Palm Beach Symphony’s 2026-2027 Masterworks Concert Series to Open with Guest Pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet on November 17

Under the baton of Music Director Gerard Schwarz, Palm Beach Symphony will open the 2026-2027 Masterworks Concert Series with guest soloist Jean-Yves Thibaudet on Tuesday, November 17 at 7:30 p.m. at Dreyfoos Hall at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach. The legendary pianist isjoining the orchestra for a performance of Camille Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto No. 5 in F Major, Op. 103“Egyptian.”  

 

“When I make the program for the opening concert, I weigh different elements. Most important is to give the orchestra a chance to play something of significance, beautiful and traditional,” said Maestro Schwarz. “I also like to do something new and have a great soloist.” 

 

The audience will have the exclusive experience of listening to the world premiere of Daron Aric Hagen’s poignant Consolation, written in honor of a dear friend who passed away and also enjoy the timeless splendor of Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No. 4 in E Minor, Op. 98. 

 

“There’s no better choice than to open with a Brahms’ symphony. This season, we begin with his Fourth Symphony. It’s a magnificent work that’s a little dark initially with lots of chamber music qualities. For its last movement, it has a passacaglia, which is a melody in the baseline, so it’s really apparent,” Maestro Schwarz continued. “The central figure is this exquisite flute solo. It’s among the most important flute solos in all of the orchestral repertoire. It is a great honor and joy for me to conduct this masterpiece.” 

Through elegant musicality and an insightful approach to contemporary and established repertoire, Thibaudet has earned a reputation as one of the world’s finest pianists. His guest appearance with Palm Beach Symphony is generously sponsored by Impresario Society member Suzanne Mott Dansby. Thibaudet, who was named a Chevalier of the Légion d’honneur from the French government, is especially known for his diverse interests beyond the classical world, including numerous collaborations in film, fashion and visual art. He is the first-ever Artist-in-Residence at the Colburn School, which awards several scholarships in his name. 

  

A prolific recording artist, Thibaudet has appeared on more than 70 albums and six film scores. His extensive catalog has received two GRAMMY nominations, two ECHO Awards, the Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik, the Diapason d’Or, the CHOC du Monde de la Musique, the Edison Prize and Gramophone awards. Recent recordings include Khachaturian, a celebration of the Armenian composer including his Piano Concerto, and several solo piano pieces, as well as Gershwin Rhapsody, a selection of Gershwin pieces recorded with Michael Feinstein, including four newly discovered ones. He is the soloist on Dario Marianelli’s reissued score for Pride & Prejudice, which was certified Gold by the RIAA in 2025. Thibaudet’s playing can also be heard on Marianelli’s score for Atonement, Alexandre Desplat’s scores for The French Dispatch and Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, and Aaron Zigman’s score for Wakefield. Prior to her passing, his concert wardrobe was designed by Dame Vivienne Westwood. 

 

Ticketholders are encouraged to arrive early to be serenaded by the Overture Series, a special pre-concert performance in the Kravis Center lobby, featuring piano students from Lynn Conservatory from the studio of Dr. Roberta Rust. 

 

The 2026-2027 Masterworks Concert Series continues with pianist Yefim Bronfman (Wednesday, Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m.), violinist Augustin Hadelich (Sunday, Jan. 17 at 3 p.m.), pianist Daniil Trifonov (Wednesday, Feb. 10 at 7:30 p.m.), cellist Julian Schwarz (Monday, March 15 at 7:30 p.m.), violinist Pinchas Zukerman (Wednesday, April 28 at 7:30 p.m.) and violinist Ray Chen (Sunday, May 23 at 3 p.m.) 

 

Subscription packages for the seven-show series begin at $175 and individual tickets range in price from $30 to $135. Mini packages are available as well. Tickets may be purchased online at PalmBeachSymphony.org, by phone at 561-281-0145 and at the Palm Beach Symphony Box Office weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 700 South Dixie Highway, Suite 100, West Palm Beach. 

 

Thibaudet (November 16 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Dreyfoos School of the Arts Orchestra Room), Bronfman (December 14 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Dreyfoos School of the Arts Orchestra Room), Hadelich (January 16 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at Duncan Theatre at Palm Beach State College), Zukerman (April 27 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Dreyfoos School of the Arts Orchestra Room) and Chen (date, time and location TBD) will each conduct a masterclass during their engagement with Palm Beach Symphony. Additional masterclasses may be added. During a masterclass, the artist provides an individual coaching session in front of an audience. Student musicians perform a prepared piece for expert feedback on areas for improvement, including musical technique, style, interpretive qualities, presentation and overall musicality. Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP with the number of people in their party no later than one week in advance via email to Bryce Seliger, Education & Programming Associate, at bseliger@palmbeachsymphony.org. 

