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 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!
- Season tickets on sale this summer.
Single concert tickets
- On sale September 2026
- Prices subject to change
Single concert prices
- Section A: $56
- Section B: $44
- Section C: $35
- Section D: $23
Discounts on single concert tickets
Present your ID to get your free or discounted ticket. Ticket required for entry.
All students (K-12 and college)
- Sit free in section D
- Piano students sit free in section B!
- General admission price in section A
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!
Ticket proceeds fund scholarships for Western's piano majors. Would you like to contribute more?
Sanford-Hill Piano Series presents Aristo Sham, 2025 Cliburn Gold Medalist
"Consistently authoritative [with] a nobility rarely heard from any pianist. He’s a pianist I look forward to hearing again."
— Scott Cantrell, The Dallas Morning News
Sanford-Hill Piano Series presents Zlata Chochieva
Pianist Zlata Chochieva is celebrated worldwide by critics and audiences alike as one of the most extraordinary artists of her generation.
Sanford-Hill Piano Series presents Simon Trpčeski
"The best thing to come out of Macedonia since Alexander the Great is pianist Simon Trpčeski... the pianist is pretty good at conquering audiences as well as scores, not only with his playing but also with an engaging manner that connects with his listeners." - The Seattle Times
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 2002 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