Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Cincinnati Pops Unveil Details of the 2026–27 Season

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Cristian Macelaru Opens Second Season as Music Director with Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis and Violinist Nicola Benedetti in a Week-Long Residency

Macelaru to Conduct World Premiere of Errollyn Wallen’s Concerto for Orchestra, U.S. Premiere of Mark Simpson’s Piano Concerto and First U.S. Performance of George Enescu’s Symphony No. 3 in Nearly 100 Years

Featured Guest Artists to Include Pianists Lang Lang, Víkingur Ólafsson, Isata Kanneh-Mason and Conrad Tao; Violinists Ray Chen, Gil Shaham and Leila Josefowicz; Cellist Alisa Weilerstein; Saxophonist Steven Banks; Roomful of Teeth and More

Conducting Debuts to Include Philippe Jordan, Gemma New, Delyana Lazarova and Marta Gardolinska

Cincinnati Pops Program Highlights Include The Billy Joel Songbook Featuring Tony DeSare, Tony Award-Winning Vocalist Lea Salonga, Steve Hackman’s Stravinsky X Kendrick Lamar, Holiday Pops Featuring Grammy-Winning Singer-Songwriter Gaby Moreno and More

Film with Live Orchestra to Include Four Classics: La La Land, Hook, Psycho and Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol

Cincinnati Pops Extends Contract with Conductor John Morris Russell

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CINCINNATI, OH (February 26, 2026)—The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (CSO) and Cincinnati Pops unveiled programming details for the 2026–27 season, marking Music Director Cristian Macelaru’s second season at the helm of the Orchestra.

CINCINNATI SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The 2026–27 season reflects Music Director Cristian Macelaru’s expansive artistic vision: a deep commitment to collaboration with the world’s foremost artists, new works by living composers and the rediscovery of music by Romanian composer George Enescu, whose artistry has profoundly influenced Macelaru’s career.

“The extraordinary depth brought to our stage in 2026–27 by artists such as Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Lang Lang and Nicola Benedetti reflects our commitment to ensuring that Cincinnati remains a city where the arts flourish and where symphonic music is embraced with curiosity, passion and pride. As Music Director, I see each season as an invitation to deepen our connection to composers we know and love while discovering voices that may be new to us. I particularly look forward to sharing the monumental Third Symphony of the great Romanian composer George Enescu. Nearly a century after its premiere, this visionary work still awaits the widespread recognition it deserves,” said M?celaru.

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Music Director Cristian M?celaru and the CSO

Cristian M?celaru leads a significant portion of the CSO season, shaping its artistic throughline across symphonic masterworks, major commissions and cross-genre collaborations. Highlights include:

• CSO & Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra Festival (October 2, 3 & 4, 2026), featuring Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1 with Nicola Benedetti, the co-commission of Wynton Marsalis’ Symphony No. 5, entitled Liberty, Marsalis’ Violin Concerto and a reimagined Pictures at an Exhibition, plus a CSO presentation of Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis.
• Songs of Destiny (October 17 & 18, 2026), presenting Howell’s Lamia, Khachaturian’s Violin Concerto with Alexandra Conunova and Brahms’ Nänie and Schicksalslied with the May Festival Chorus (Matthew Swanson, director).
• Cristi Conducts Brahms Symphony No. 3 (January 8 & 9, 2027), featuring Florence Price’s Ethiopia’s Shadow in America, the U.S. premiere of Mark Simpson’s Piano Concerto with Víkingur Ólafsson and Brahms’ Symphony No. 3.
• Come As You Are (January 15 & 16, 2027), highlighting contemporary and American voices including Jessie Montgomery’s Snapshots, Steven Banks’ Come As You Are with Banks as saxophone soloist, Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story and Ellington’s Night Creature.
• Don Quixote & Enescu Symphony No. 3 (January 22 & 23, 2027), featuring Strauss’ Don Quixote with cellist Alisa Weilerstein and CSO’s Principal Viola Christian Colberg, and George Enescu’s Symphony No. 3 with the May Festival Chorus (Matthew Swanson, director).
• Extraordinary Women (March 5 & 6, 2027), featuring overtures by Fanny Mendelssohn and Emilie Mayer, Clara Schumann’s piano concerto with pianist Alexandra Dariescu and the world premiere of Errollyn Wallen’s Concerto for Orchestra (co-commission).
• Bach St. Matthew Passion (March 13 & 14, 2027), with Louise Alder, Karen Cargill, Nicholas Phan, Morgan Smith and the May Festival Chorus (Matthew Swanson, director).
• Lang Lang Plays Rachmaninoff (April 7, 2027), including Enescu’s Concert Overture on Popular Romanian Themes with Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2.
• Cristi Conducts Mahler Symphony No. 9 (May 8 & 9, 2027), presenting Mahler’s final symphonic masterpiece.
• Ray Chen, Korngold & Shostakovich (May 14 & 15, 2027), featuring Eunike Tanzil’s Remembering, Korngold’s Violin Concerto with violinist Ray Chen and Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 10.

