The Philadelphia Orchestra has unveiled its 2026-27 season at Marian Anderson Hall, promising an eclectic mix of classical staples, new commissions, and bold collaborations. Under the guidance of Music and Artistic Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin for his 15th consecutive year, the orchestra's lineup is replete with familiar works, contemporary music, and world premieres.
The season kicks off on September 24th with an Opening Night Celebration that sets the tone for a rich year of performances. The program features Beethoven's iconic Ninth Symphony, paired with the US premiere of "Orbis," a new composition by Joe Hisaishi. Vocal soloists Leah Hawkins, J’Nai Bridges, Issachah Savage, and Ryan Speedo Green will join forces with the Philadelphia Symphonic Choir to bring this unique work to life.
As the season progresses, the orchestra presents performances of Orff's "Carmina burana," four symphonies by Gustav Mahler, and a concert presentation of Wagner's opera "Lohengrin." Several world premieres are also on the horizon, including new orchestral works by Reena Esmail and Valerie Coleman's reorchestrated version of Florence Price's "Rainbow Waltz."
Other highlights include the orchestra's first complete performances of Bach's "Christmas Oratorio," a new orchestral arrangement drawn from Leonard Bernstein's "MASS," and the premiere of "The Party," a multidisciplinary work blending live orchestra with stop-motion animation. The season also features guest artists such as Emanuel Ax, Yuja Wang, Daniil Trifonov, Yunchan Lim, and Simon Rattle.
Special event programming includes a 50th anniversary concert screening of "Star Wars: A New Hope," where the orchestra performs John Williams' score live, alongside a live-to-picture presentation of "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban." The season also boasts holiday programs, family-friendly performances, and select one-night spotlight events.
The Philadelphia Orchestra's 2026-27 season promises an engaging year of music and performance, with something for every kind of music lover. With its diverse lineup, world-class guest artists, and innovative collaborations, this season is sure to be a memorable one.
The season kicks off on September 24th with an Opening Night Celebration that sets the tone for a rich year of performances. The program features Beethoven's iconic Ninth Symphony, paired with the US premiere of "Orbis," a new composition by Joe Hisaishi. Vocal soloists Leah Hawkins, J’Nai Bridges, Issachah Savage, and Ryan Speedo Green will join forces with the Philadelphia Symphonic Choir to bring this unique work to life.
As the season progresses, the orchestra presents performances of Orff's "Carmina burana," four symphonies by Gustav Mahler, and a concert presentation of Wagner's opera "Lohengrin." Several world premieres are also on the horizon, including new orchestral works by Reena Esmail and Valerie Coleman's reorchestrated version of Florence Price's "Rainbow Waltz."
Other highlights include the orchestra's first complete performances of Bach's "Christmas Oratorio," a new orchestral arrangement drawn from Leonard Bernstein's "MASS," and the premiere of "The Party," a multidisciplinary work blending live orchestra with stop-motion animation. The season also features guest artists such as Emanuel Ax, Yuja Wang, Daniil Trifonov, Yunchan Lim, and Simon Rattle.
Special event programming includes a 50th anniversary concert screening of "Star Wars: A New Hope," where the orchestra performs John Williams' score live, alongside a live-to-picture presentation of "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban." The season also boasts holiday programs, family-friendly performances, and select one-night spotlight events.
The Philadelphia Orchestra's 2026-27 season promises an engaging year of music and performance, with something for every kind of music lover. With its diverse lineup, world-class guest artists, and innovative collaborations, this season is sure to be a memorable one.
, I'm so excited for the Philly Orchestra's 2026-27 season! I mean, who wouldn't love Beethoven's Ninth Symphony paired with Joe Hisaishi's new composition "Orbis"? 
It sounds like they're really pushing the boundaries of classical music. And, omg, world premieres? Like Reena Esmail and Valerie Coleman's orchestral works? 
Can't wait to see what these new pieces sound like! And, cool that they're doing a 50th anniversary concert screening of "Star Wars: A New Hope" with the live orchestra performing John Williams' score... like, who doesn't love a good space battle? 
. Like they want us to forget about the upcoming season before it even starts? And what's with all these collaborations and world premieres? It's like they're trying to distract us from something... or someone 
. I mean, Yannick Nézet-Séguin has been leading this orchestra for 15 years, what's his real motive? Is he getting too powerful? 
And that Joe Hisaishi guy, is he just a random composer or is there more to it? There's definitely something shady going on here... 
.
and can we talk about the "star wars" screening event? live orchestra playing john williams' score while watching the movie? genius 
gotta get tix ASAP 
! i've been listening to their recordings since like ever and can't wait to see them live with yannick nézet-séguin at the helm 
. that joe hisaishi piece sounds insane btw "Orbis" sounds soooo cool! 
can't wait to hear them on stage, especially with bach's christmas oratorio - been waiting for ages for the philly orchestra to do it 
. Not sure if I'm on board with the John Williams & Star Wars mashup, though... feels like too much nostalgia for me 
. Still can't wait to see Yannick Nézet-Séguin and the gang bring it all together, though!
! Can't wait to see what other cool collaborations they have up their sleeve...
And let's not forget the collaborations... Simon Rattle as a guest artist? 
️ that's some serious talent right there! 
. I love how they're doing a world premiere of his "Orbis" - what do you think it'll be like? 
. I've always wanted to see them play John Williams' scores, but I don't know if they have any shows in my area...