Christmas at Duquesne

Our Tradition

Each year, the Mary Pappert School of Music presents Christmas at Duquesne, a kaleidoscope concert featuring many of the school's large ensembles. This event, steeped in the Spiritan mission of Duquesne University, has become an annual tradition celebrated here on campus, in Pittsburgh, and around the world.

Christmas at Duquesne began in 2014, and since then, audiences have grown so large that a second performance had to be added. In addition, the concert has been live streamed around the world on the IEMMA Broadcast Network, viewed by thousands of people in Switzerland, Nigeria, Argentina, Colombia, Brazil, Venezuela, Canada, Mexico, France, Malaysia, Japan, and many more.

From all of us at the Mary Pappert School of Music and Duquesne University, we wish you a holiday season filled with moments of love, laughter, and goodwill. May the year ahead be full of contentment,
joy, and prosperity.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas at Duquesne 2026

This year, Christmas at Duquesne will feature:

Voices of Spirit (Caron Daley, Director of Choral Activities)
Pappert Chorale (Ethan Murphy, conductor)
Wind Symphony (James Gourlay, Director of Bands)
Jazz Ensemble (Jeff Bush, Area Coordinator of Jazz Studies).

The program will feature a variety of holiday classics alongside the Duquesne premiere of Merry, Merry, performed by the Wind Symphony and Choirs. Composed by alumnus Todd Goodman (M.M. Composition, 2006), the work was co-commissioned by the Mary Pappert School of Music and the River City Brass Band.

2026 Performances

This year, Christmas at Duquesne will be performed twice on Sunday, December 6, once at 3 p.m. and again at 7:30 p.m. Each performance features the same repertoire.

"Hallelujah" from Messiah

Stream Christmas at Duquesne Live

Christmas at Duquesne will stream live during the 7:30 p.m. performance this year but will not be available to watch again after the concert has ended, so be sure to tune in live!

Celebrate the Legacy. Support the Future.

For 100 years, Duquesne University’s Mary Pappert School of Music has prepared students to bring music into the world with artistry, purpose and impact. Christmas at Duquesne is a celebration of that legacy and the talented students who are carrying it forward.

As we celebrate the School’s Centennial, we invite alumni, families and friends to help shape its next century. Your centennial gift helps support scholarships, performances, guest artists, master classes and meaningful learning experiences that prepare students for careers in music and lives of service.