Christian Colberg’s performance of Richard Strauss’ Don Quixote on January 22 and 23, 2027 is made possible by John and Molly Kerman. The performance of Cristi Conducts Maher Symphony No. 9 is made possible in part by Presenting Sponsors Peter Landgren and Judith Schonbach.

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Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis Residency

The CSO season opens with a residency featuring Macelaru’s longtime friend and collaborator Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, the world’s premier big band. Marsalis, one of the most influential figures in jazz, announced in January 2026 that he would step down as Artistic Director of Jazz at Lincoln Center after nearly 40 years. This residency with Macelaru and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra represents one of Marsalis’ valedictory appearances in that role, making this engagement historic for Cincinnati audiences.

The residency also features Nicola Benedetti, one of the most sought-after violinists of her generation. On October 2, Benedetti will perform Max Bruch’s Violin Concerto paired with Marsalis’ Symphony No. 5, Liberty, which was co-commissioned by the CSO to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence. On October 3, Benedetti and Macelaru will reprise Marsalis’ Violin Concerto, which Macelaru and Benedetti recorded with The Philadelphia Orchestra. The recording subsequently won the Grammy Award for Best Classical Instrumental Solo at the 62nd Grammy Awards. This program also includes a Marsalis-Macelaru jazz-infused reinterpretation of Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition. The residency concludes on October 4 with a CSO presentation of Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis.

The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis appearance is supported by the Carl M. Jacobs Foundation.The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis residency is made possible by a generous gift from the Friedlander Family.

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Special Event: Lang Lang Plays Rachmaninoff

For the first time in over a decade, internationally renowned pianist Lang Lang returns to Music Hall on April 7, 2027, for a one-night-only performance of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2. A longtime collaborator of Macelaru and the CSO, Lang Lang recently performed with Macelaru ahead of the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony, in 2025 with Interlochen Arts Camp’s World Youth Symphony Orchestra and Lang Lang previously served as CSO Creative Partner. Subscribers receive first access to purchase tickets for this event. Individual tickets go on sale April 15, 2026.

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New Works, Premieres and Rediscovered Masterworks

The CSO’s 2026–27 season showcases Macelaru’s commitment to premieres, new works and rediscovered repertoire, including several Cincinnati premieres of recent works.

Grammy-winning pianist Víkingur Ólafsson joins Macelaru and the Orchestra for the U.S. premiere of Mark Simpson’s Piano Concerto on January 8 and 9, 2027, in a program spanning three centuries of musical expression. January 15 and 16, 2027, Macelaru conducts the Cincinnati premiere of Jessie Montgomery’s Snapshots. This concert also includes Grammy-nominated saxophonist Steven Banks performing his own concerto Come As You Are, Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story and Duke Ellington’s Night Creature.

As the world’s leading interpreter of George Enescu’s music, Macelaru brings the Romanian composer’s Symphony No. 3 to the U.S. for the first time in a century on January 22 and 23, 2027, building on acclaimed CSO performances of Enescu’s Romanian Rhapsody No. 1 during his inaugural season as Music Director and his extensive recordings of the composer’s music. Macelaru is the youngest Artistic Director in the history of the George Enescu International Festival and Competition in his home country of Romania.

March 5 and 6, 2027, Macelaru leads the world premiere of Errollyn Wallen’s Concerto for Orchestra, in a program spotlighting female composers from the 19th century: Clara Schumann, Fanny Mendelssohn and Emilie Mayer. Wallen currently serves as Master of the King’s Music, appointed by King Charles III in 2024.

April 10 and 11, 2027, Delyana Lazarova leads the Cincinnati premiere of Orpheus’ Comet by Grammy-nominated composer Dobrinka Tabakova. May 14 and 15, 2027, Macelaru conducts the Cincinnati premiere of Eunike Tanzil’s Remembering on a program with Korngold’s Violin Concerto performed by Ray Chen and Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 10.

The newly commissioned Concerto for Orchestra by Errollyn Wallen is made possible by Kari and Jon Ullman.

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Conductor and Guest Artist Debuts

Four conductors make their CSO debuts in 2026–27, three of them women previously mentored by Macelaru himself.

Philippe Jordan leads the Orchestra in an all-Richard Strauss program on November 21 and 22, 2026 that includes Death and Transfiguration, his Oboe Concerto featuring CSO Principal Oboe Dwight Parry and Also sprach Zarathustra.

December 4 and 5, 2026, Gemma New makes her CSO conducting debut, leading a program that traces the evolution of classical music from Maria Grenfell’s Clockwerk and Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23, featuring pianist Conrad Tao, to Prokofiev’s Classical Symphony and Haydn’s London Symphony.

April 10 and 11, 2027, Delyana Lazarova, who studied with Macelaru during his first conducting class at the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music, conducts a program that features pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason, also making her CSO debut, performing Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 27. The program includes the CSO premiere of Orpheus’ Comet by Grammy-nominated composer Dobrinka Tabakova and concludes with Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 5.

