Magical Music
From performance to mentorship, music’s impact runs deep at SBU.
“Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent.”
— Victor Hugo
Celebrating a Master Musician and Teacher
In October 2025, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center presented Gilbert Kalish, professor of music at SBU for 55 years, with the Award for Extraordinary Service to Chamber Music. That was followed by a sold-out concert at Lincoln Center, “Gilbert Kalish at 90,” in honor of his 90th birthday, and to commemorate both events, the Chamber Music Society produced a documentary about Kalish and about the concert. The film debuted on the Chamber’s website earlier this year.
Christina Dahl, chair of the Department of Music, said “It is hard to overstate the impact Gil Kalish has had on multiple generations of pianists (not just American pianists, but players from all over the world). In his 55th year of teaching, we still have over one hundred students applying to study in the graduate piano program for (probably) four spots and the opportunity to be in contact with his approach to music, piano, and how to be a musician. His attitude to music-making has absolutely formed the unique spirit and mission of the music department at Stony Brook, and shaped five decades of the musicians who have come through our program. And, I would add, he is still teaching full-time in our program with the same unstinting devotion. His attitude towards his own career (one of true humility and clear-sighted evaluation) has contributed to a spirit in our Department that has fostered collegiality and mutual support over competition and external accolades.”
See for yourself the magic of Professor Kalish:
Staller’s Fall Season Announced
The Fall 2026 season at the Staller Center for the Arts has something for everyone. From an orchestra bringing the music of kid favorite film Coco to life to comedian Paul Reiser and humorist David Sedaris to the musical stylings of David Foster, the entertainment is as diverse as it is unforgettable. Audiences can expect an exciting lineup of music, comedy, dance and family programming that promises to inspire, delight and entertain all season long.
To learn more, check out the video below or visit stallercenter.com.
All That Jazz
The Jazz Loft in Stony Brook Village is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Under the guidance of its founder, SBU Professor Thomas Manuel, The Jazz Loft’s mission of Jazz preservation, education and performance is continuing to grow, making it the premier destination for all things Jazz on Long Island. In addition to its weekly concerts at its Stony Brook Village location, The Jazz Loft has established a concert series at Stony Brook Southampton and this past March, completed the purchase of the historic 144-year-old Vail-Leavitt Music Hall in Riverhead. Plans are now underway to refurbish the hall to bring Jazz permanently to the East End.
Visit thejazzloft.org for more information and tickets.
Take a look back at our SBU digital story to learn more about The Jazz Loft: