Silver Chord Bowl
Photos: Paul Griffin
The Silver Chord Bowl: A Valley Tradition
The human voice takes center stage. Every winter, the Northampton Arts Council presents the Silver Chord Bowl, our city’s premier a cappella showcase. As the oldest and most respected event of its kind in the region, the Silver Chord Bowl celebrates the incredible vocal artistry of the Northeast’s most talented collegiate and high school groups.
Tradition Meets Modernity
What began as a local competition has evolved into a legendary invitational showcase. Each year, we bring a broad expanse of talented singers to one stage, blending historic prestige with modern flair. Traditionally hosted by the Mayor of Northampton and the President of Smith College, this event serves as the high-energy kickoff to the Four Sundays Winter Arts Festival.
The Experience
Held in the historic John M. Greene Hall on the Smith College campus, the Silver Chord Bowl regularly draws a sold-out audience of 2,000 fans. Attendees are treated to an afternoon of creative interpretations of favorite songs, spanning genres, eras, and regions.
The stage has historically featured elite groups from across the Northeast, including:
Ivy League Standouts: Dartmouth, Yale, and Cornell
Regional Powerhouses: M.I.T., N.Y.U., and Boston College
Local Favorites: Smith College, Amherst College, UMass Amherst, and the award-winning Northampton High School Northamptones.
A Community Celebration
This foot-tapping, lively musical event is designed to get the community up and dancing, even during the coldest time of the year. Beyond the music, the Silver Chord Bowl is a mission-driven event—produced by Northampton Arts Inc., with proceeds supporting vital arts enrichment activities throughout our city.
Join us in celebrating this historic event and witness the creative and musical muscles of the next generation of vocal talent.
Quick Facts
Venue: John M. Greene Hall, Smith College
Format: Invitational Showcase (Non-competitive)
Audience: All Ages
Part of: The Four Sundays Winter Arts Festival
The 42nd Annual Silver Chord Bowl
Presented by the Northampton Arts Council in Partnership with Smith College
Now in its 42nd year, the Silver Chord Bowl stands as the oldest and most respected collegiate a cappella showcase in the region. This beloved annual tradition brings the community together in John M. Greene Hall to celebrate the power of the human voice and the spirit of vocal excellence. The program features an elite selection of groups, including local favorites and award-winning ensembles from across the Northeast.
The 2026 Lineup
Local Stars & Standouts
The Northamptones: The legendary, award-winning ensemble from Northampton High School kicks off the show.
The Smith College Vibes: A fan-favorite all-gender group from right here at Smith College.
Regional Collegiate Powerhouses
Berklee Upper Structure: Award-winning vocalists from the Berklee College of Music in Boston.
The Amherst College Zumbyes: One of the oldest and most high-energy groups in the region.
MIT Ohms: Bringing a diverse and innovative repertoire from MIT in Cambridge.
Notes over Storrs: The premier competitive collegiate group representing UConn.
Viridescent: The premier all-gender a cappella ensemble from the University of Vermont (UVM).
Special Guests & Hosts
The afternoon will be hosted by Steve Sanderson (Northampton Arts Council/WRSI 93.9 The River) and will feature special appearances by:
Sarah Willie-LeBreton, President of Smith College
Gina-Louise Sciarra, Mayor of Northampton
Event Logistics
Date: Sunday, February 8, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM (Doors open at 1:30 PM)
Location: John M. Greene Hall, Smith College (60 Elm St, Northampton)
Parking: Free on Sundays in city lots and Smith College campus.
Accessibility Notice: Accessibility is available on the first level only. There are no elevators or accessible seating options for the balcony. Wheelchair spaces are designated open areas; no physical chairs are provided in these spaces.
Ticket Information
Advance Pricing
Premium Reserved Seating: $35
General Reserved Seating: $15
Day-of Pricing (Box Office opens at 1:00 PM)
Premium Reserved Seating: $40
General Reserved Seating: $20
How to Purchase
By Phone: 678-701-6114
In-Person (General Reserved Only): State Street Fruit Store (Northampton) or Cooper’s Corner (Florence).
Our Supporters
This event is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors:
Headline Sponsor: Smith College
Media Partners: WRSI 93.9 FM The River, WHMP, Daily Hampshire Gazette, The Republican, New England Public Media, and Northampton Open Media.
Organizational Support: Greenfield Savings Bank, Massachusetts Cultural Council, City of Northampton, and Northampton Arts Inc.