April 23 and 24, 2027, Marta Gardolinska leads three works by Mélanie Bonis: Ophelie, Salomé and Le songe de Cléopâtre, each of which tells the story of the tragic lives of influential historical heroines; Szymanowski’s Violin Concerto No. 2, featuring the return of violinist Leila Josefowicz, and Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances.

In addition to the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, the season also includes several guest artist debuts.

October 17 and 18, 2026, violinist Alexandra Conunova joins Macelaru and the CSO for Khachaturian’s Violin Concerto.

February 27 and 28, 2027, Grammy Award-winning vocal band Roomful of Teeth joins CSO Creative Partner Matthias Pintscher and the Orchestra for Berio’s Sinfonia on a centuries-spanning program that includes Neuwirth’s Dreydl and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6, Pastorale.

March 13 and 14, 2027, Macelaru leads the Orchestra, May Festival Chorus (Matthew Swanson, director), and a star-studded cast of soloists in Bach’s St. Matthew Passion, an oratorio that tells the story of Jesus Christ's last days according to the Gospel of Matthew. Soloists include soprano Louise Alder, mezzo-soprano Karen Cargil and baritone Morgan Smith in their CSO debuts and returning tenor Nicholas Phan.

April 2 and 3, 2027, pianist Sunwook Kim debuts in a performance of Robert Schumann’s Piano Concerto with the CSO led by Music Director Laureate Louis Langrée. The program also includes Adam’s The Chairman Dances, Haydn’s L’isola disabitata overture and Kodály’s Dances of Galánta.

Dwight Parry’s performance of Richard Strauss’ Oboe Concerto on November 21 and 22, 2026 is made possible by John and Molly Kerman.

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Returning Conductors

Music Director Laureate Louis Langrée returns twice next season. In addition to conducting Sunwook Kim’s CSO debut on April 2 and 3, 2027, Langrée will also conduct three works by Ravel on November 13 and 14, 2026: Ma mère l’Oye, La valse and Boléro, each showcasing Ravel’s diverse composition styles. The program will also include Tomasi’s Trumpet Concerto featuring CSO Principal Trumpet Anthony Limoncelli in his CSO solo debut.

October 30 and 31, 2026, Grammy-winning conductor Kwamé Ryan reunites with the Orchestra for the first time in twenty years, for a program inspired by Beethoven. Ryan will conduct Schubert’s Symphony No. 9, The Great and Carlos Simon’s Fate Now Conquers, both drawing inspiration from Beethoven: Schubert from Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony and Simon from a journal entry in Beethoven’s notebook. Violinist Gil Shaham returns to Music Hall to perform Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto.

February 5 and 6, 2027, Ramón Tebar conducts the Orchestra in Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet: Overture-Fantasie and Bruckner’s Symphony No. 4, Romantic.

Anthony Limoncelli’s performance of Tomasi’s Trumpet Concerto on April 2 and 3, 2027 is made possible by John and Molly Kerman.

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Featured Artists Listing

Artists making their CSO debut include pianist Alexandra Dariescu, soprano Louise Alder, mezzo-soprano Karen Cargil, baritone Morgan Smith, pianist Sunwook Kim, CSO Principal Trumpet Anthony Limoncelli, pianist Alexandra Conunova, pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason, Roomful of Teeth and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.

Returning artists include pianist Conrad Tao, Saxophonist Steven Banks, pianist Lang Lang, violinist Ray Chen, violinist Gil Shaham, cellist Alisa Weilerstein, pianist Víkingur Ólafsson, violinist Leila Josefowicz, tenor Nicholas Phan, CSO Principal Oboe Dwight Parry, CSO Principal Viola Christian Colberg and the May Festival Chorus (Matthew Swanson, director).

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CINCINNATI POPS

In the 2026–27 season, the Cincinnati Pops celebrates American music through its multitude of styles and genres – from Broadway to Bluegrass and Hip-hop to Hollywood. In addition, the season features cinematic favorites and top artists performing popular classics alongside the Pops. The Orchestra also announced a two-year contract extension with conductor?John Morris Russell?effective through the end of the 2027–28 season. Russell is currently in his 15th season with the Pops.

“For the past 15 years, John Morris Russell has been a guiding force for the Cincinnati Pops, bringing artistry, joy and a true sense of occasion to every concert,” said Robert McGrath, President & CEO of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Cincinnati Pops. “He has a rare gift for connecting audiences of all ages, honoring the traditions that define us while continually finding new ways to keep the experience vibrant and relevant. We’re proud to continue building on that strong foundation together in the years ahead.”

On September 12 and 13, 2026, Tony Award-winning vocalist Lea Salonga joins the Cincinnati Pops and John Morris Russell for a night of Broadway hits and film songs. Known for her performances in Les Misérables and Miss Saigon, as well as the singing voice for Disney’s Jasmine and Mulan, Salonga and the Cincinnati Pops come together for a night of timeless favorites.

