Seth Rudetsky and Andrea McArdle Kick Off 2025-2026 Great Hall Concert Series

Continuing the tradition as an enjoyable and convenient venue in Greater Boston for world-class performances at a great value, the Needham Bank Great Hall Concert Series announces the lineup for an exciting 12th season.

Joining a roster of renowned previous performers like Livingston Taylor, Tom Rush, David Bromberg, Grace Kelly, Canadian Brass, Sons of Serendip, and the Boston Symphony Chamber Players, this season features stars at the top of their respective genres—Seth Rudetsky and Andrea McArdle, Orleans, Cantata Singers, and Eileen Ivers. These luminaries of Broadway, pop, classical and world music will take to the stage in the beautiful Powers Hall in the Needham Town Hall.

“The quality of the performers we are able to bring here to Needham is exceptional,” said Michael Greis, Co-President of the nonprofit Great Hall Performance Foundation. “And we are so proud that we are able to donate a portion of our proceeds to the Needham Public Schools’ fine and performing arts program—helping to train the next generation of world-class musicians. None of this would be possible without the support of our sponsors and loyal audience.”

The 2025-2026 Great Hall Concert Series season features:

Seth Rudetsky and Andrea McArdle, September 20, 2025 – No one brings Broadway to life more than Seth Rudetsky. A pianist, conductor, raconteur and host of a Sirius XM radio show, Rudetsky is well-known for his Broadway concert series featuring up-close and personal shows with Broadway’s biggest stars illuminated by his funny, insightful and revealing questions – and the songs from each star’s career. Probably best-known for the role that made her world-famous at age 13, the title role in Annie, Andrea McArdle has starred in some of the most iconic shows in musical theater history, including Les Misérables, State Fair, Beauty and the Beast, Cabaret, and more. Together, they promise a night of Broadway magic. (Learn more about Seth at sethrudetsky.com, and Andrea at facebook.com/AndreaMcArdlefanspot.)

Orleans, November 1, 2025 – Recognized for some of the most legendary radio hits of the 1970s, Orleans has long been praised and respected for their songwriting skills, instrumental prowess and classic trademark harmonies. Some of the most well-known, including “Still The One,” “Dance With Me” and “Love Takes Time,” still resonate with audiences of all ages, as does a body of work that includes 17+ albums. Co-Founder Lance Hoppen and longtime bandmates Lane Hoppen and Fly Amero along with Nashville veterans Brady Spencer and Tom Lane continually demonstrate musical depth and a true mastery of live performance. (Experience Orleans at orleansonline.net.)

Cantata Singers, March 7, 2026 – A vibrant cultural mainstay in Boston and the surrounding areas, Cantata Singers is a musical destination, a place where art, community, and history intersect. A uniquely modern ensemble with deep roots in the past, built on a foundation of innovation and versatility, Cantata Singers promotes the rich heritage of choral music inspired by the musical genius of Johann Sebastian Bach. For this show, they will be performing Bach’s “St. John Passion”. Their pioneering spirit can be seen in the juxtapositioning of well-known, rarely performed and new music. (Find the Cantata Singers at cantatasingers.org.)

Eileen Ivers, May 2, 2026 – Called “the future of the Celtic fiddle” by The Washington Post and “the Jimi Hendrix of the violin” by The New York Times, Grammy-winner Eileen Ivers continues to push traditional fiddling boundaries from a folk music staple to a fiercely fresh, powerfully beautiful, intensely driving world stage experience. With a career spanning more than 40 years, Ivers is one of America’s preeminent Irish fiddlers. (Listen to Eileen at her website, EileenIvers.com.)

Sponsors who make the Great Hall Concert Series possible include our name sponsor, Needham Bank, and Louise Condon Realty, Inc., Plum Street Advisors, and NEC Solar.

Because performances often sell out, the organizers are encouraging individuals to purchase season subscriptions and individual tickets early. Subscribers who place their orders by Sept. 20 will not incur processing fees. To make a purchase, go to greathallperformance.org or call 781-355-6076.

About the Great Hall Concert Series: World-Class Music In Your Backyard!

The Needham Bank Great Hall Concert Series is brought to music lovers by The Great Hall Performance Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Its mission is to provide great music close to home, while supporting economic development, music education, and the building of a vibrant local community. To learn more about this Needham treasure, see greathallperformance.org.