ring Family Jewish Film Festival

Wednesday, April 3, 2019 to Thursday, April 18, 2019

The Ring Family Jewish Film Festival presents three films during the fall and spring of each academic year. The film festival is funded by the Ring Family Fund and sponsored by Oberlin Hillel.

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