On September 25–27, 2026 with John Morris Russell’s Orchestral Canvas, a multimedia experience featuring artwork from the world’s greatest museums on the big screen paired to classics like Gershwin’s An American in Paris and Respighi’s Pines of Rome. Images by artists like Van Gogh and Picasso will be digitally choreographed in an immersive experience created by Cincinnati’s Lightborne.

December 11–13, 2026, Cincinnati’s beloved annual holiday tradition with John Morris Russell and the Pops returns to Music Hall for six performances over three days. Grammy winning singer-songwriter Gaby Moreno joins the Orchestra for festive favorites, old and new, with the Holiday Pops Chorale and Cincinnati’s award-winning Studio for Dance.

Celebrating American roots on April 30–May 2, 2027, John Morris Russell leads the Pops’ first Bluegrass Summit featuring today’s most talented bluegrass artists. Joining the Pops are fiddler Michael Cleveland and his Grammy-winning band Flamekeeper, Americana and folk blended band The Steel Wheels and 2020 International Bluegrass Music Awards Entertainer of the Year Sister Sadie.

“Each season at The Pops we endeavor to capture the essence of America’s dizzyingly diverse and intensely imaginative popular music scene, to create orchestral programs that inspire,” said Russell. “From the Orchestra’s virtuosic performances in an array of American musical styles, multisensory experiences and amazing artists, The Pops is about bringing people together in unique experiences that you can’t find anywhere else. From dazzling digital displays set to orchestral classics, family-friendly movies like Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol performed live with film, to a summit of the hottest Bluegrass/Americana bands — the Pops does it all. We can’t wait to share these programs with all of Cincinnati.”

March 19–21, 2027, Pops Principal Guest Conductor Damon Gupton conducts the music of Billy Joel, including “Only the Good Die Young,” “Just the Way You Are,” “Piano Man” and more —performed with award-winning singer and pianist Tony DeSare.

Ringing in the New Year, Byron Stripling leads the Cincinnati Pops through some of Motown’s greatest hits for Dancing in the Street: Music of Motown. The New Year’s Eve concert will include songs by artists like Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, The Temptations and Stevie Wonder.

Conductor Steve Hackman leads the Cincinnati Pops on January 29 and 30, 2027 for Stravinsky X Kendrick Lamar: A combination of Stravinsky’s Petrushka with Kendrick Lamar’s Pulitzer Prize-winning album DAMN. The two works, linked between their themes of struggles with identity and reality, come together as Stravinsky’s puppets begin to experience emotions through corresponding songs on Kendrick’s album, like “LOVE” and “FEAR.”

The performance of the Billy Joel Songbook with Tony DeSare is made possible in part by Presenting Sponsors Kelly Dehan and Rick Staudigel.

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Pops Films in Concert

The Cincinnati Pops’ commitment to cinematic experiences continues with four films accompanied by a live orchestral performance: La La Land in Concert, Psycho in Concert, Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert Live to Film and Hook in Concert.

The Pops’ season opens on September 5 and 6 with a live-to-film performance of La La Land in Concert, celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Academy Award-winning film. Conducted by Damon Gupton, who appeared in the film, the show features a full orchestra and jazz band performing the Academy Award-winning score composed by Justin Hurwitz, live alongside the movie. Experience the unforgettable musical moments that have captivated audiences worldwide, including the unbelievable piano solos, brought vividly to life in concert!

This Halloween, the Cincinnati Pops will perform the live score to Alfred Hitchcock’s thriller, Psycho, on October 27, 2026. Under the direction of guest conductor Sarah Hicks, the Cincinnati Pops will perform Bernard Herrmann’s suspenseful music as the movie comes to life on the big screen.

On November 28 and 29, 2026, the Cincinnati Pops gets into the Christmas spirit by performing Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert Live to Film. Pops Assistant Conductor Duo Shen leads the Orchestra through the score to the full-length screening of the Muppets’ twist on Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale.

In the first concert of 2027, the Pops bring Steven Spielberg’s film, Hook, to life. On January 2 and 3, the Pops, conducted by Pops Assistant Conductor Alex Amsel, performs John Williams’ swashbuckling score live-to-picture as the full film plays on the big screen above the orchestra. Starring Robin Williams, Julia Roberts and Dustin Hoffman, the 1991 classic features the struggle between growing up and staying young at heart.

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CSO Proof

CSO Proof, the Orchestra’s innovative series launched in 2019, continues to expand the boundaries of concert presentation, incorporating theater, dance and visual media to create transformative audience experiences, challenge the constructs of a traditional orchestra performance and add new dimensions to the concert experience.

On April 12, 2027, CSO Creative Partner Matthias Pintscher leads The Genesis Project, a CSO co-commission exploring the seven days of The Creation through seven compositions by Mark Andre, Chen Yi, Francesco Filidei, Saad Haddad, Hannah Kendall, Lisa Streich and Mikel Urquiza.

