Santa Clara University’s Hidden Symphony
Amy Zanrosso plays the piano and Evan Kahn plays the cello as a part of a Music @ Noon class on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at the Music and Dance Facility’s recital hall. (Nina Glick/The Santa Clara)
Santa Clara University has many hidden gems, and Music @ Noon is one of them.
Hosted by the department of music, Music @ Noon is a free weekly concert series that invites students and community members to attend live performances in the Music and Dance Facility’s recital hall. The series is also available as a one-credit course, which is a requirement for music majors and minors.
The series has featured an array of special programs this spring, including “Music for Mezzo-soprano and String Quartet” on May 20, which showcased works by Nicolás Lell Benavides ’10, performed by mezzo-soprano Melinda Martinez Becker ’04, M.A. ’06 alongside San Francisco’s Friction Quartet: violinists Kevin Rogers and Sarah Biagini, violist Mitso Floor and cellist Doug Machiz.
The concert highlighted Chicano roots and Mexican influences while also emphasizing the role of relationships in shaping artistic choices. The musicians also performed works by Alexander Borodin and Raymundo Pérez y Soto, demonstrating engaging and emotionally powerful music.
Music @ Noon has been a part of campus culture for about 30 years, hosting roughly eight concerts each quarter. Professor of music and current Frank Sinatra Chair in the Performing Arts Dr. Teresa McCollough, the director and curator of Music @ Noon, shared that despite its history, the series is not widely known on campus.
“It’s kind of a secret, and I feel that a lot of people don’t know about it,” said McCollough.
Her goal is to get more students involved and enthusiastic about not only music, but enjoying and experiencing the joys of watching live music in particular.
Though Music @ Noon aims to unite people through shared artistic experiences, the department faces funding challenges.
“We need more money,” said McCollough. “It is the only free public-facing concert series that there is.”
McCollough expressed optimism about the future despite funding challenges, noting her belief that music applies to everyone.
She added that this perspective has helped her build new connections and reconnect with fellow musicians, including cellist Evan Kahn, who recently performed at Romantic Gestures on April 29, 2026.
“I hadn’t seen him in a couple of years, and so I enjoyed seeing him again,” said McCollough. “It is always gratifying to hear beautiful music being performed by the best that it can be.”
McCollough encourages students, regardless of major, to attend a concert and experience music beyond headphones.
“You don’t have to show your ID, you don’t have to register, nor do you have to pay,” McCollough said. “You can just walk in. And if you want an easy one-unit credit, I can’t think of anything easier here at the University.”
She emphasized the value of live performance and its role in everyday life.
“Music is an integral part of our lives,” McCollough said. “It is very different from listening to music on YouTube and going to a concert. And I like the community that shares the same experiences.”
Though Music @ Noon remains a quieter tradition at Santa Clara University, it continues to offer students a space to experience music as something shared.