Sanford-Hill Piano Series
About the series
The Sanford-Hill Piano Series presents concerts and masterclasses by award-winning, world renowned pianists. The concerts and classes are open to the community. Ticket proceeds fund scholarships for Western's piano majors.
Sanford-Hill Piano Series Tickets
Seat section descriptions
- Section A: Center of the front section with a view of the keyboard.
- Section B: Left side of the front section with a the view of the keyboard or pianist.
- Section C: Front and middle areas, with a good view of the pianist.
- Section D: Rear and right-side seating. Some seats may have view of the pianist obscured by the piano.
Season tickets
10% discount to see all 3 concerts!
On sale July 9th - October 30th by phone or in-person.
- Section A: $138
- Limited supply: order quick!
- Section B: $111
- Section C: $87
- Section D: $57
Single concert tickets
On sale beginning September 3rd.
- Section A: $51
- Limited supply: order quick!
- Section B: $41
- Section C: $32
- Section D: $21
All students (K-12 and college)
- Sit free in section D!
- Piano students sit free in section B!
- $10 off in sections B and C
- General admission price in section A
Show your ID to the box office to get your free or discounted ticket. Ticket required for entry.
Music Teachers (K-12 and Private)
$10 tickets for seats in Section D! Available online, by phone, or in-person.
Western Employees
$10 off in sections B, C and D!
Sanford-Hill Piano Series: Barry Douglas
Classical pianist and conductor from Northern Ireland, Barry Douglas rose to international renown with the 1980 Paloma O'Shea Santander International Piano Competition, the 1985 International Van Cliburn bronze medal, and then the 1986 gold medal in the International Tchaikovsky Competition.
Sanford-Hill Piano Series: Henry Kramer
Praised by The Cleveland Classical Review for his “astonishingly confident technique” and The New York Times for “thrilling [and] triumphant” performances, pianist Henry Kramer is developing a reputation as a musician of rare sensitivity who combines stylish programming with insightful and exuber
Sanford-Hill Piano Series: Michelle Cann
Lauded as “exquisite” by The Philadelphia Inquirer and “a pianist of sterling artistry” by Gramophone, Michelle Cann has become one of the most sought-after pianists of her generation.
WTA buses
Buses stop every 15 minutes on High Street, close to the Performing Arts Center. Check the route schedules for exact times. The following buses arrive on High Street close to Sanford-Hill concert times:
- 14 Fairhaven
- 190 Lincoln St
- 105 Fairhaven
Disability Accommodations
- Call the Box Office at (360) 650-6146 or email tickets@wwu.edu for disability accommodation
- Parking Services
- View accessibility features on the interactive Campus Map
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A word from the Artistic Director
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In July 2003 I approached Sibyl Sanford on bended knee at her home in Bellingham. I proposed that she sponsor a piano series at Western bearing her name. She readily accepted, and The Sanford Piano Series was launched. In 2011, Sibyl's lifelong friend and former piano teacher Ford Hill decided to match her commitment. Thus, it became the Sanford-Hill Piano Series. Their friendship dates back to 1977. Though I arrived at Western in 1992, I consider Sibyl and Ford to be my lifelong friends as well. Aside from their philanthropic vision for the series, Sibyl claims her affection for Ford and me is the basis for what makes the whole thing work.
- Jeffrey Gilliam