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Classical Roots

A Cincinnati tradition for more than two decades, John Morris Russell will conduct the annual Classical Roots concert on April 17, 2027, at Music Hall. The Classical Roots Community Choir, under the direction of Jason Alexander Holmes, joins the CSO, members of the Nouveau Program and acclaimed artists for this one-night only event celebrating Black excellence and joy.

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YOUTH CONCERTS

Lollipops Family Series

The interactive Lollipops Family Concerts engage audiences through fun and accessible programs and are designed specifically for children aged 2–9. Each concert lasts just under an hour and includes pre-concert crafts and activities. This season’s Lollipops programs include bringing the story of Ferdinand the Bull to life on stage on October 10, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. and Play Ball! on April 3, 2027, at 10:30 a.m.

Young People’s Concerts

Young People’s Concerts, designed for students in grades K-6, introduce young listeners to the world of orchestral music with approachable and educational programs. The Fall Young People Concert is November 17 & 18, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. and the Spring Young People’s Concert is March 16 & 17, 2027 at 10:30 a.m.

Cincinnati Symphony Youth Orchestras

The Cincinnati Symphony Youth Orchestras (CSYO), made up of 200 of the region’s most talented young musicians, provides a crucial bridge between aspiring artists and the professional stage. The CSYO Concert Orchestra and Philharmonic Orchestra will both perform on December 6, 2026 and May 16, 2027. The season will also include an additional CSYO CSO Side by Side concert, giving students two opportunities to perform with their professional counterparts from the CSO, reinforcing the Orchestra’s commitment to mentorship, community engagement and the development of the next generation of musicians.

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TICKET DETAILS

Season ticket packages are currently on sale. Individual tickets for the 2026–27 season go on sale to the public on June 3, 2026. Individual tickets for “Lang Lang Plays Rachmaninoff” go on sale April 15, 2026. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit cincinnatisymphony.org or call the CSO’s box office at 513.381.3300.

As part of the CSO’s ongoing commitment to access, individual ticket discounts are available for first-time attendees, students, groups, military and senior citizens.

BIOGRAPHIES: Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cristian M?celaru, John Morris Russell

Connect with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Latest News

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The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra gratefully acknowledges support from:

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Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Cincinnati Pops
2026–27 Season Chronological Listing

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POPS
LA LA LAND in Concert
SEP 5 & 6, 2026 | SAT 7:30 PM; SUN 2 PM
Damon Gupton conductor

Here’s to the fools who dream. Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Lionsgate’s 2016 Academy Award-winning film, La La Land, in a swoon-worthy concert experience featuring the Cincinnati Pops, conductor Damon Gupton (who also appears in the film!), a full jazz band and all of the unbelievable piano solos performed live-to-film. Starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, written and directed by Damien Chazelle, La La Land showcases the captivating story of a promising pianist and aspiring actress who cross paths and fall in love, while attempting to harmonize their career journeys in the city of stars. Set in modern-day Los Angeles, this original musical begs the question: can love endure the heartbreak of chasing one’s dreams?

POPS
LEA SALONGA
SEP 12 & 13, 2026 | SAT 7:30 PM; SUN 2 PM
John Morris Russell conductor
Lea Salonga vocalist

Tony Award–winning Broadway icon Lea Salonga joins the Cincinnati Pops for an unforgettable evening of music and storytelling. Celebrated for her iconic performances in Miss Saigon and Les Misérables, and as the singing voice of Disney’s Jasmine and Mulan, Salonga brings her luminous voice and heartfelt artistry to a program filled with Broadway showstoppers, beloved film songs and timeless favorites — all soaring with the full symphonic splendor of the Pops.

POPS
JMR’S ORCHESTRAL CANVAS
SEP 25-27, 2026 | FRI & SAT 7:30 PM; SUN 2 PM
John Morris Russell conductor

A true masterpiece for the senses, this unique live music experience takes orchestral classics like Gershwin's An American in Paris, Falla's Three-Cornered Hat and Respighi's Pines of Rome, and pairs them with sweeping visual projections by Lightborne of some of the world’s greatest works of art — transforming Music Hall into a living gallery as images and melodies come alive together. A feast for the eyes and ears, this fusion of sound and art invites you to experience the Cincinnati Pops in a brand-new way.

