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.
*Junction Trio seating is in three section. See seatmap when you order tickets.
Single concert tickets
On sale September 2025
Prices subject to change
For Piano-only concerts
- Section A: $56
- Section B: $44
- Section C: $35
- Section D: $23
For Junction Trio
- Section A: $63
- Section B: $46
- Section C: $27
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 (C for Junction Trio)
- Piano students sit free in section B!
- $10 off in sections B and C for Piano-only concerts, B for Junction Trio
- General admission price in section A
Music Teachers (K-12 and Private)
$10 tickets for seats in Section D (C for Junction Trio)! 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 Alessio Bax
Combining exceptional lyricism and insight with consummate technique, Alessio Bax is without a doubt “among the most remarkable young pianists now before the public” (Gramophone).
Sanford-Hill Piano Series presents Junction Trio
Presented in partnership with Bellingham Festival of Music. Three renowned visionary artists of the next generation combine talents in this eclectic new piano trio, Junction.
Sanford-Hill Piano Series presents Vitaly Starikov, 2025 Cliburn Silver Medalist
Born into a family of musicians, Vitaly Starikov’s journey started when his parents enrolled him to sing in a children’s music group at age 3, and he went on to Ural Musical School for Gifted Children in his native Yekaterinburg at 7.
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