WCU Bardo Arts Center welcomes back DRUM TAO to perform their brand new show “The Best” on Feb. 19 at 7:30 p.m. DRUM TAO is Japan’s elite Taiko drumming ensemble and is currently on their highly anticipated 2026 North American tour in over 40 cities and among them is WCU. DRUM TAO has sold out shows in 26 countries, and their performance is […]
WCU School of Music faculty perform at spring showcase
February 2, 2026 by
Nearly 200 audience members filled Coulter Recital Hall on Tuesday, Jan. 27, to enjoy two hours of performances during the annual School of Music Spring Faculty Showcase. Instrumental and vocal faculty members performed prepared pieces, giving the audience a chance to experience their musicianship outside the classroom. “I definitely think out of all the concerts, […]
20 years of art at WCU Fine Art Museum
February 1, 2026 by
The Bardo Arts Center is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the WCU Fine Art Museum showcasing over five decades of art. The exhibit opened Jan. 20 and will run until July 2. The exhibition features variety of mediums involving paintings, prints, drawings, and photography, with a focus on contemporary Native American and women artists. Many of the works displayed in the exhibit come from the two predecessor galleries […]
Western Carolina University’s first opera, a complete success
January 26, 2026 by
Western Carolina University’s School of Music took on a whole new challenge when creating this opera. From making sure Ron Rash’s works were honored and reflected in the inspiration of lyrics and feeling, a school-run musical collaboration with special guests, and an overwhelming amount of care and detail, down to the lighting and design work […]
Mountain Life Bingo invites WCU community to explore campus and culture
January 26, 2026 by
Western Carolina University is inviting all students, faculty and staff to step outside and reconnect with the mountains through the WNC Mountain Life Bingo game, a campus-wide program made to encourage exploration and community connection. The bingo challenge is part of Western Carolina University’s 2026 campus theme, now in its second year, which focuses on mountain culture and community wellbeing following Hurricane Helene. The theme highlights the Appalachian environment, Cherokee traditions and […]
WCU sets stage for first opera inspired by Appalachia
January 22, 2026 by
Mark your calendars and make weekend plans to see Western Carolina’s first opera performance on Friday, Jan. 23. WCU takes inspiration from Ron Rash’s poetry works of Appalachian history and transforms them into this new medium, filled with drama, human themes—and most importantly song. The weather moved the premier night for “Shelton Laurel: An Appalachian […]