CSO
CSO & JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER ORCHESTRA FESTIVAL
OCT 2 – 4, 2026 | FRI & SAT 7:30 PM; SUN 5 PM
Cristian M?celaru conductor
Wynton Marsalis & Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra
Nicola Benedetti violin

FRI OCT 2: MARSALIS PREMIERE & BRUCH’S VIOLIN CONCERTO
Max Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1
Wynton Marsalis Symphony No. 5, Liberty (co-commission)

SAT OCT 3: MARSALIS & MUSSORGSKY REIMAGINED
Wynton Marsalis Violin Concerto
Modest Mussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition orch. Ravel/Marsalis/M?celaru

SUN OCT 4: CSO PRESENTS: Jazz at Lincoln Center

POPS - LOLLIPOPS
FERDINAND THE BULL
OCT 10, 2026 | SAT 10:30 AM & 2 PM (sensory-friendly)

Step into the gentle world of Ferdinand the Bull, where a soft-hearted bull would rather smell flowers than charge into action. Through lively narration and playful orchestral music, the Cincinnati Pops brings Ferdinand’s story to life using the instruments of the orchestra to paint characters, moods and settings. With interactive moments and musical surprises, young listeners will discover how music helps a favorite story come to life.

CSO
SONGS OF DESTINY
OCT 17 & 18, 2026 | SAT 7:30 PM; SUN 2 PM
Cristian M?celaru conductor
Alexandra Conunova violin
May Festival Chorus, Matthew Swanson director

Dorothy Howell Lamia
Aram Khachaturian Violin Concerto
Johannes Brahms
Nänie
Schicksalslied (“Song of Destiny”)

POPS
PSYCHO in Concert
OCT 27, 2026 | TUE 7:30 PM
Sarah Hicks conductor

This Halloween, you’re invited into the shadows for a chilling cinematic experience. Alfred Hitchcock’s legendary thriller Psycho comes alive on the big screen as its spine-tingling score is performed live-to-film by the Cincinnati Pops. From the first ominous notes to the shocking final moments, Bernard Herrmann’s music drives the suspense, plunging you deep into a world of obsession, secrets and terror. Every scream, every heartbeat, every jump scare — heightened by the pulse-pounding effect of a live orchestra.

CSO
GIL SHAHAM PLAYS TCHAIKOVSKY
OCT 30 & 31, 2026 | FRI 11 AM; SAT 7:30 PM
Kwamé Ryan conductor
Gil Shaham violin

Carlos Simon Fate Now Conquers
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto
Franz Schubert Symphony No. 9, The Great

CSO
LOUIS LANGRÉE CONDUCTS RAVEL
NOV 13 & 14, 2026 | FRI & SAT 7:30 PM
Louis Langrée conductor
Anthony Limoncelli trumpet

Maurice Ravel Ma mère l’Oye (“Mother Goose”)
Henri Tomasi Trumpet Concerto
Maurice Ravel
La valse
Boléro

CSO
FALL YOUNG PEOPLE’S CONCERT
NOV 17 & 18, 2026 | TUE & WED 10:30 AM
Grades K–6.

CSO
STRAUSS SPECTACULAR
NOV 21 & 22, 2026 | SAT 7:30 PM; SUN 2 PM
Philippe Jordan conductor
Dwight Parry oboe

Richard Strauss
Tod und Verklärung (“Death and Transfiguration”)
Oboe Concerto
Also sprach Zarathustra (“Thus Spake Zarathustra”)

POPS
DISNEY’S THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL in Concert
NOV 28 & 29, 2026 | SAT 7:30 PM; SUN 2 PM
Duo Shen conductor

The Cincinnati Pops presents Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert featuring the complete film with the score performed live-to-picture! In this beloved holiday classic, The Muppets perform Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale, with Kermit the Frog playing Bob Cratchit, Michael Caine as the penny-pinching Ebenezer Scrooge, and many more of your favorite Muppet characters. Hear your favorite songs, including the beautiful “When Love is Gone,” at this special holiday event that guarantees instant memories and fun for the whole family!

CSO
CONRAD TAO, MOZART & PROKOFIEV
DEC 4 & 5, 2026 | FRI 11 AM; SAT 7:30 PM
Gemma New conductor
Conrad Tao piano

Maria Grenfell Clockwerk
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Piano Concerto No. 23
Sergei Prokofiev Symphony No. 1, Classical
Franz Joseph Haydn Symphony No. 104, London

CSYO
CINCINNATI SYMPHONY YOUTH ORCHESTRA CONCERT ORCHESTRA
DEC 6, 2026 | 2 PM

CSYO
CINCINNATI SYMPHONY YOUTH ORCHESTRA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
DEC 6, 2026 | 7 PM

POPS
HOLIDAY POPS
DEC 11-13, 2026 | FRI 11 AM & 7:30 PM; SAT 2 PM & 7:30 PM; SUN 2 PM & 7 PM
John Morris Russell conductor
Gaby Moreno vocalist

Celebrate the magic of the season with Cincinnati’s favorite holiday tradition! Each year, Music Hall fills with twinkling lights, the sound of nostalgic carols and the joy of thousands of audience members at Holiday Pops. Featuring talented choirs and dancers from around our city, plus special guests and a few surprises along the way, this is the Cincinnati Pops concert that captures all the wonder, warmth and togetherness of the holidays.

