DECATUR, Ill. — will host an unforgettable day of film music at on Friday, March 27, 2026, with two spectacular concerts presented as part of the 2025–26 Artist Series.
will begin at 4:00 p.m., followed by at 8:00 p.m. Tickets for both performances are on sale now.
The 4:00 p.m. concert transports audiences into the sweeping musical landscapes of The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Performed by a symphonic film orchestra, a choir, and star soloists, along with a special guest from the films, the two-hour program features award-winning music by Howard Shore and songs by artists such as Ed Sheeran, Annie Lennox and Enya. From the ominous sounds of Mordor to the soaring themes of the Elves, the concert captures the full emotional power of J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendary world.
Later that evening, the 8:00 p.m. performance celebrates the music of two-time Academy Award winner Hans Zimmer and other renowned composers in an immersive audiovisual experience. Performed by the Hollywood Film Orchestra, with dramatic lighting and selected film sequences, the concert features music from blockbuster films such as The Lion King, Gladiator, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, The Dark Knight, Inception, Interstellar, and Dune, among others. The program also honors Zimmer’s mentor, Ennio Morricone.
“We’re thrilled to offer audiences an entire day devoted to the power of film music,” said Bryan Diver, Director of Kirkland Fine Arts Center. “Whether you’re a fan of epic fantasy or Hollywood blockbusters, these concerts showcase the extraordinary impact a live orchestra can have in bringing beloved stories to life.”
Tickets for each concert are on sale at and priced at $69.90, $79.90 and $89.90.
Discounted tickets for seniors, veterans, Millikin faculty and staff, Richland faculty and staff, and students can be purchased in person at the ticket office, Tuesday through Friday, 12:00-4:30 p.m.
Accessible seating is available by calling the ticket office directly at (217) 424-6318.
The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and The Rings™, Hans Zimmer™ and its producers are trademarks of their respective owners. This concert is an independent event and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the studios, production companies or respective trademark owners.
This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.
About Kirkland Fine Arts Center
Kirkland Fine Arts Center is located on the Millikin University campus in Decatur, Illinois. Since opening in 1970, Kirkland has played an integral part in continuing the arts in Decatur and central Illinois. The center boasts a 1,903-seat auditorium and houses music and choral facilities, lecture halls, art galleries, and other multipurpose rooms. Kirkland Fine Arts Center has hosted nationally acclaimed musical tours, including Rent, Grease, Godspell, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita and Cats. World-renowned entertainers such as Trace Adkins, Duke Ellington, Ray Charles, Little Richard and Vicki Lawrence have also performed at the center.
