The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra has unveiled an exciting lineup for its 2026-27 season, marking a remarkable milestone as the orchestra celebrates its 110th anniversary.
This season promises an eclectic mix, featuring classical masterpieces, jazz performances, contemporary compositions from renowned artists, and a new series designed to captivate diverse audiences.
Entitled “Illuminated Through Sound,” this season’s theme emphasizes the connection between visual artistry, ambiance, and movement within the concert experience. The programming highlights the orchestra’s versatility and commitment to engaging various types of music enthusiasts.
Audiences can look forward to immersive performances such as Holst’s “The Planets: An HD Odyssey” and Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition,” which blend orchestral music with striking visuals. Additionally, live-to-film presentations like “Psycho” in Concert and “Amadeus” LIVE, featuring the Cathedral Choral Society, will offer unique experiences. Dance admirers will be thrilled by the dynamic and colorful performances of “The Firebird,” “Romeo and Juliet,” and “The Miraculous Mandarin.”
The season kicks off with the BSO’s annual two-day Gala Celebration set for Friday, September 25, at The Music Center at Strathmore, and Saturday, September 26, at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. The event will feature the talented Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist Samara Joy, who will present her innovative interpretations of timeless classics from artists like Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, and Billie Holiday.
Leading the Gala Celebration will be the beloved Jonathon Heyward, the esteemed music director of the BSO. This signature fundraiser draws together leaders from various sectors to support the orchestra’s mission of artistic and educational excellence. Special appearances by students from OrchKids and the Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestras will also highlight the BSO’s ongoing dedication to nurturing future musical talent.
Mark C. Hanson, the president and CEO of the BSO, reflected on this milestone by stating, “As we celebrate 110 years since the founding of this Orchestra, we honor its legacy by continuing to evolve. This season exemplifies our commitment to serving the community through artistic boldness, relevance, and inclusivity for all audience members.”
This year’s programming emphasizes the interplay between history, art, and music. As the classical music world commemorates the 200th anniversary of Ludwig van Beethoven’s passing in 1827, the BSO will present an in-depth exploration of his contributions. Among the highlights will be a Beyond the Score presentation of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, which combines live narration, visual elements, and historical context to enhance understanding of the composer’s world. Pianist Yeol Eum Son will undertake an ambitious performance of all five Beethoven piano concertos within a single week.
Wrapping up the season will be a theatrical production of Verdi’s “Requiem,” bringing intense drama and emotional depth to a sacred narrative. Heyward will direct this piece, drawing from his operatic background. Upon his arrival in Baltimore, Heyward shared with Baltimore Fishbowl his enthusiasm for blending opera with the BSO’s repertoire.
“Although we have a strong opera company in Baltimore, I believe we can further support the art form here. The orchestra possesses a rich sound that beautifully complements operatic works, particularly those of Verdi, which have always inspired me,” he expressed during a 2023 interview.
Though Verdi’s “Requiem” is not categorized as an opera per se, it is certainly a grand orchestral and choral composition, often regarded as one of his most performed pieces. Its dramatic intensity captures the profound anxieties faced in the face of mortality, evoking powerful emotions. A blog from the Houston Symphony described it as “An Opera in Disguise.”
Throughout the season, the BSO will introduce its 2026-27 Composer-in-Residence, Jonathan Leshnoff. His residency will focus on creation, mentorship, and community engagement, featuring several premieres of his work. Symphony No. 6 is an artistic homage to Baltimore, while a new violin concerto has been composed specifically for violinist Gil Shaham. Leshnoff will also engage with students from OrchKids, the Baltimore School for the Arts, and the Peabody Institute, thereby extending his influential presence in the community.
Throughout the season, audiences will hear performances from distinguished guest artists such as globally renowned pianist Jan Lisiecki, violinist Isabelle Faust, and mezzo-soprano Fleur Barron.
Acclaimed Music Director Laureate and OrchKids Founder Marin Alsop will return for two special programs, while guest conductors, including Giancarlo Guerrero and Christopher Dragon, will bring a fresh array of interpretations to the stage.
The season will also showcase works by contemporary composers, featuring a new Symphony No. 15, “Lincoln” from Baltimore’s own Philip Glass, and John Adams’ Pulitzer Prize-winning composition, On the Transmigration of Souls, which will enhance the orchestra’s fall observance of the 25th anniversary of September 11. Additionally, compositions from notable female composers like Anna Clyne, Valerie Coleman, and Salina Fisher will be highlighted throughout the season.
“This season is about illuminating music as a dynamic and vital force,” Heyward shared. “From timeless masterpieces to new compositions inspired by our city, we are inviting audiences to engage in experiences that are rich, meaningful, and deeply human.”
A new feature this season is the Signature Series, which encompasses the BSO’s most visible and impactful performances. Large-scale events such as Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony, a multimedia concert merging her music with visual storytelling, and a tribute to composer Joe Hisaishi, renowned for his work with Studio Ghibli, will be introduced.
Additionally, two new lifestyle series will be launched to cater to modern schedules and the need for flexible programming. The Coffee Series will offer full classical programs on four Friday mornings, providing a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere to start the day. The Symphony at Six Series will debut with four early evening Saturday performances, complete with curated pre-concert gatherings and post-concert discussions led by Music Director Jonathon Heyward, alongside partnerships with local dining establishments for post-show meals.
The BSO is also revitalizing the BSO Collections for the 2026-27 season. The Classical Collection will serve as the backbone of the season, featuring significant symphonic works, acclaimed soloists, and contributions from contemporary composers. The Popular Collection will expand on the film-with-orchestra series and feature notable pops concerts and genre-blending programs, broadening the BSO’s appeal. Meanwhile, the Celebrations Collection will honor cultural and community traditions, presenting events like the Holiday Pops concert with Broadway and television star Megan Hilty, Cirque Nutcracker, and Lunar New Year celebrations. The Sherman Foundation BSO Family Collection aims to enhance accessibility for families and young audiences, featuring a family-friendly presentation of “The Planets: An HD Odyssey,” designed for children aged four and up. Continued offerings like Family Concerts, Music Box performances, and Kids Listen Free pricing reinforce the orchestra’s commitment to reaching out to all community members.
Subscriptions for the upcoming 2026–27 season are now available, while individual tickets will be offered for sale in the summer of 2026. For more information, visit the BSO website or call 410-783-8000.
