Silver Chord Bowl
Photos: Paul Griffin
Every year, the Northampton Arts Council presents the Silver Chord Bowl, Northampton's very own a cappella showcase! The oldest and most respected a cappella event in the region, the Silver Chord Bowl celebrates the musical stylings of the Northeast’s most talented a cappella groups. This popular event is traditionally hosted by the Mayor of Northampton and the President of Smith College.
The Northampton Arts Council has been curating the Silver Chord Bowl, once a competition now turned invitational showcase, bringing a broad expanse of talented collegiate a cappella groups to one place. Tradition meets modern in this night full of fun interpretations of your favorite songs, spanning genres, eras, and regions. Watch as groups from Dartmouth, M.I.T., Yale, Boston College, N.Y.U., Smith College, Northampton High School, Amherst College, UMASS-Amherst, and more, flex their creative and musical muscles. Enjoy the diverse styles from various Northeastern colleges, and see what each school has to offer. The performances always present something new and exciting, and each year the Silver Chord Bowl gives a sold-out John M. Greene Hall on Smith College Campus audience of 2,000 people an afternoon to remember. This foot-tapping, lively musical event is sure to get anyone up and dancing, even during the coldest time of the year. Join Northampton in celebrating this historic event, and kicking off the Northampton Arts Council's Four Sundays Winter Arts Festival with a bang!
42nd Annual Silver Chord Bowl
Presented by the Northampton Arts Council
In Partnership with Smith College
Event Overview
Now in its 42nd year, the Silver Chord Bowl is the oldest and most respected collegiate a cappella showcase in the region. Hosted in John M. Greene Hall on the Smith College campus, this annual tradition celebrates excellence in vocal performance and community spirit.
This year’s program will open with a performance by Northampton High School’s Northamptones, followed by the Vibes from Smith College and five additional collegiate ensembles from across the region (to be announced). The event will be hosted by Steve Sanderson of the Northampton Arts Council and WRSI 93.9 The River, featuring special appearances by Smith College President Sarah Willie-LeBreton and Northampton Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra.
Event Details
Date: Sunday, February 8, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM Showtime (Doors open at 1:30 PM)
Location: John M. Greene Hall, Smith College Campus
Address: 60 Elm Street, Northampton, MA 01060
Ticket Information
Accessibility Notice
Accessibility is available only on the first level; there are no elevators or accessibility options for the balcony.
Wheelchair spaces are open areas designated for accessibility equipment; there are no physical chairs in these spaces.
Advance Ticket Pricing
Premium Reserved Seating (All Ages): $35
General Reserved Seating (All Ages): $15
Smith College Student Discount:
Smith College students receive 50% off General Reserved Seating when purchasing tickets online through FreshTix using the promo code: smithstudent.
Purchase Options:
By Phone: 678-701-6114
Tickets are delivered by email immediately after purchase.
In-Person Advance Outlets
A limited number of General Reserved Seating tickets ($15, all ages) will be available at:
State Street Fruit Store, Northampton
Cooper’s Corner, Florence
Please note: Tickets are reserved seating—pay close attention to the section, row, and seat number when purchasing.
Day-Of Ticket Sales
Box Office Opens: 1:00 PM, Sunday, February 8, 2026
Location: John M. Greene Hall
Day-Of Pricing:
Premium Reserved Seating (All Ages): $40
General Reserved Seating (All Ages): $20
Sponsors
Headline Sponsor:
Smith College
Media Sponsors:
Daily Hampshire Gazette
The Republican
New England Public Media
WRSI 93.9 FM The River
WHMP
Northampton Open Media
Organizational Support:
Massachusetts Cultural Council
City of Northampton
Northampton Arts Inc.
About President Sarah Willie-LeBreton
Sarah Willie-LeBreton is the 12th president of Smith College, beginning her term in July 2023. A dedicated scholar, educator, and leader, she is also a passionate music lover—often seen on the dance floor at campus celebrations. During her first months in Northampton, she has been actively engaging with the community, embracing its values and traditions—the Silver Chord Bowl among them.
Parking Information
Parking is free on Sundays in Northampton and on the Smith College campus.
Please refer to the Smith College Campus Map for details.