You don’t need a passport (or even a plane ticket) to experience some of the world’s finest music and theater.

The Secrest Artists Series returns to Wake Forest University next month, with six headliners spanning Shakespeare, opera, chamber music, and more.

Open to the public at low prices and free for Wake Forest students, faculty, and staff, these artistic evenings are equal parts educational, inspiring, and oh-so entertaining.

🎻 Next month’s season opener: Isidore String Quartet + Sterling Elliott

The magic begins Thursday, Sept. 24 at 7:30 p.m. with a powerhouse collaboration between the award-winning Isidore String Quartet and acclaimed cellist Sterling Elliott.

Look forward to a fresh spin on the classics, moving from Mozart and Bridge to the emotional centerpiece of the program: Schubert’s celebrated Cello Quintet.

🎭 Full 2026-27 schedule

Actors From The London Stage: “Much Ado About Nothing” | Thursday, Oct. 22

Shakespeare’s wittiest comedy takes the stage with one of the world’s oldest touring Shakespeare theatre companies, co-founded by Sir Patrick Stewart.

Vox Luminis: Monteverdi’s “Vespers of 1610” | Thursday, Nov. 12

The acclaimed Belgian vocal ensemble brings its signature sound to one of sacred music’s monumental works.

NexTonal: “Breath of the World” | Tuesday, Jan. 26

Ten virtuoso wind musicians lead audiences on a musical journey through the past and present.

Zlata Chochieva, piano | Thursday, Feb. 18

The internationally celebrated pianist takes on everything from Beethoven’s passionate “Appassionata” to works by Ravel, Brahms, and more.

Angela Brown: “When the Caged Bird Sings” | Thursday, March 18

The superstar soprano and Metropolitan Opera veteran closes the season with a moving celebration of Dr. Maya Angelou and her deep ties to Winston-Salem.