 

Symphony Sessions: Lunch & Learns will be held the Thursday preceding each concert from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Symphony's conference room located in the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties building, 700 S. Dixie Hwy. in West Palm Beach. Assistant conductor Alberto Bade will host on November 12, December 10 and January 14; Principal Cello Claudio Jaffé will host on February 4 and April 22; and Maestro Schwarz will host on March 11 and May 20. Daron Aric Hagen will join via Zoom on November 12 to discuss the world premiere of his new piece, Consolation. Individual tickets are $135 per lunch and learn or a subscription package is available for $875 for admission to all seven. During these informal and informative sessions, guests will enjoy a three-course gourmet lunch catered by SandyJames Fine Food & Productions and a selection of wines curated by Palm Beach Symphony sponsor Private Cask Imports while deepening their connection with the musicians and performances through a glimpse behind the curtain of how the Symphony prepares for concerts, selects repertoire and more. Attendees will learn about the subject matter and composers that will be performed during the upcoming concert, while enriching their concert experience. Complimentary valet parking is provided. Tickets may be purchased at PalmBeachSymphony.org. 

 

Palm Beach Symphony’s education programs are made possible through support from The Paul and Sandra Goldner Conservatory of Music, Ray K. Farris, James R. Borynack and Adolfo  

Zaralegui / FINDLAY Galleries, Herbert H. and Barbara C. Dow Foundation, Fortin Family Foundation, Paul and Karen Levy, Mr. William Robertson, Edith Hall Friedheim/Eric Friedheim Foundation, PNC Foundation, and The Walter & Adi Blum Foundation, Inc.  

 

Proud sponsors of Palm Beach Symphony include Mrs. James N. Bay*, Stuart and Alixandra Baker / Baker Charitable Foundation, Carol and Harold Baxter, C. Kenneth and Laura Baxter Foundation, Inc., Kathy Lee Bickham and John Bickham, Kathleen Bleznak, Leslie Rogers Blum, Je?rey and Tina Bolton, James R. Borynack and Adolfo Zaralegui / FINDLAY Galleries, Paul Broder and Kimberly Griffiths/Broder Family Foundation, Thomas and Carol Bruce, Cindy and Jerome Canty, Amy and John T. Collins, The Colony Hotel, Suzanne Mott Dansby, The David Minkin Foundation, Susan Hurley Esson, Mary and Will Demory, Herbert H. and Barbara C. Dow Foundation, Willard H. Dow and Kelly Winter, Dr. Richard and Diane Farber, Ray K. Farris, John J. Ford and Teresa Phelan Ford, Bill and Kem Frick/The Frick Foundation, Inc., Edith Hall Friedheim/Eric Friedheim Foundation, Gerry Gibian and Marjorie Yashar, Paul* and Sandra Goldner, Douglas and Jo* Gressette, Irwin* and Janet Gusman, Walter Harper, Thomas E. Harvey & Cathleen P. Black Foundation, Doris Hastings Foundation, Carol S. and Joseph Andrew Hays, John Herrick, Addison Hines Charitable Trust, Lisa and George Hines, Cathy Jacobson, Charles and Ann Johnson/The C and A Johnson Family Foundation, Dr. Gary Johnson, Joseph Kasputys and Vicki Van Mater, Dr. Aban and Dr. Percy Kavasmaneck, Elaine Kay, Leonard and Norma Klor?ne Foundation, The Kovner Foundation, Patricia Lambrecht/The Lambrecht Family Foundation, E.M. Lynn Foundation, Maurice Moradof/Yafa Signed Jewels, The Murray Family Charitable Foundation, Donald C. McGraw Foundation, The McNulty Charitable Foundation, David Moscow, Norman and Susan Oblon, Dr. Alceste T. Pappas and Syl Endich, Park Foundation, Patrick and Milly Park, Nancy and Ellis J. Parker, III, SWP Fund / Susan Priem, PNC Private Bank, Katherine Pinard, Lois Pope, Provident Jewelry, Ari Rifkin/The Len-Ari Foundation, The Boca Raton, Dr. Martha Rodriguez and Dr. Jesus Perez-Mendez, Karen Hunt Rogers, The Honorable Ronald A. Rosenfeld, Nancy and Dr. William Schneider, Seth Sprague Foundation, Robin B. Smith, The Telesco Foundation, Inc., Don and Mary Thompson, Jerome and Carol Trautschold, Travel Leaders Palm Beach, Sieglinde Wikstrom/The Wikstrom Foundation, and The Ann Eden Woodward Foundation/James and Judy Woods, Trustees. 

