2026-27 Concert Season

Join the Festival Chorus for American Voices, a concert celebrating the 250^th anniversary of the United States. Featuring the words of renowned poets and music of some of the nation’s most beloved composers, this program showcases works that are unmistakably American in sound and spirit. Join us for an afternoon of folk songs, contemporary choral favorites, works from musical theater, and beloved spirituals, as the Festival Chorus journeys through repertoire that reflects the landscape and cultural heritage of our country.

Grammy award-winning violinist Gil Shaham and acclaimed pianist Akira Eguchi bring Beethoven’s iconic Sonatas for Piano and Violin to life in a special concert program that promises an unforgettable evening of profound artistry.  Recognized as one of the foremost violinists of our time, Shaham’s flawless technique combined with his inimitable warmth and generosity of spirit has solidified his renown as an American master. Acclaimed for his extraordinary artistry, maturity and intelligence, Eguchi has captivated audiences and critics throughout the world.

Maestro Robert Moody and the Festival Orchestra present an all-Beethoven program to honor the bicentenary of the legendary composer’s death. The concert opens with the monumental Piano Concerto No. 5 (“Emperor”), performed by internationally celebrated pianist Gile Bae in her American symphonic debut. Next, the Orchestra and Festival Chorus perform the cantata “Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage”, based on poetry by Goethe, and the jubilant “Hallelujah” from Christ on the Mount of Olives. The concert concludes with all forces, including Ms. Bae, combining for the Choral Fantasy, a work of grandeur and virtuosity that foreshadows the iconic “Ode to Joy.”

Experience an unforgettable evening of orchestral brilliance, where shimmering impressionism, cinematic adventure, and virtuosic passion collide. The concert’s first half features the exhilarating magic of John Williams’ “Flight to Neverland” paired with the soaring lyricism of classical-turned-Hollywood composer Erich Korngold’s Violin Concerto.  Timothy Chooi, a winner of some of the world’s most distinguished violin competitions is the guest soloist.  The program culminates with the Festival Orchestra performing the impressionistic beauty of Claude Debussy’s La Mer matched with the hypnotic pulse of Maurice Ravel’s beloved Boléro.

Join us for a thrilling orchestral adventure celebrating mischief, imagination, and musical innovation.  From the playful antics of Richard Strauss’ Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks to the jazz-infused excitement of Gershwin’s An American in Paris, this electrifying program blends classical magnificence with modern creativity.  Additional concert works include Philharmonia Fantastique, a multimedia work by Grammy-winning composer Mason Bates that combines symphonic splendor with stunning animation, as well as moving orchestral renditions of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon and Queen’s iconic Bohemian Rhapsody!

Called “one of the most compelling artists of his generation”, cellist Bryan Cheng joins Maestro Robert Moody and the Festival Orchestra to perform Dvorak’s Cello Concerto.  A definitive work of the cello repertoire, the concerto showcases soaring lyricism and dazzling virtuosity. The concert’s second half features the sweeping drama and exhilarating energy of Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 5, a monumental work filled with bold melodies, rhythmic intensity, and unforgettable grandeur.  Combined, these two masterworks provide a thrilling conclusion to the 2027 Festival Orchestra Week.

Experience the exhilarating fusion of classical mastery and American roots with Lark, Roman & Meyer. This groundbreaking collaboration unites three visionaries—violinist Tessa Lark, cellist Joshua Roman, and bassist Edgar Meyer—touring together for the first time.

The program journeys from the intricate precision of Bach to the soulful energy of American folk, featuring a brand-new work by Meyer composed specifically for this trio. Prepare for “fancy fiddling” and fresh interpretations as these masters bridge genres with virtuosity, wit, and musical boundary-breaking!