POPS
NYE: DANCING IN THE STREET: Music of Motown
DEC 31, 2026 | THU 8 PM
Byron Stripling conductor

On New Year’s Eve, the Cincinnati Pops becomes a soul-powered time machine and a living jukebox of some of Motown’s greatest hits. From the very first downbeat, the air crackles with that unmistakable Detroit groove — brassy riffs, velvet harmonies and basslines so smooth they practically dance on their own. You’ll hear from the iconic catalogs of artists like Marvin Gaye, The Four Tops, Diana Ross, The Temptations and the one and only Stevie Wonder, all sung by the incredible vocal talents of Chester Gregory — star of Motown: The Musical! — American Idol finalist Michael Lynche and superstar songstress Shayna Steele. This will be a feel-good, get-on-your-feet and groove into the new year kind of party!

POPS
HOOK in Concert
JAN 2 & 3, 2027 | SAT 7:30 PM; SUN 2 PM
Alex Amsel conductor

In the first concert of 2027, Steven Spielberg’s beloved epic Hook celebrates its 35th anniversary with a spectacular film-to-concert presentation. The Pops bring John Williams’ iconic score to life, performed in sync with the full movie on the big screen, delivering an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages. Released in 1991, Hook became a global box office success, grossing over $300 million worldwide and earning five Academy Award nominations. Starring Robin Williams as an adult Peter Pan — now Peter Banning, a workaholic lawyer who has forgotten his past life in Neverland — the film follows his daring return to rescue his children from Captain Hook (Dustin Hoffman) and rediscover the magic of who he truly is.

CSO
CRISTI CONDUCTS BRAHMS SYMPHONY NO. 3
JAN 8 & 9, 2027 | FRI & SAT 7:30 PM
Cristian M?celaru conductor
Víkingur Ólafsson piano

Florence Price Ethiopia’s Shadow in America
Mark Simpson Piano Concerto (US Premiere; Co-commission)
Johannes Brahms Symphony No. 3

CSO
COME AS YOU ARE
JAN 15 & 16, 2027 | FRI 11 AM; SAT 7:30 PM
Cristian M?celaru conductor
Steven Banks saxophone

Jessie Montgomery Snapshots
Steven Banks Come As You Are
Leonard Bernstein Symphonic Dances from West Side Story
Duke Ellington Night Creature

CSO
DON QUIXOTE & ENESCU SYMPHONY NO. 3
JAN 22 & 23, 2027 | FRI & SAT 7:30 PM
Cristian M?celaru conductor
May Festival Chorus, Matthew Swanson director
Alisa Weilerstein cello
Christian Colberg viola

Richard Strauss Don Quixote
George Enescu Symphony No. 3

CSYO
CSYO CSO SIDE BY SIDE
FEB 24, 2027 | WED 10:30 AM
Cincinnati Symphony Youth Orchestra Philharmonic Orchestra
Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
Grades 6–12.

POPS
STRAVINSKY X KENDRICK LAMAR
JAN 29 & 30, 2027 | FRI & SAT 7:30 PM
Steve Hackman conductor

Who bears the curse — the puppet or its master? Steve Hackman’s Stravinsky X Kendrick Lamar confronts this question in a daring fusion of Stravinsky’s Petrushka and Kendrick Lamar’s Pulitzer Prize–winning DAMN., two works linked by their “show-within-a-show” format and their protagonists’ struggles with identity and reality. As Stravinsky’s puppets awaken to human emotion, the score weaves seamlessly through corresponding tracks from DAMN. — including “LOVE.,” “FEAR.,” “XXX.,” “FEEL.,” “LOYALTY.” and “HUMBLE.”

CSO
TCHAIKOVSKY & BRUCKNER: Epic Romance
FEB 5 & 6, 2027 | FRI 11 AM; SAT 7:30 PM
Ramón Tebar conductor

Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Romeo and Juliet Overture-Fantasie
Anton Bruckner Symphony No. 4, Romantic

CSO
BEETHOVEN & BERIO
FEB 27 & 28, 2027 | SAT 7:30 PM; SUN 2 PM
Matthias Pintscher conductor
Roomful of Teeth

Olga Neuwirth Dreydl
Luciano Berio Sinfonia
Ludwig von Beethoven Symphony No. 6, Pastorale

CSO
EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN
MAR 5 & 6, 2027 | FRI & SAT 7:30 PM
Cristian M?celaru conductor
Alexandra Dariescu piano

Fanny Mendelssohn Overture in C
Emilie Mayer Faust Overture
Clara Schumann Piano Concerto in A Minor
Errollyn Wallen Concerto for Orchestra (World Premiere, co-commission)

CSO
BACH ST. MATTHEW PASSION
MAR 13 & 14, 2027 | SAT 7:30 PM; SUN 2 PM
Cristian M?celaru conductor
Louise Alder soprano
Karen Cargil mezzo-soprano
Nicholas Phan tenor (Evangelist)
Morgan Smith baritone
May Festival Chorus, Matthew Swanson director

Johann Sebastian Bach St. Matthew Passion

CSO
SPRING YOUNG PEOPLE’S CONCERT
MAR 16 & 17, 2027 | TUE & WED 10:30 AM
Grades K–6.