*Deceased 

 

ABOUT PALM BEACH SYMPHONY 

Palm Beach Symphony is South Florida’s premier orchestra known for its diverse repertoire and commitment to community. Founded in 1974, this 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization adheres to a mission of engaging, educating and entertaining the greater community of the Palm Beaches through live performances of inspiring orchestral music. Under the baton of Music Director Gerard Schwarz, the orchestra is celebrated for delivering spirited performances by first-rate musicians and distinguished guest artists. Palm Beach Symphony was recognized by The Cultural Council for Palm Beach County with a 2020 Muse Award for Outstanding Community Engagement and the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences with a Suncoast Regional Emmy® Award for its production of The Carnival of MORE Animals, which is part of the Dale A. McNulty Children’s Concert Series. Palm Beach Symphony continues to expand its education and community outreach programs with children’s concerts, student coaching sessions, masterclasses, instrument donations and free public concerts that have reached more than 100,000 students in recent years. For more information, visit palmbeachsymphony.org and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

 

ABOUT GERARD SCHWARZ 

The 2026-2027 Masterworks Concert Series marks Maestro Gerard Schwarz’s eighth season as Palm Beach Symphony’s Music Director. He is recognized internationally for his moving performances, innovative programming and a lifelong dedication to music education. He is also the Music Director of the All-Star Orchestra, Eastern Festival of Music and The Frost Symphony Orchestra, Conductor Laureate of the Seattle Symphony Orchestra and Conductor Emeritus of the Mostly Mozart Festival. Maestro Schwarz is the Distinguished Professor of Music, Conducting and Orchestral Studies at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami.  

   

Maestro Schwarz’s discography of over 350 albums showcases his collaborations with the world’s greatest orchestras, including The Philadelphia Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra, Czech Philharmonic, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Orchestre National de France, Tokyo Philharmonic, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, New York Chamber Symphony and Seattle Symphony Orchestra. In the 2023-24 season, Maestro Schwarz recorded Arthur Foote’s long-forgotten cello concerto with his son Julian and the Buffalo Philharmonic. It was released on Delos Records in August 2026.  

   

Maestro Schwarz has commissioned and performed more than 300 world premieres. As Music Director of the Eastern Festival of Music, he initiated the Bonnie McElveen-Hunter Commissioning Project in 2013, celebrating American composers. The project has commissioned works by John Corigliano, Richard Danielpour, André Previn, HyeKyung Lee and Lowell Liebermann, among many others. His commissioning project for the 100th anniversary of the University of Miami and the Frost School of Music has included works by Paul Moravec, Bernard Rands, Augusta Read Thomas, Carlos Rivera, Etienne Charles and Dorothy Hindman. In March 2026, Palm Beach Symphony world premiered Moravec’s Lullaby, commissioned by Ambassador Bonnie McElveen-Hunter.  

   

In more than five decades as a respected classical musician and conductor, Maestro Schwarz has received nine EMMY Awards, 15 GRAMMY® nominations, eight ASCAP Awards, and numerous Stereo Review and Ovation Awards. He holds the Ditson Conductor’s Award from Columbia University and was the first American named Conductor of the Year by Musical America. He has received numerous honorary doctorates, including from his alma mater, The Juilliard School. In 2002, ASCAP honored Maestro Schwarz with its Concert Music Award, and in 2003, the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences gave him its first “IMPACT” lifetime achievement award. Maestro Schwarz’s memoir, Behind the Baton: An American Icon Talks Music, was published by Hal Leonard in 2017. 

 

ABOUT ALBERTO BADE

Alberto Bade has been an assistant conductor at Palm Beach Symphony since the 2024-2025 season. He is a former teaching assistant and assistant conductor for Maestro Gerard Schwarz at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, where he completed his Doctor of Musical Arts degree. He is also the orchestra director and a professor at Miami Dade College — North Campus. A dedicated advocate of music education, Bade is a frequent guest conductor for local and international youth orchestras that include the South Florida Youth Symphony and the Panamanian Youth Philharmonic Orchestra. As an international performer, Bade has performed as guest conductor for orchestras in Panama, Madrid, Berlin, Prague and St. Petersburg, Russia.

 

Born in West New York, New Jersey, Bade developed his interest in music at a very young age. Although primarily captured by the orchestral language, jazz and other styles were equally prevalent during his musical development. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Studio Music and Jazz and a Master of Music degree from the University of Miami before moving to New York to begin post-graduate studies at The Juilliard School under Maestro Vincent La Selva. Later, Bade took various masterclasses throughout Europe under the mentorship of Maestro Jorma Panula. He’s won the Miami-Dade County Public Schools Educational Outreach Award and Miami Dade County Mayor’s Maestro Award for his performances and educational contributions to the City of Miami. Internationally, Bade received the “Homenaje del Ayuntamiento de Leganés” (“Key to the City”) for his musical and educational contributions to the city of Leganés in the Community of Madrid, Spain. Additionally, he’s won 11 EMMY Awards for his televised orchestral performances with Miami Dade College.

*All dates, artists and programs are subject to change