POPS
BILLY JOEL SONGBOOK with Tony DeSare
MAR 19-21, 2027 | FRI & SAT 7:30 PM; SUN 2 PM
Damon Gupton conductor

A concert for all generations of music fans: experience the legendary songs of Billy Joel backed by the power of the Cincinnati Pops! Tony DeSare lends his signature vocals and dynamic piano playing to a symphonic celebration of the Piano Man’s most iconic rock hits. Hear favorites including “Only the Good Die Young,” “Just the Way You Are,” “Piano Man,” “New York State of Mind,” “You May Be Right,” “Movin’ Out,” “My Life,” “Don’t Ask Me Why” and more in this unforgettable tribute to one of music’s greatest storytellers.
*Note: Billy Joel does not appear on this performance

CSO
THE UNINHABITED ISLAND
APR 2 & 3, 2027 | FRI 11 AM; SAT 7:30 PM
Louis Langrée conductor
Sunwook Kim piano

John Adams The Chairman Dances
Robert Schumann Piano Concerto
Franz Joseph Haydn Overture to L’isola disabitata (“The Uninhabited Island”)
Zoltán Kodály Dances of Galánta

POPS - LOLLIPOPS
PLAY BALL!
APR 3, 2027 | SAT 10:30 AM

Step up to the plate for a grand-slam musical adventure! The excitement of America’s favorite pastime comes to Music Hall, where the crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd and the thrill of the game come alive through music. Cheer along and be part of the action as the Orchestra captures everything from pre-game warmups to ninth-inning heroics. Batter up — it's time to swing into the music with the Cincinnati Pops!

CSO
LANG LANG PLAYS RACHMANINOFF
APR 7, 2027 | WED 7:30 PM
Cristian M?celaru conductor
Lang Lang piano

George Enescu Concert Overture on Popular Romanian Themes
Sergei Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2

CSO
MOZART & PROKOFIEV
APR 10 & 11, 2027 | SAT 7:30 PM; SUN 2 PM
Delyana Lazarova conductor
Isata Kanneh-Mason piano

Dobrinka Tabakova Orpheus’ Comet
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Piano Concerto No. 27
Sergei Prokofiev Symphony No. 5

CSO: PROOF
GENESIS PROJECT
APR 12, 2027 | MON 8 PM
Matthias Pintscher conductor

CSO
CLASSICAL ROOTS
APR 17, 2027 | SAT 7:30 PM
John Morris Russell conductor
Member of the Nouveau Program
Classical Roots Community Choir, Jason Alexendar Holmes resident conductor

CSO
RACHMANINOFF SYMPHONIC DANCES
APR 23 & 24, 2027 | FRI 11 AM; SAT 7:30 PM
Marta Gardolinska conductor
Leila Josefowicz violin

Mélanie Bonis
Ophelie
Salomé
Le songe de Cléopâtre
Karol Szymanowski Violin Concerto No. 2
Sergei Rachmaninoff Symphonic Dances

POPS
AMERICAN ORIGINALS: Bluegrass Summit
APR 30 – MAY 2, 2027 | FRI & SAT 7:30 PM; SUN 2 PM
John Morris Russell conductor
Michael Cleveland Flamekeeper
The Steel Wheels
Sister Sadie

John Morris Russell and the Cincinnati Pops celebrate American Roots music with a powerhouse gathering of today’s most electrifying bluegrass artists. Blazing a trail at the center of it all is Michael Cleveland, one of the most celebrated fiddlers of our time, with his Grammy-winning band Flamekeeper. Joining them are The Steel Wheels, known for their soulful Americana style, and the all-female ensemble Sister Sadie, bringing tight vocals, crisp picking and bold bluegrass spirit. From tender ballads to barn-burning breakdowns, experience the raw virtuosity and close-harmony storytelling of bluegrass elevated by the rich, full sound of the Pops.

CSO
CRISTI CONDUCTS MAHLER SYMPHONY NO. 9
MAY 8 & 9, 2027 | SAT 7:30 PM; SUN 2 PM
Cristian M?celaru conductor

Gustav Mahler Symphony No. 9

CSO
RAY CHEN, KORNGOLD & SHOSTAKOVICH
MAY 14 & 15, 2027 | FRI & SAT 7:30 PM
Cristian M?celaru conductor
Ray Chen violin

Eunike Tanzil Remembering
Erich Korngold Violin Concerto
Dimitri Shostakovich Symphony No. 10

CSYO
CINCINNATI SYMPHONY YOUTH ORCHESTRA CONCERT ORCHESTRA
MAY 16, 2027 | 2 PM

CSYO
CINCINNATI SYMPHONY YOUTH ORCHESTRA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
MAY 16, 2027 | 7 PM

All programs, artists, dates and locations are subject to change.